Where and What Education Will Be Given
The classes for ignition mechanics will be carried on in both schools and shops. The time will probably be divided between theory and shop practice. The proper equipment and practical jobs will be available for teaching the man to do the work.
The course will be from four to six months in length for about seven hours per day for five days in the week. Instruction will include all problems requiring attention of the commercial ignition shop.
After the Training—What?
The demand for the ignition expert is equally as great as for any other automobile specialist. His services are required in garages and service stations, as well as in assembly plants, and in the driving and operation of motor cars and trucks. The hours of employment are the same as in other auto repair shops, usually eight hours per day for union shops, and longer in small unorganized shops and where the mechanic owns his business.
The prevailing wage is 60 cents per hour, although this may vary from 30 cents to 75 cents per hour, depending upon labor conditions and methods of employment. It is probable that ignition experts will be employed only in the larger places, but it is necessary to have expert ignition service in any shop. This is in small shops usually taken care of by the repair-shop mechanic who has a general knowledge of the automobile maintenance and service. Employment for the trained man will be stable. Ordinarily only the better class of mechanics, those with special training are retained during the winter season, when the overhauling of cars is done. The rush season from spring to fall gives employment to a number of “roustabouts” or helpers, but these “floaters” require no special training.
Promotion and success will depend largely upon the ability of the mechanic, but it is possible for him to advance to positions of responsibility, carrying increase of wages. The field is large and skilled mechanics are scarce, thus making it possible for the trained man to find suitable employment and to make changes for promotion.
PLAN No. 1154. STORAGE BATTERY REPAIRMEN
Occupation
The sources of electricity for ignition, starting, lighting, warmers, horn, shifting gears, and application of brakes in some instances are the generators and battery. They must furnish the power. The generator produces electricity only while the engine is running, and the demands on it are comparatively light and simple. The battery must furnish power to crank the engine, to light the car, operate the horn and other electrical devices when the generator is not in motion. It is without doubt one of the most essential and necessary parts of the automobile. To be a thorough master of battery problems a knowledge of both electricity and chemistry is necessary.