Passion drives interest, education drives excellence

Having spent a decade in the automotive aftermarket, Jose Campos III knows the importance of training and the impact it can have on your career. And this priority was one driven home by his parents at a young age, who encouraged him to always continue growing and doing his best. For Campos, an asTech World Class ASE Master Technician, his love of cars is a passion he's already passed on to his young son. And his focus on continued education is one he hopes to impart on the young generation of technicians entering the industry. He talks with us about his training, why he sees it as a necessity and how to work it into your daily life.

Why did you choose the automotive aftermarket industry as your career path?

My passion for cars started very early in life. In high school I started working at an auto parts store. From there I moved on to various jobs at express oil change places. While working at a Toyota express lube, a technician suddenly quit so the service manager came to our side of the shop and asked if any of us were mechanically inclined. I raised my hand, grabbed my 100‐piece tool kit out of the back of my car, and began my professional automotive technician career.

Tell us about the courses you have completed, the certification you hold and your automotive repair specialties.

I currently have 26 ASE certifications and have completed 42 I‐car courses, but I am certainly not done yet. I have a goal of getting all the different I‐Car platinum certifications. I am I‐Car PL1 in Electrical/Diagnostics Technician and Mechanical technician. The I‐Car PL1s should become platinum status soon once I complete a few more virtual classes. Prior to asTech I had 5 certifications in handicap accessible vehicles and equipment. However, those certifications expire immediately once you leave that job position. When it comes to brands, I am the type of technician who is not particularly specialized in just one but can effectively work on them all. My appreciation for all brands was nurtured due to my first car. With regards to automotive fields, I would say I specialize in electronic diagnostics. I love the puzzle like challenge and the satisfaction when you finally overcome it.

Why is continuing education and getting certified is so important to you?

The reason for that is my parents. My father always told me to learn something new every day no matter how big or how small. My mother always told me that no matter what I do be the best at it. She always said, even if you’re in the lowest position at a company, you do it better than anyone else. Their advice strongly motivated me to never stop furthering my education. Because of their words, I always strive to be at the top of my fields.

In today’s continuously changing industry, what do you think it take to become and experienced and successful technician?

There are a few factors that I believe have a large impact on a technician’s career. One is to always keep expanding your knowledge regardless if it’s technical training or informal learning in the shop or at home. Luckily during my automotive career, I was blessed with several great mentors. They expanded my horizon of automotive knowledge and showed me the difference between an Automotive Mechanic and an Automotive Technician. Vehicles are changing at a faster rate due to technological developments and alternative fuel and power sources. Another important factor is attitude. In the decade that I have been in the industry, I have seen many technicians stifle themselves by refusing to repair vehicles that they don’t like or don’t have to confidence to repair. Every challenge must be met head on and as long as the technician keeps their eyes and ears open to new information, they will continue to grow.

How has asTech supported your training and education?

asTech has supported my education in many ways. The first is simply by having such a large pool of talented technicians with varying backgrounds. If you don’t have an answer, it is likely that a fellow coworker does. Another way is that asTech incentivizes technicians to complete ASE certification tests.

Time can always be a constraint. How do you work training into your daily routine?

I currently commute to a neighboring city for my job, which doesn’t allow me to do much during my lunch break. So, I use that time to chisel away at completing courses and certifications. I also study during the weekend when I can as long as my to do list isn’t too long and my little one is taking his nap.

What do you think the future of the automotive industry looks like for technicians who do not stay on top of training and changing vehicle systems?

Unfortunately, it seems pretty bleak. Vehicles are evolving at an exponential rate and that technology is being integrated into even basic repairs. It has come to the point that you must have a good diagnostic scan tool to do anything to a vehicle. Vehicles are changing and advancing and a good technician should do the same.

How do you encourage those around you to prioritize their education?

I always tell fellow technicians that it is incredibly important to stay on top of these ever‐changing vehicles and the only way to do that is to always further their education. I always use my current job position as an example of the added benefits of constantly furthering their education. I am now in a place in my career where I can use and expand my skills instead of exhausting my body to make a living. Training, certifications, and education has made all that possible for me.