Baltimore Automotive Technician Has To Stay Current With Changing Technology
Isaac Rodriguez, an automotive technician at Koons Volvo in Owings Mills, knows how to keep pace with ever-changing technological developments in the automotive industry. With 16 years of professional experience as a technician, Rodriguez has seen many advancements in vehicle technology and overall operations during his career, and with every change comes the need for continued learning and education.
Rodriguez graduated from Universal Technical Institute with a double Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive and Diesel Technology as well as industrial. He also completed the Volvo SAFE program, which offers exclusive training to carefully selected candidates entering the automotive industry as technicians. Volvo SAFE equips elite trainees with all the latest innovative knowledge and credentials for becoming a master technician.
What are the responsibilities of your current role?
"I service and repair vehicles, diagnose and repair customer concerns, and then I verify the repairs before returning vehicles to customers."
What is your favorite part about your daily duties?
"Knowing that I help people get back on the road safely and quickly."
How has your education and training prepared you for your current role?
"It gave me a head start on the current technology being used in my field. I didn't have to start at the bottom and learn everything from scratch."
What do you do to continue your education?
"I take online and instructor-led courses quarterly. These courses are offered through the manufacturer for each Koons dealership. The Kia franchise was added to Koons of Owings Mills back in 2010. I started to take the offered courses to get certified in Kia as well. I also read up on the latest newsletters and bulletins to stay informed."
Do you have any advice for others looking to enter this field?
"You have to be good with your hands and with computers. Technology in this field grows rapidly. Have a passion for it."
Laura Catherine Hermoza has a lifelong love for writing. In addition to serving as a contributor to various media publications, she is also a published novelist of several books and works as a proofreader/editor. LC resides in Baltimore County.