Since 1927, Volvo has been synonymous with Swedish automobile manufacturing. Their vehicles are known for their impressive engines, sleek aesthetics and comfortable interiors. Despite being a luxury vehicle, Volvos are also quite affordable too. For these reasons and many more, there are countless people in the United States who couldn’t imagine ever buying another type of vehicle.
However, being a foreign car, they also need specialized technicians to keep their beloved vehicles running smoothly. This is why you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding automotive technician jobs if you receive proper training and are certified in working on Volvos for a dealership.
Becoming Volvo dealership certified
Like many vehicle manufacturers – especially luxury, foreign brands – Volvo appreciates that their success depends on customers being able to find reliable mechanics to work on their cars when something goes wrong. Regular mechanics won’t do the trick, though. Instead, Volvo needs those who specialize in their unique brand.
That’s why they teamed up with Universal Technical Institute. UTI is known as the leading resource for mechanic training here in the United States. Their reputation goes back more than 50 years and includes graduating well over 200,000 mechanics. It’s well known in this industry that a graduate of UTI has a much easier time earning an auto mechanic salary far above what their colleagues earn.
Therefore, it makes sense that Volvo entrusts this respected organization with their dealership certification course. Known as SAFE (Service Automotive Factory Education) training, this is one of the more elite ones you’ll find on the UTI site. Again, this makes sense when you consider how particular Volvo owners can be about the wellbeing of their favorite vehicles.
To be accepted, you’ll need to:
- Complete an application
- Meet certain qualifications
- Attend an interview
In order to make it through the application process – and, specifically, meet the aforementioned qualifications – we recommend you first apply for other technician jobs. You’ll want enough real-world experience to give yourself a better chance of being accepted as plenty of other mechanics will be vying for this opportunity. Obviously, if you gain that experience working on Volvos, it will only improve your chances.
The SAFE course
If you are accepted to this exclusive course, you’ll have 14 weeks of training ahead of you. The training is only available at UTI’s campus in Avondale, Arizona, though, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
During your time there, you will cover the following courses:
- Engines
- Engine Management
- Battery and Charging Systems
- Volvo Automatic Transmissions
- Volvo Climate Control Systems
- Volvo System Tester Diagnostics Guided Diagnosis
- MOST Network Diagnostic’s (Fiber Optic)
- Vehicle Suspension
Best of all, once you complete this course, you’ll be in position to secure auto mechanic jobs focused on this luxury brand and making money usually not seen by those who have been working at a dealership for five years or more.
Of course, there’s also the job security to think about. Volvo continues to grow in popularity. It’s even putting out new models like the XC90, S90 and V90. Combine this success with their enthusiastic market and you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a steady flow of work.
Though the above may seem like an overwhelming amount of schooling – to say nothing of having to travel out of state for a lot of you – keep in mind that Volvo Cars of North America pays for your tuition. In some cases, participating dealers will pitch in as well in accordance with established terms of employment.
The Volvo Master Technician course
Many of you will be perfectly satisfied with completing SAFE and reaping your well-earned benefits. However, for others, you may want to keep working toward becoming a Master Volvo Technician, which would mean even better pay and security. Achieving this level will take many more years, though, and you’ll need experience working on Volvos at an actual dealership, so there should be no rush on your end.
That being said, if you are committed, try finding work at a dealership that already has a Master Volvo Technician you can learn under. They’ll also be able to answer any questions you have and make sure this is something you truly want to commit to doing.
There is no lack of auto mechanic jobs out there for those who are willing to go the extra mile and find an area to specialize in. While there are countless opportunities to do this, focusing on Volvo will put you in a more niche market where owners are willing to spend top dollar on their beloved vehicles. In just 14 weeks, you could be years ahead of your fellow mechanics in terms of pay, security and satisfaction. Begin the application process today and you’ll be that much closer to a better future in the mechanic industry.
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
