Future prospects for "auto technicians": good or bad?

Question

As gas prices and food prices are rocketing higher each week, and no permanent solution has thus far been established (ie. hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen fuel stations??), a majority of people are driving less.

What will the future be like for auto technicians? I'm asking this because my friend has decided to enroll in an auto mechanics program after he finishes high school.

Answer 1

And he's going to learn all about how to fix old gas engines.  

The world is soon going to have way too many mechanics who know how to fix old gas engines, and not nearly enough who know how to fix hybrids, electrics, and other future technologies.  If your friend keeps that in mind, he'll make a mint.

Answer 2

I want to say bad, but at some point it may be more cost effective to retrofit older cars to new technology which will be a huge boon for auto techs, because even if they don't install the new technology they will have to take appart the old.

Answer 3

Auto technicians are like plumbers...everyone always needs one sooner or later.  This is a really good field for job security, especially if he's honest and does good work.  He could even open his own shop someday if he's really good!

Answer 4

Have your friend look into learning to work on cars fueled with natural gas (cng). They already exist, and we need more people with the knowledge to work on them or do conversions from regular gas cars to cng. I own 2 cng vehicles now and love them: a Ford Crown Victoria and a Ford F-150 pickup truck. Natural gas is much cheaper than gasoline and way better for the environment, and there's plenty of it in the USA. People will always want cars, and cars will always need maintenance, so auto techs will always be in demand. Just try to find courses that cater to alternative fuel vehicles if you can, because that will be important. Good luck!

Answer 5

If they are prepared to keep upgrading their skills they should be fairly secure.  Cars are going to have moving parts that will break down for a long time, just diferent ones.  A lot of mechanics will be retiring soon and there will be a shortage.  It's not like most people can live without cars in North America, stuff is too far apart and transit usually sucks.