FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Answers to Your Technician Career Questions

GM Certified Master Technician Inspecting a Vehicle

Q & A

What’s the difference between GM ASEP and a 4-Year College Degree?

CAREER DEMAND

Automotive technicians are in high demand. Mastering an imperative skill like technician work can help make you a valuable commodity in the job market. GM ASEP provides a different kind of program than a traditional 4-year college to help streamline your path to a bright future.

ACCESSIBILITY & AFFORDABILITY

With GM ASEP, you can earn your degree in as little as 2 years. And while an education at a 4-year college costs more than $100,000 on average, GM ASEP tuition typically costs between $9,000 and $16,000 — for a more manageable investment in your future.

CAREER SUPPORT & OPPORTUNITIES

Unlike a traditional college experience, where getting job experience and finding career opportunities are essentially left up to you, GM ASEP aims to guide you every step of the way, offering paid internships as a built-in part of its programs and providing you with connections to a network of experienced industry professionals in your field.
View PDF

What’s a career as an automotive technician like?

With advancements in engineering and new vehicle technology, a career as an automotive technician is constantly evolving, creating a variety of daily work and opportunities for growth. 

What is different about being a technician today versus 30 years ago?

Today, GM-certified technicians are part of an innovative movement that is looking toward the future by understanding and diagnosing advanced technology in infotainment systems, electric vehicles, hybrids, and autonomous vehicles.

I’m in high school, how do I become an automotive technician?

Attending the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) school is a great way to enter the field. Upon completion of the program, you will earn an associate degree in automotive technology and gain valuable hands-on experience at a sponsoring dealer.

What does GM ASEP stand for?

General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program

How many GM ASEP schools are there?

There are currently more than 50 GM ASEP schools across the country.

Where can I find a GM ASEP school?

Visit gmasep.org/school-locator/ to find the closest GM ASEP school near you.

How long does it take to complete the GM ASEP program?

With hands-on access to the latest GM vehicle technology, GM ASEP streamlines the path to becoming a highly trained automotive technician in as little as 2 years.

What is the GM ASEP curriculum like?

The GM ASEP program delivers advanced and customized automotive service training focused on engineering, technical training, problem-solving, digital prowess, and critical thinking. With the aid of an internship, you can benefit from working side by side with experienced technicians.

How much does it cost to attend a GM ASEP school?

Each GM ASEP school sets their own tuition, so it can vary, but most cost a total of $9,000 and $16,000 for the entire program.

Where can I get more information on the GM ASEP program?

Visit gmasep.org.

What are examples of the annual incomes earned by technicians and potential timing for career advancement?

Just as everyone’s career journey is different, each GM dealership sets its own compensation and provides its own opportunities for advancement. Based on an industry-wide survey conducted by Go Project Shift, automotive technician compensation and career pathing generally falls in the following ranges:

• Apprentice: $28,000–$35,000 — earn competitive compensation from the start
• Main line technician: $40,000–$70,000 — become a main line technician in as little as 2 years
• Master technician: $54,000–$84,000 — become a master technician in 2 to 5 years
• Shop foreman: $73,000–$111,000 — manage the shop within your career

Source: goprojectshift.com

*Annual income ranges and timing for advancement are industry-wide OEM dealership statistics as reported through Go Project Shift research. Source: goprojectshift.com.

Do GM dealerships offer employee benefits?

GM dealerships are independently owned and operated businesses, so benefits vary by dealership. Examples of employee benefits offered by many GM dealerships include:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Health savings plan
• Life insurance
• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) with dealership contribution
• Company-wide wellness programs
• Discounted vehicle purchases
• Clean and professional work environment
• Relocation assistance

What if I am already a technician?

If you are already a technician, we recommend you find a GM Dealer in your area for additional information/certifications.

How can I locate a GM Dealership?

Select the brand of your choice at the bottom of bringusyourtalent.com and utilizing the dealer locator tool.

How many GM dealers are there?

There are currently more than 4,000 GM Dealers nationwide.

Find Career Opportunities

If you’re a trained technician or looking for a new opportunity, call your local GM Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Dealership to learn more about open positions. Use the tool below to locate a dealer near you. Most dealers will have a Technician Career page under “About Us”.