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SCHOOL INFORMATION New! Electives LOCATION INFORMATION Staff/Instructors
Alumni Site Arizona Private |
Over 19,000 Americans enjoy a rewarding career in the mobile electronics industry. A passion for motor vehicles, state of the art electronic gear, great sound and a creative outlet drives many young enthusiasts to this industry every year. For most, working in customer’s vehicles and installing amazing sound, video and security equipment is a dream come true. This career can result in a job you truly love to go to every day. Listed below is information regarding the career paths you, your son, daughter or loved one can go down upon graduating from Mobile Dynamics. At Mobile Dynamics we strive to teach our students course materials which we deem necessary for employment within our industry. Our school is focused on preparing the individual for sucessfully becoming an apprentice in the field of Car Audio and sucessfully completing the Basic Level National Certification exam. In addition, we have a very high pass rate for both the Basic and Advanced Level Certification Exam offered by the national certification body for Car Audio Technicians, MECP. Please feel free to contact Petra at our admissions department if you have any questions regarding our program, financing or any other question you may have. Thank You. Petra Miller
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| History |
Fast-forward 78 years. What began as an aftermarket add on to your vehicle has grown into an industry that employs 19,000 in the united states1. In 2007 consumers are forecasted to spend 8.5 billion dollars for in vehicle technologies(2). |
| Career Paths |
| Retail Technician |
The largest sector in the industry, the retail sector consists of several thousand retail storefronts that offer the consumer an assortment of electronic upgrades to their vehicles such as audio, video, security and navigation systems and much more. Operations range from small regional stores to large national chains. Retail Sector Positions Technician Positions Nature of the Work Nature of the Work Mobile Electronics installation technicians install and repair various vehicle systems that provide entertainment, security and navigation. The U.S. Department of Labor identifies this occupation as the following: S.O.C. Code 49-2096 Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles. Install, diagnose, or repair Communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles. The typical day of an installer (technician) is spent working on customer’s vehicles. This would include installing audio systems ranging from basic radio (head unit) installation to more complex systems including amplifiers and speakers. Most consumers also purchase a mobile security system to protect their investment. Mobile video and navigation systems are also a part of this industry and involve the installation of video screens and source units such as a DVD player or navigation system. Systems can get quite exotic and include various skill sets to complete. This area of exotic systems is perhaps what draws most to this field of expertise. Large systems allow the technician to flex their creative muscle and complete installation (installs) that dramatically enhance the vehicle sound system and cosmetics. Systems typically include subwoofers, several amplifiers and speakers, and cosmetics that include woodworking, composites (fiberglass), upholstery, painting and many other cosmetic techniques. Working Conditions(1) Motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers normally work indoors in well-ventilated and well-lighted repair shops. Minor cuts and bruises are common, but serious accidents usually are avoided when safety practices are observed. Training, Qualifications, Advancement Knowledge of electronics equipment and electronics is necessary for employment. Many applicants gain knowledge through vocational schools ranging in length from 4 weeks to several months. As the industry matures and vehicles become increasingly more technically challenging, it is logical to assume that the level of training and education required will continue to increase as well. Mobile Dynamics offers students a complete job preparatory program designed to engage the student with both classroom and hands on activities presented over both a 4 week or 8 week program. Graduates are ready to apprentice as mobile electronics installation technician. Technicians should have good eyesight and color perception to work with the intricate components used in electronic equipment. Technicians work closely with customers and should have good communication skills and a neat appearance. Employers also may require that a technician have a driver’s license. Experienced installers with advanced training may become specialists or troubleshooters who help other technicians diagnose difficult problems. Workers with leadership ability may also become supervisors or managers. Some experienced workers open their own businesses or move on to a position with a manufacturer. Certification MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) is the official certifying body for technicians in the United States and Canada. Operating under the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) <www.ce.org.com> umbrella MECP <www.mecp.com> is recognized by both the retail and manufacturing sectors of the industry. MECP offers three major levels of certification for instillation technicians as well as certification specific to sales staff. Mobile Dynamics prepares students for Basic and Advanced certification through MECP. Students participate in MECP certification while in attendance at Mobile Dynamics. Earning This is one of the toughest questions to answer. Industry pay structure varies both geographically and organizationally. Some parts of the United States and Canada pay installers more than other regions. Larger retail stores have a defined payment structure based on certification, education and experience while others do not, and base pay on an individual basis. Some stores pay a commission based on performance while others pay hourly or salary. You can see why these variables can make this a difficult question to answer. As with any other employment, minimum wage is mandatory, however it is rare to see installers with this little pay. In most cases the wage is considerably higher and will include some form of commission. According to the US Department of Labor (Bureau of Statistics) the following was determined in 2004. Median hourly earnings of electronics installers and repairers, motor vehicles were $12.79 in May 2004. The middle 50% earned between $10.27 and $16.55. The lowest 10% earned less than $8.85 and the highest 10% earned more than $27.70. Considering these stats are over 2 years old at the time of the creation of this document we can assume that these figures have increased. Getting Started - Mobile Dynamics offers an excellent opportunity to start a career in mobile electronics. Our 4 and 8-week programs are an excellent start for the enthusiast. On the job training (OJT) is still possible in this industry however; a formal education will ensure that you get started on the right foot. - Get nationally certified through MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) organization. Click on the link for more info on MECP <mecp.com>.
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| Business Ownership |
Owning a business is part of the American dream for many. Business opportunities in the mobile electronics industry are varied in scale and focus. Here are 2 of the mainstream business opportunities available for young entrepreneurs. Small Installation Only Operation Perhaps the easiest business of the group to open this is typically a small one-person operation without a storefront. Start up cost are low with the installer either working out of their home garage, a small commercial space, or by taking the show on the road to customers vehicles at their home or office. This business does not typically offer the customer a full service retail experience with a storefront. However, quite often these young entrepreneurs will develop a word of mouth following that results in a very profitable operation. The cost of doing business is kept low by eliminating the expense of a retail location, stocking inventory, maintaining product displays, administrational staff, utilities, etc. Getting Started - Young entrepreneurs often get their start at Mobile Dynamics. We offer 4 and 8-week programs that provide an excellent start to a successful business. - Get nationally certified through MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) organization. Click on the link for more info on MECP. <mecp.com>. - The success or failure of most businesses is not based on the expertise or lack there of in the field. Most business owners succeed because they are good businesspeople. Although this type of operation is one of the easiest to organize business skills are a must. Although you don’t need to be an expert in marketing, sales, tax laws, insurance, people management, accounting, state and federal laws, banking or inventory control. The successful businessman has limited knowledge of all these critical elements of running his or her business. Whether you take evening classes at your local community collage or go for a full degreed program, the benefits will far outweigh the time invested. - Get some experience. Working for an existing retail operation will give you the experience you need to get started. Retail Store The dream of most successful installers is to one day own their own retail facility (shop). This type of operation offers customers a full retail experience. The most common components to this type of operation are as follows: - A building large enough to house both sales and installation. - The front end of the operation is typically the retail storefront. This area typically at the front of the building contains equipment displays, retail counter space and demo rooms. Sales staff works in this area. - The back end of the operation is a garage space large enough to handle the number of vehicles appropriate for the size of the operation. Installation technicians work in this area. - Secure equipment storage space. - Office space. - Customer and staff restroom areas. - Customer and staff parking.
A retail store offers its customers a wide selection of mobile audio, security, navigation and video equipment from which to choose. Often up to 10 different manufacturers are represented. The ability of this type of operation to both sell and install equipment provides the customer with convenience. Retail stores range in size from small one store (mom and pop) operations to large national chains. No matter the size, the basic business model for each store is relatively the same. Here are some fundamental operating principles: - Marketing-typically this is done through local radio, TV and press. - Product Mix- often several competitors will offer customers the same product mix. Choosing product lines is critical and often involves finding out what the competition has to offer and selecting quality products that are not being represented in the market. - Staffing-no matter the size of the operation, staff will include both sales and installation personnel. Larger operations will often include both a sales and installation manager. Administrational staff may also be part of the mix as the operation gets larger and may include a general manager, parts counter staff, office staff, and even accounting personnel.
This type of operation requires a considerable amount of planning and financial resources. A working knowledge of basic business practices is essential. The would-be owner must have an understanding of many facets of the daily operation of a business. Getting Started - Mobile Dynamics educational programs offer the would be storeowner the confidence of understanding the complex technologies involved in today’s advanced systems. Our 4 and 8-week programs are an excellent start for business owners. - Get nationally certified through MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) organization. Your installation and sales staff should also be encouraged to participate in MECP certification. National certification will ensure customer confidence. Click on the link for more info on MECP. <mecp.com>. - The success or failure of most businesses is not based on the expertise or lack there of in the field. Most business owners succeed because they are good businessmen. Marketing, sales, tax laws, insurance, people management, accounting, state and federal laws, banking and inventory control are all part of the daily concerns of a successful retail store owner. The successful businessman has limited knowledge of all these critical elements of running his or her business. Whether you take evening classes at your local community collage or go for a full degreed program, the benefits will far outweigh the time invested. - Get some experience. Working for an existing retail operation will give you the experience you need to get started. |
| Manufacturer Technician |
Although this sector employees the smallest amount of technicians it can be one of the most rewarding. Often these positions are rewarded to technicians with several years of field experience. Several manufacturer positions are available to qualified technicians with considerable field experience. Among these are both installation related and office positions. In both cases an extensive expertise in mobile electronics is expected. A typical daily routine may include several varied tasks. For example, a technician may be required to construct demo vehicles and offer technical support to dealers on the phone. In addition the technician may be expected to travel to various retail locations to present product-training seminars. Manufacturer Positions Demo Vehicle Technician Technician Positions Nature of the Work Nature of the Work Manufacturer based technician positions are often multifaceted in nature. This type of job often involves both shop or lab activities as well as a dealer support role. The hands on part of the job typically includes working on corporate show or “demo” vehicles. This part of the job is what all technicians dream of. The opportunity to work in a state of the art installation facility with the latest tools and audio equipment is hard for any technician to turn down. This ultimate outlet for the creative side of the technician is further rewarded by the fact that demo vehicles are praised by fellow workers, retail store owners and often attain global exposure through magazines and international trade shows like CES and SEMA. Further lab activities may also include product development. New products are often tested and installed prior to hitting the marked. Technicians have the task of introducing new products to real world scenarios. Often manufacturer technicians work with the latest product months to years before they are released to the public. Most manufacturer technicians are involved with manufacturer-based dealer training. This gives the technician an opportunity to share the skills that have taken years to develop with new technicians. This part of the job can be extremely rewarding. Classes are either held at the manufacturers facility or in the field. Hands on activities at these classes can deal with any number of real world technical challenges. Working Conditions Manufacturer technicians often have the absolute best in working conditions. Air-conditioned shops, state of the art tools, and coworkers that are the cream of the crop are only part of this dream job. Manufactures by nature also offer stronger employee benefit programs and pay structure. The technician must also be prepared to do a considerable amount of travel. While this part of the job is very glamorous it does require a certain amount of sacrifice on the part of the technician. Training or trade show company travel can have an impact on the technicians family life and requires some getting used to. Training, Qualification, Advancement Manufacturers enjoy the benefit of a national network of technicians from which to choose when filling a position. Often the manufacturers sales representative is a key element in this process as he or she has the best vantage point from which to choose a new candidate. Positions are almost always filled with only the best the industry has to offer. Only the best work at the manufacturer level. Applicants typically have several years of field experience along with national certification. In addition, as technicians work closely with dealers, appearance and communication skills are important. For most technicians this is also the first time that office skills become important. Computer skills including typing and an understanding of various software programs are part of the daily routine. Advancement in the corporate world is always challenging and rewarding. For most applicants this is the first time they will be exposed to the corporate environment. The manufacturers technician has a virtually limitless source of opportunities to advance within the corporation. Certification MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) is the official certifying body for technicians in the United States and Canada. Operating under the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) <www.ce.org.com> umbrella MECP <www.mecp.com> is recognized by both the retail and manufacturing sectors of the industry. MECP offers three major levels of certification for installation technicians as well as certification specific to sales staff. Mobile Dynamics offer a 4 and 8-week program that is designed to prepare the student for MECP certification. Most manufacturers require that applicants be MECP certified. Earning Perhaps the best way to describe earning is to make a comparison to working as a retail technician. The retail technicians pay structure is usually based on performance. Technicians coming form the retail sector are used to some form of hourly wage that is augmented by commission based on the volume of work performed. In contrast, the manufacturer technicians pay structure is either hourly or salary based exclusively. New hires for technical positions at the manufacturing level will often make less money initially when compared to their retail job. Applicants should consider this move as a new beginning. The manufacturer will expect the applicant to prove their worth and will be evaluating performance based on criterion that differ dramatically from that of the retail sector. Opportunities for a dramatic increase in pay, benefits, job security, and industry recognition are limitless for those that accel in this environment. This is one of the toughest jobs out there but the rewards are worth the effort. Getting Started - Mobile Dynamics offers the enthusiast with an excellent opportunity to start a career in mobile electronics. Our 4 and 8-week programs are a must for anyone with plans for a sustained career in mobile electronics. Learning on the job (OJT) is still possible in this industry however; a formal education will ensure that you get started on the right foot. - Get nationally certified through MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) organization. Click on the link for more info on MECP. <mecp.com>. - Get a lot of experience under your belt. Become the leader in your shop and prove that you can get the job done. - Become the educator at your shop. Share your expertise with others. Show your manager that you are a leader. - Get as much training as possible. Participate in all manufacturer based training opportunities. - Advance your education. Become proficient in computer skills. Take a business course. Learn industry software. - Be patient, opportunities such as this are rare.
(1) US Department of Labor (Bureau of Statistics) |