Many chassis fabrication technicians learn their trade by working in high end custom automotive specialty shops. There are also college and trade school programs that teach chassis fabrication. The courses in these programs depend on the type of specialty that students are going into. Those going into automotive fabrication often learn to make parts for vehicles through different cutting and welding techniques. Students often work with different materials like resin and fiberglass.
Job Outlook for Chassis Fabrication and Engines
The job outlook for chassis fabrication and engines is positive. However, chassis fabrication is a very specialized part of the automotive repair and customization industry. Therefore, there are fewer jobs. The best jobs in chassis fabrication will be in large metropolitan areas where the population has the money and the time to spend on expensive custom vehicles. The automotive repair field as a whole will see job growth of around five percent between now and 2018,according to the United Sates Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Wages for Chassis Fabrication and Engines
Wages for chassis fabrication technicians are very dependent on location and the type of work being done. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook in 2008, the median hourly wages for general automotive service technicians and mechanics were a little over $20.00 per hour, automobile dealers paying over $19.00 per hour, and automotive repair and maintenance paying a little over $15.00 per hour.
College Programs Available in Chassis Fabrication and Engines
Colleges have created some excellent chassis fabrication programs. These programs include a certification program that takes several months to complete, an associate's degree program (2 years of study), and a bachelor's degree program (4 years of study). Some going into the chassis fabrication field choose to actually obtain their bachelor's of science degree in motorsports chassis fabrication. Most classes in these programs are very hands on and must be attended in person.
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