When I first started out with PTEN, the extent of my “automotive background” included being able to put gas in my car and change my windshield wipers. And if someone were to have asked me what I thought a scan tool was, I’d have likely responded it was something akin to those barcode readers they use at the grocery store. Inevitably when attending family gatherings or meeting new people, the question of “So how did you end up in that job with no automotive background?” always comes up.
My answer is simple, I wanted a job where I got to tell people’s stories and where I would constantly be learning. I’m sure, like me, those of you who started out on a different career path before deciding to become a technician have been asked a similar question, and based on the answers we receive whenever we ask this, your answer is simple too – you have a curiosity for how things work and a desire to solve the puzzle when they won’t.
All this to say, I don’t think it matters what kind of background you had before entering this industry. You can be successful regardless. However, if you’re looking for a little extra guidance on how to stock your toolbox, or more specifically what digital inspection tools to have on hand, check out this month’s Tool Briefing article. Rick Urso goes over some of his favorite time-saving inspection tools and how he likes to use them.
“If you are just starting out in this business,” Urso says, “it takes time to build this arsenal of tools and learn how to optimize them. Do not get discouraged. Slowly build this arsenal one tool at a time.”
In my experience with starting out in this industry, everyone is happy to share their knowledge to help you continue to learn.
Also featured in this issue are the 2024 PTEN Innovation Award winners. So if you’re looking for something new to add to your toolbox, look no further. The products we’re showcasing were hand-picked by a panel of judges out of over 100 submissions as 25 of the best new products to enter the industry in the past year.
Each product was judged on the following criteria:
- Time savings
- Simplifying a task
- Unique/new approach
- Improving a current tool
- Ease of use
If you’re not sure which products would be the best additions to your toolbox, ask one of the more seasoned techs at your shop. And if you do end up grabbing any of these tools, reach out to us at [email protected] to let us know what you picked!
