These Wheels Keep Moving

Change is the gear that moves the automotive and transportation business. Environmental concerns, gas mileage, safety regulations, vehicle composition - all contribute to an industry in flux.

According to John Arnold, owner of Arnold's Body Shop in Davenport and Bettendorf, suspension, brake and safety systems; theft deterrents; electronics; and other components are evolving all the time.

"The types of materials cars are built with has changed significantly, from steel to plastics," he said, adding that automotive makers experience constant battles between designers who want to supply creature comforts and engineers who want better gas mileage.

Luxuries add weight, Arnold explained, but cars need to lighten up in order to save gas. Either way, when Arnold's technicians repair a damaged car, they need to know about both sides of the argument.

"I like what I see," said Dennis Puck, owner of B & D Automotive Repair in Walcott. Puck is referring to the new computerized systems such as the GPS. "I don't always like what we have to do, but it's phenomenal what's out there now. To be the owner of one of these new cars must be great."

As far as getting under the hood and behind the dash is concerned, Puck said diagnostics is the key to success.

"The repair might be small, but technicians have to be able to use scanners and diagnostic equipment. They have to be able to read well."

To help make sure future technicians have the skills they need, Puck has been involved for years as an advisory committee member for Scott Community College''s Auto Technology program. In fact, more than 30 years ago he helped found the program.

Arnold, too, has kept watch over SCC's curricula. He believes the auto collision industry wouldn't survive without community college training programs. After students complete the auto technology program at SCC, he said, "hands down, there is no question that they're qualified."

Arnold and Puck both stated there's more training to be earned after graduation from either program, but that's because of changes and complexities of technology. Entry-level employees work their way up to the point that one day, a qualified, talented journeyman may earn as much as $90,000 a year, according to Arnold.

One problem right now for the auto collision repair industry is the lack of qualified technicians. This lack of qualified applicants is evident in the other transportation technology programs as well. See the box below for placement numbers, and call or email for more information about a dynamic career that needs trained people!

To learn more about Transportation careers online or call 1-888-336-3907.