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10. TECHNICIAN WORK SITES Service technician work takes place in a variety of work sites: New Vehicle Dealerships Most dealerships handle one or more brands of vehicle, and technicians employed at dealerships must meet minimum training standards. Training is usually provided at no cost to the technician at regional training centers. The dealer usually pays the service technician for the training time, as well as transportation, meals, and lodging. Continued

11. Figure 2–1 A service technician working on the brakes of a vehicle in a new-vehicle dealership service department. ( Courtesy of Ogle. Tucker Buick )

12. Figure 2–2 A typical independent service facility. Independent garages often work on a variety of vehicles and perform many different types of vehicle repairs and service. Some independent garages specialize in just one or two areas of service work or in just one or two makes of vehicles. Independent Service Facilities These small-to medium-size facilities usually work on a variety of vehicles. Technicians usually have to depend on aftermarket manufacturers’ seminars or local vocational school/college to keep up-to-date.

15. TECHNICIAN JOB CLASSIFICATIONS There are many positions and jobs in the vehicle service industry. In smaller service facilities (shops), the duties of many positions may be combined in one job. A large city dealership may have all of the following vehicle service positions. A technician is often referred to as a tech . Continued

23. The work order is a legal document that includes the description of the vehicle and the work requested by the customer. The customer then signs the work order authorizing that the stated work be performed. If there are additional faults found then the shop must notify the customer and get permission to change the amount or extent of the work originally authorized. As work is performed on the vehicle, the parts used and the labor operation performed are added. This creates a complete file on the repair. This means that the vehicle has to be properly identified by including the vehicle identification number ( VIN ) on the work order. There is only one vehicle with that VIN, yet there may be many “white Chevrolet pickup trucks.” The work order is the paper trail that shows all operations, labor times, and parts used when the vehicle was in control of the shop. A work order is often required even when the technician is working on his or her own vehicle. Why Is the Work Order Important?

35. TECHNICIAN JOB CLASSIFICATIONS Shop Foreman A shop foreman (usually employed in larger dealerships and vehicle repair facilities) is an experienced tech , usually paid a salary (per week, month, or year). He or she is a knowledgeable, experienced tech who keeps up-to-date with the latest vehicle systems, tools, and equipment. Continued ( cont. )

39. Figure 2–4 Typical Work Order. (Courtesy of Reynolds and Reynolds Company)

41. As part of the work order writing process, the service advisor should look over the vehicle and make a written note of any body damage that may already exist. If any damage is noted it should be mentioned to the customer and noted on the work order. Often the customer is not aware of any damage, especially on the passenger side and thus would blame the shop for the damage after the service work was performed. Check the Vehicle Before Work is Started

42. TECHNICIAN JOB CLASSIFICATIONS Service Manager The service manager rarely works on a vehicle , but instead organizes and keeps the facility operating smoothly. A service manager can be a former service tech. Many larger dealerships, employ a business major graduate, with organization and record keeping skills. The service manager typically handles all paperwork associated with operating a service department. NOTE: In a small shop, the shop owner usually performs all of the duties of a shop foreman and service manager, as well as the lead technician in many cases. Continued ( cont. )

47. SALES JOBS–USED VEHICLES; NEW VEHICLES Sales Person When a vehicle is sold, it generates a potential cus-tomer for the service department. New and many used vehicle sales dealerships employ salespeople to help the customer select and purchase a vehicle. The salesperson should have excellent interpersonal skills, as well as be familiar with the local and regional laws and taxes to be able to complete all of the paperwork associated with the sale of a vehicle . Continued

53. While at first it may seem like owning your own shop would be great, a good technician can often make more money, and have fewer headaches, by simply working for someone else. What Is an Entrepreneur? ( cont. )

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