- Farmington, New Mexico’s San Juan College
- Washington’s Spokane Community College
- Coconut Creek, Florida’s Atlantic Technical Center
- a college in Cypress, California
- Ogden, Utah’s Weber State University
- Ashland, Massachusetts’ Massachusetts Bay Community College
In This Article...
Toyota Mechanic Training Curriculum
The Toyota Motors-approved classroom curriculum combines in-class learning with practical work on the company’s most recent vehicles and goods. Additionally, students acquire real-world experience working as an intern line mechanic at Toyota Motors dealerships that sponsor them. Students receive thorough instruction on all Toyota vehicle systems and parts. The T-TEN program graduates are qualified for employment at Toyota, Lexus, or Scion dealerships. Students have the following alternatives for training:
- a two-year associate’s degree that includes general education and automotive technology courses
- a two-year certificate program focusing on courses and abilities in automobile technology
- offering the most fundamental automotive technology courses required for entry-level work in a one-year certificate
- For seasoned mechanics who want to work in a Toyota or Lexus dealership, a professional certificate is available.
Is mechanic a decent profession?
A wonderful job choice for someone who loves working with their hands, is passionate about vehicles, and wants to start making money right away is becoming an automotive technician. In terms of salary, becoming a mechanic is also rewarding because technicians can make more than $65,000 a year.
With schooling, auto technicians can make more (see below). You’ll stand a higher chance of earning more than the typical technician with a high school diploma if you take advantage of the practical training, equipment, and resources offered by the New England Institute of Technology.
In 2019, there were 276 million registered motor cars in the United States. From 2018 to 2019, there were 3 million more new cars sold in the United States. Because there are so many cars in the United States, people will inevitably experience technical problems with their cars and need servicing to keep them on the road.
Automobiles will be inspected, fixed, and maintained by an automotive technician. You might also need to educate your clients on mechanical concerns, recommend components and replacements, and attempt to create strong bonds with them. To succeed in the field as a professional, you must possess the ideal blend of technical and communication skills.
How can I begin my career as a mechanic?
To compete in the automobile industry, you will need formal education and in-depth training if you are serious about becoming a technician. An summary of the process is given by these actions.
Career mechanics work in physically taxing environments. Additionally, they need to set aside time for growth and ongoing technological education. Here are a few strategies to make sure you’re prepared before committing to the profession:
- Read more: Read well-known consumer automobile magazines like Car and Driver as well as technical journals like Auto Service Professional. Find car service manuals and go over them completely. See if you are interested in the technical aspects and if you can recall the details.
- Practice: You’ve got a head start if you spent your childhood servicing cars. Alternatively, if you have a car, practice on it.
- To assist, inquire whether the repair companies in your area will let you perform some work without training or certification. Vacuuming, cleaning, and washing automobiles could be your first detailing job. You will have the opportunity to observe the working atmosphere and ask the professionals questions.
Employers typically prefer candidates with a high school diploma or its equivalent. This certification demonstrates to them that you possess the fundamental skills in math, science, and reasoning required for the position. You can pass the GED exams in a few months for between $80 and $140 in most states.
When it comes to picking an educational program, you have options. These are a few:
These institutions grant diplomas and certificates. Some trade schools collaborate with high schools so you can receive your high school diploma while preparing for your career.
Automotive technology certificate programs and two-year associate degrees are widely offered by community institutions. Some universities provide four-year bachelor’s degrees in auto service management.
Military mechanics train on a variety of engines and components. You won’t graduate from your program with a degree, but you will have excellent experience. By completing additional classes, you can obtain a degree, and G.I. bill-approved colleges will pay for your tuition.
These independent schools provide the training future mechanics require to enter the workforce after graduation. In practical sessions, you’ll expand your knowledge, and when the program is over, you’ll receive a certificate or diploma.
Automotive technicians can demonstrate their knowledge of numerous disciplines by passing tests that are created by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). There are eight tests in the ASE entry-level certification program. It includes:
- engine service
- Brakes
- electrical apparatus
- Suspension
- Steering
The entry-level test can be taken without prior experience. So, anytime you feel ready, take the test during or after your educational program. On the ASE website, you can also practice taking exams and follow preparation checklists.
Not all mechanics complete their apprenticeships, however some do. You will probably be required to spend a semester doing fieldwork or an internship as part of an associate degree program.
Let’s say a large auto dealership recruits you as a trainee mechanic. If so, it can take you eight weeks or longer to achieve the title of automotive mechanic as an apprentice.
A third of auto mechanics, according to the BLS, are employed by dealerships. Another third is employed by repair facilities.
In either setting, you’ll begin tackling less diagnostic and more foreseeable tasks like oil and lube changes and supporting licensed professionals. Before you may sit for the ASE certification exam, you must have one to two years of job experience.
After two years of combined experience and education, you are eligible to sit for the ASE test series to become a certified professional technician. (That is, you have a choice between working for two years or earning a degree and training in one year.) You can work as an automobile mechanic if you have the needed experience and knowledge, according to the ASE designation.
Particularly when it comes to autos, technology advances swiftly. You must stay current with advancements if you want to work as an automotive technician. Attend training sessions and conferences, join committees, and take part in business networking events to keep learning throughout your career.
What is the salary of a Toyota mechanic in California?
How much money does a Toyota technician in California make? California has an average Toyota Technician salary of $34,954, which is 24% less than the national average.
What does t10 indicate?
Depending on the institution you choose and which best suits your lifestyle and financial situation, you may choose to live on or off campus. To learn more about the housing choices available, speak with the TTEN coordinator at the school or schools you are interested in attending.
A paid internship at a Lexus or Toyota dealership may be a part of all TTEN programs, giving you the chance to put what you have learned in your training program into practice. For further information, get in touch with the TTEN coordinator at the program you’re considering.
In addition to sales and service, Toyota leads the world in terms of cutting-edge, innovative technologies. You will be immersed in complex automotive technology and use the most cutting-edge diagnostic and repair tools available when you train on Toyota and Lexus automobiles.
There are several distinct programs, degrees, and certificate choices for TTEN Technician Training. The usual program lasts about two years and can result in certificates for Toyota and Lexus technician training, ASE certifications, and associate degrees.
The United States has 38 schools that provide TTEN training programs and graduate certification.
A two-year certificate is normally what you get when you complete a Toyota TTEN program that has been accredited and certified. But numerous institutions provide the following:
- Combining instruction in auto technology with general education classes to obtain an A.S. degree takes two years.
- Focusing on automotive technical abilities throughout the course of two years without the need for general education courses
- Professional Certificate: for those wishing to shift to a Toyota or Lexus dealership and have vehicle repair experience or training.
TTEN technicians often start with a salary of more than $30,000. Achieving Master rank allows Toyota or Lexus technicians to earn up to $85,000 per year in some areas, and some even make more than $100,000.
By school, in-state residency status, and financial aid, the cost of a Toyota TTEN program varies. A Toyota or Lexus dealer might sponsor you, and you might work there as part of your on-the-job training.
TTEN offers practical, hands-on training for Toyota & Lexus certified technicians. Each TTEN school receives roughly 2025 Toyota and Lexus vehicles from Toyota for students to work on. As a result, you’ll be prepared for both the internship component of your training and your full-time job at a Toyota or Lexus dealership.
The TTEN schools have different class schedules. Visit each school’s website or get in touch with the TTEN coordinator to learn more about each one, the programs they offer, and when classes can start to get started on the enrolling process.
Although every school is unique, you can usually get financing for both your tuition and supplies. Additionally, your out-of-pocket expenses may be significantly decreased if you are eligible for financial help or have a sponsoring dealer.
The majority of TTEN alumni move on to full-time positions in Toyota or Lexus Dealerships because the TTEN program requires you to complete an internship in one before you can graduate. Additionally, a dealership offers corporate roles and other chances for career advancement.
Over 1.4 million people were employed by the auto sector in 2014, which has historically been crucial to the growth and vibrancy of the American economy.
With the sale of new Toyota and Lexus automobiles, Toyota and Lexus dealerships currently anticipate needing more than 1,000 new technicians annually*. For TTEN graduates, all of this results in expanding job prospects. Additionally, unlike many other industries, it’s unlikely that positions for service technicians will be outsourced to another nation.
Yes, there are plenty available TTEN programs. Visit the profile of the TTEN school that interests you to learn more about it, the programs it offers, and to help you decide which program is ideal for you. You may also acquire more information by contacting the TTEN coordinator at the school.
Can I get a Toyota or Lexus dealership to sponsor me and pay for my books, housing, tuition, and other expenses?
Yes. All TTEN students are eligible to take part in paid internships. Some dealers even have initiatives to provide financial aid to TTEN interns for things like tools and tuition. The program coordinator at your TTEN school can help your internship dealer and you navigate this process.
You can read more about the prerequisites for TTEN schools on the websites of the institutions you’re interested in. The coordinator of the school’s TTEN program is another option. You might need to give, finish, or be prepared with the following:
- a request for admission to TTEN
- your certified high school records
- any requests for financial assistance (like FAFSA, if applicable).
Throughout your enrollment, you will get guidance and support from the school’s TTEN program coordinator.
Technician Training & Education Network is known as TTEN. The TTEN program, a collaboration between community colleges, technical institutes, and Toyota and Lexus dealerships, offers cutting-edge, practical training in automotive diagnostic and repair with a focus on the abilities required to succeed in the sector. The TTEN training course supports our continued dedication to giving every Toyota and Lexus owner the best possible experience.
Training for TTEN technicians is offered with a variety of programs, degrees, and certificate options. Two years is the usual duration of the course.
Toyota Professional Automotive Program is known as TPAT. The TPAT program, a collaboration between Universal Technical Institute and Toyota and Lexus dealerships, offers cutting-edge, practical training in automotive diagnostic and repair with a focus on the abilities required to succeed in the sector.
You must have completed high school or have your GED in order to be eligible for the program. Additionally, you must complete one of the UTI programs listed below:
Are mechanics well off?
For three years, Kevin has been a mechanic for both Honda and its high-end rival, Acura. He has visited dealerships in Oregon and California as a result of his job. However, Kevin’s career has been difficult in both states because of the convoluted mechanics’ compensation system.
With a median yearly pay of $36,600, mechanics often have a respectable standard of living. But the majority are compensated in accordance with a “they only receive payment when there is actual work to be done under a flat-rate system. No of how long a task actually takes to complete, it only pays a predetermined number of hours. This can lead to situations where a mechanic works for 10 hours at his shop but only completes two hours’ worth of billable labor; as a result, he is only paid for those two hours. California is one state where the difference is meant to be covered by “Unapplied time: Compensation for all hours worked, whether or not a mechanic is repairing cars. However, the majority of states lack that level of security.
The flat-rate shop Kevin worked for in Oregon gave him and his coworkers a share of the day’s earnings based on the number of hours they put in and their official rate. On paper, he was paid $10 an hour, but he estimates that he made between “between $4 and $15 per hour during the Thanksgiving season.
He currently works in California, where the regulations are a little stricter. Regardless of the workload, he is paid $12 per hour for every hour he works. But he still has difficulties. Contrary to most states, California grants double minimum wage, or $9 per hour, to anyone who furnishes their own tools for labor. Since the majority of mechanics do supply their own tools, they should be paid at least $18 per hour. Kevin uses his own tools, but even so “My supervisor is abusing the system by “supplying me with tools,” but the tools are insufficient for the job, he claimed. He places the value of his equipment between $16,000 and $20,000.
Jesse works as a mechanic for a Toyota dealership in California. He has been employed in the field for five years and counts himself among the fortunate. Jesse’s shop was sued for unpaid pay a few years before he was employed, therefore he receives the $18 minimum wage for any time spent at the shop, which increases to $20 an hour when he has billable hours to work on, assuming that he uses his own tools.
However, Jesse’s shop has another rule that could have a significant impact on his wages later in his career. No matter how many additional qualifications they have, mechanics at the shop can only make a maximum of $24.50 per hour. Additionally, mechanics usually possess a wide range of qualifications, which they frequently have to pay for out of pocket. “Jesse said, “I’m a smog tech, so I get paid more for that. I have the majority of my ASEs completed. I’m a Toyota Advanced Tech from the manufacturer. But despite having all of these certifications, he only receives the minimum wage.
In order to advance in the field, Kevin has also pursued additional education, although doing so comes with debt. He is having trouble repaying his $15,000 in outstanding college debts. It will be challenging to save for retirement because of the loans. “I’ve chosen not to participate in retirement since I don’t earn enough to contribute to it, he stated. But he hopes to begin saving for retirement within the next 12 months.
In this line of work, retirement is a crucial topic because the physical demands of the job force many people to leave their jobs prematurely. 96 percent of mechanics are under 65, thus by that age, the majority have either changed occupations or retired. Once they experience too many aches and pains to continue working, many people are able to find other jobs in the industry, such as teaching, working as service writers who assist in facilitating communication between customers and mechanics, or as parts employees who order and sell parts for customers and the shop. Some people also choose to reduce their hours to part time. Some people continue to try to work on cars at home for money after they formally retire.
There are more ways for mechanics to experience financial instability. Kevin has witnessed some people becoming “depart from a store. Because each job has a set salary, the owners might assign one employee to do all the low-paying tasks, making it challenging to support oneself. In other cases, “At lunchtime, they are informed there is no work and sent home.
Another typical way mechanics are underpaid is when service writers give clients discounts. “I’ve found that individuals like to haggle, which is understandable given that the prices they demand of customers are excessive, Kevin added. However, the mechanic is frequently punished when customers enter the business and complain about the price. By offering a labor cost discount, a mechanic can fix something that should take more time in a shorter amount of time. “According to him, they pay the person doing the repair less since they don’t bill as many hours and would lose money if they paid the guy fixing it full-time.
Additionally, shops can offer a customer a discount by delegating the work to a mechanic who is less qualified and paid less, taking it away from the person who may have initially identified the issue. Service writers are compensated based on client satisfaction, thus they are encouraged to maintain the highest level of client satisfaction, even at the expense of the other staff members.
Robert resides in California as well. He has worked on GMC, Honda, and Infiniti during his thirty years as a technician. In addition to being shop foreman, he is a licensed smog instructor for the state. Robert has struggled greatly during his career due to a lack of growth opportunities. “He added, “Let’s just suppose that someone has to die for you to move up.
The earnings are lowered by this lack of advancement chances. “Despite rising wages and a doubling of the shop’s labor rate since 1999, my annual gross income has consistently decreased or remained the same, he claimed. The labor rate at his shop has increased from $74 in 1997 to $130 per hour, but pay haven’t kept up with inflation. Thanks to that increased rate and an increase in unpaid duties for his position as foreman, his income has been reduced by fewer tasks.
Because it might be difficult for mechanics to make enough money from their jobs to support themselves, they frequently look for outside employment. Both Kevin and Jesse work odd jobs to supplement their earnings. They might assist friends or acquire cars that require maintenance, fix them up, and then sell them again for a profit. Without this informal work stream, paying the bills would be considerably more difficult, but the working day would also be much longer.
Robert offers side labor as one of the finest methods to make up for missing pay, just like Kevin and Jesse have. “He claimed that taking on side employment is the simplest method to make up for a wage shortfall. “I personally don’t like this option because it requires more time away from your family, but sometimes you have to take the necessary steps to achieve your goals.