Beyond the repair bay: Careers in the automotive industry
When people think about careers in the automotive industry, they may picture technicians diagnosing and repairing vehicles. But automotive repair is just part of a much larger ecosystem—one that includes vehicle design and innovation, transportation infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and consumer protection.
Within that larger ecosystem, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) oversees California’s automotive repair industry, supporting both consumers and repair businesses. The work draws on a broad range of expertise. Some BAR employees bring years of automotive repair experience, while others bring skills developed entirely outside of the auto industry.
A range of experience
Air quality engineers Mohammed K. and Beatriz O. both have educational backgrounds in mechanical engineering but took different routes to their current work. Mohammed grew up around automotive repair and has maintained a lifelong interest in cars, while Beatriz developed her engineering and data analysis skills through work in other industries. Today, they work in the same division, applying those different experiences to equipment and technology used in the Smog Check Program.
"I've always loved cars and loved working on them as a hobby, but I never saw myself pursuing a technician career," Mohammed said. "I became an engineer, and now I work on equipment used by thousands of Smog Check stations.”
Skills that translate
Garrett G. helps connect consumers with BAR programs and services, drawing on his background in communications. "You don't have to be a car person to find a place in this industry," Garrett noted.
Rebecca G. also brings experience from outside the automotive industry. She applies leadership experience gained in the private sector to licensing modernization, including the ongoing transition from paper-based processes to online licensing services.
Different experience, shared work
In the Consumer Assistance Program, Carole B. brings strong communication skills and years of experience working with people to help consumers understand and apply for available assistance options. Jose R. brings a different kind of experience, having spent years as a licensed Smog Check repair technician. He now provides technical and regulatory guidance to CAP repair stations. "My automotive repair experience gives me a technical perspective that I can apply to my work with the Consumer Assistance Program," Jose said.
Automotive experience, applied differently
Field operations is one area of BAR where prior automotive industry experience is essential to the work. Field staff work with consumers and repair businesses, providing education, addressing complaints, conducting investigations, and helping ensure compliance. Daniel I. spent years in collision repair before bringing that experience to BAR. He now applies his understanding of repair practices and customer service to his supervisory role in field operations.
Ken H. followed a similar path, also bringing experience as a technician and repair business owner to a supervisory role in field operations. His automotive background is complemented by communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills developed through military service.
Khos M. brings broad industry experience that includes automotive dismantling, repair, and operating his own STAR station to the Enforcement Operations Branch. His work includes supporting the STAR program and citation review conferences. "I apply my automotive experience in a different way now, but the problem-solving is similar to diagnosing and repairing vehicles," Khos noted.
Many paths, one industry
These BAR staff represent just a few of the many roles that support California’s automotive repair industry. Their varied backgrounds and experiences offer a glimpse into the breadth of the automotive workforce and the many paths that can lead to a career in the industry.
“The automotive industry depends on many different kinds of expertise,” Bureau Chief Pat Dorais said. “Across BAR, employees bring a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to their work supporting consumers and California’s automotive repair industry.”
Automotive career resources
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in the automotive repair industry are encouraged to visit BAR’s website for information on licensure, training requirements, and scholarships.
See career opportunities to learn more about employment at BAR.