The benefits of an automotive education
Most professional careers today require some form of post-secondary education, and the retail automobile industry is no exception.
For those who are serious about pursuing a career in the auto industry, the good news is that plenty of post-secondary school options are available to you. The Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College, Centennial College and Durham College are among the schools that offer automotive programs and courses in preparing students for a long, fulfilling career.
The benefits of an automotive education can’t be overstated. Job security, higher pay, continuing education, networking and opportunity for growth are some of the benefits that an automotive education can bestow upon graduates.
Let’s look at these benefits more closely:
Job security
Whether you aim to become a certified automotive technician, a sales manager or an Internet marketing expert, dealerships across Canada are in need of people with specific skills. In rural areas, especially, the demand for skilled workers is even more pronounced.
In the years ahead, the demand for skilled workers will become even more acute, as baby boomers continue to retire. If it’s job security you’re after, the retail automobile industry is filled with employment opportunities in urban and rural areas.
Continuing education
Think your schooling days are over once you graduate from a post-secondary school?
Think again. Whatever your profession, the key to personal empowerment and career advancement in today’s workplace is continuous learning and education.
All major automakers offer training and educational opportunities where participation isn’t only encouraged, but mandated. Gone are the days when an individual could sail through an entire career utilizing a single skill set. Today, new technologies, processes and regulations are happening at lightning speed, and workers are required to upgrade their skills continuously.
Networking
Some of the best friends and contacts that you will ever meet will occur at school. Special bonds and memories are created in the classroom (and after class), which will provide enormous benefits to students for years after they have graduated.
Working with fellow students on class assignments also teaches students how to share, collaborate and work as a team. In a dealership environment, success is all about teamwork. Different departments need to work together and school is an ideal place to learn those essential teamwork skills. For instance, at the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College, each year, more than 150 student volunteers serve as brand ambassadors at the Georgian College Auto Show. This auto show experience gives participating students the chance to apply their skills and network with auto industry representatives.
Good pay
Whatever aspect of a dealership someone is interested in - technical, collision repairs, parts and service, marketing, IT services, administration, human resources or accounting - there are wellpaying positions available in all of those disciplines, and the opportunities for advancement are great.
In most instances, the harder a person works and commits him/ herself to the job, the more opportunities they will have to earn a higher income. Opportunity for growth Many dealer principals and managers in the car industry had humble beginnings, and through hard work and dedication, worked their way up and achieved tremendous success. That type of career trajectory is possible for anyone who is willing to work hard and is dedicated.
Plus, if you have an entrepreneurial mindset, you are an ideal candidate to work in a dealership setting. Entrepreneurs are nonlinear thinkers, and dealers are always looking for individuals who can analyze and solve problems differently.
Earning a college degree or diploma in an automotive field is a great investment in time and effort and, after you graduate, you will possess a wealth of knowledge and hands-on skills that can help provide you with gainful employment for decades.
For information about automotive education and industry trends, visit carsandjobs.com.