How to become a Tesla mechanic | Working at Tesla

If you want to know how to become a Tesla mechanic, you first need to learn some info about their special learning program called START. The program has experience teaching students across the country. The skills needed for a successful career at Tesla.

how to become a tesla mechanic

Tesla START Program for new technicians

The Tesla START is an intensive training program designed for students who want to know how to become a Tesla mechanic.

Students develop technical expertise through a blended approach that includes in-class theory, hands-on labs, and self-paced learning.

These students will develop technical expertise and earn certifications through a combined approach to classroom theory, hands-on labs, and self-paced learning. It would make a great opportunity to build a career for some newcomers to Tesla.

What is Tesla’s START?

This course is intended to train students in the field of automotive maintenance. Students admitted to this course receive their salaries paid and will find employment after successful completion on a number of service sites in the U.S.

Become a Tesla student

Tesla is looking for highly motivated students, who are team-oriented and want to make the world a better place.

The best way to study the program is to apply to one of the partner universities around the country. By doing this, you will be able to study all the necessary skills not far away from home. As well as that, you will be getting a small stipend.

Colleges in which the program is available

Here is the list of all the currently known colleges that provide you with the program:

  1. Rio Hondo College, Los Angeles
  2. Central Piedmont Community, Charlotte 
  3. Shoreline Community College, Seattle 
  4. Suffolk County Community College, Selden
  5. Texas State Technical College, Waco
  6. Texas State Technical College, Fort Bend
  7. Miami Dade College, Miami

Since you will mostly have to relocate after getting a job, it’s better to choose a college closer to home. The fact is, all the programs in these colleges are equal, so there’s no need to select one far away from home.

More details on the START program for new technicians

To be successful, you will need successful completion of weekly syllabus tasks as well as passing a written automotive exam. This exam is not specific to Tesla vehicles, so if you have experience in other automotive industries, it will be beneficial to you as you study.

The START program for Tesla technicians is still new

The START program for a Tesla technician has developed not too long ago. Tesla recognized that electric vehicle mechanics and technicians need to be trained differently than mechanics, who need to learn how to work under the hood of a car and deal with grease and dirt.

Despite being a few years now, this intensive training program is very good for beginning a career at Tesla!

What awaits you in your studies

Students will develop technical expertise and earn certifications. You will also participate in team-based activities, both lab, and lecture.

As well as participate in scheduled interview training and soft skills sessions.

Throughout the program, students will develop technical expertise and earn certifications through a combined approach to in-class theory, hands-on labs, and self-paced learning.

To complete the training, you will need to:

  • Demonstrate ability to effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines to develop technical expertise
  • Pass a written general automotive exam not specific to Tesla vehicles
  • Have a minimum of 40 hours a week dedicated to training and Tesla service center support
  • Maintain a 100% attendance percentage throughout the 16-week program
  • Must have a “safety first” attitude
  • Familiar understanding of the English language
  • Must follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail
  • Have basic computer skills, including navigating web browsers and using Microsoft Office
  • Must be willing to relocate upon completion of the program
  • Ability to lift 50 – 60 pounds

Requirements

This section describes the actual requirements for entering a Tesla START program.

To enroll in the program, you need to meet the relevant requirements. First, you need to have a High School Diploma or GED and a post-secondary automotive education level (or equivalent military service experience).

You also need a valid driver’s license clean driving record with at least 2 years of driving experience, and insurance. In addition, you must be at least 18 years old.

To find a job after studying, you will have to attend all training sessions with a GPA of 85% or higher. Have a minimum of 40 hours per week dedicated to training and service center support, maintain a 100% attendance rate.

Start to work at a Tesla Service Center within 30 days of completing the program. Must be able to travel to a training site or local service center to accept employment there upon successful completion of the program, ability to lift 50 – 60 pounds is also required.

Additional requirements

There are also a few other requirements, mostly focused on personal qualities:

  • You must follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail
  • Must be able to work in a team and achieve goals
  • Have a “safety first” attitude
  • Familiar understanding of English
  • Have basic computer skills, including navigating web browsers and using Microsoft Office

Benefits of working on Tesla

There are a lot of benefits from working for Tesla, including a good salary and insurance.

Salary

You may get around $60,000 per year. That’s a great salary, especially for a high school graduate.

Main benefits

According to the company itself, there are a lot of benefits you will get starting from the internship, including Aetna PPO and HSA plans; Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits; Dental and vision plans; Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and many-many more.

As well as healthcare options, you will get employee discounts and assistance programs.

Equal opportunities

Tesla is an equal-opportunity and diverse employer.

All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.

What jobs at Tesla require a college degree?

You don’t need a college degree to work as a technician. Still, many other jobs at Tesla require it. For example, working as an engineer and IT, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree. As well as the Legal department and Human Resources. This is not very different from many other companies. It’s a matter of profession, not company.

So if you’re seeking to work for Tesla, you need to first understand what line of work you are looking for. Because some career fields at Tesla require college degrees.

Is it necessary to have a college degree to become a Tesla technician?

The only qualification to start a Tesla tech company is a GED and post-secondary automotive education or equivalent military service experience. With a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and high school diploma or GED, you can enroll in any Tesla START program offered by numerous universities in the USA and abroad.

Tesla employees’ satisfaction

One common theme in employee feedback is that Tesla requires many hours. Nevertheless, most Tesla workers are quite pleased with their jobs, even during the long working days. It is a key contributor to their work success.

The future of employment at Tesla as a technician

Tesla is continuing to improve with each passing generation of cars. Let’s examine Tesla’s future in light of the recent layoffs.

Future of Tesla

Tesla is so in demand that it can’t keep up with production. You can’t order a Tesla car and pick it up on the same day. In most cases, the demand for their cars is so high that there can be an extensive waiting list until your car is ready.

Tesla is a state-of-the-art company. There is no doubt that they will continue to produce new and improved models. Working as a technician at Tesla will be exciting, and you will always be exposed to the latest and greatest in the automotive industry!

As more and more companies begin to offer electric vehicles, the skills you learn working as a Tesla technician will be in high demand by other companies in the future.

Lay-offs at Tesla

Tesla laid off 9 percent of its employees, and there is no promise that this will not happen again. It was not about profits, but about cutting extra jobs that are no longer needed. Although that was long in the past, it’s still good to know the history.

Every job has risks associated with employment. Of course, there is some risk, but every business has risks. Tesla’s innovative technology allows the company to be successful for a long time, perhaps more successful than other automakers that have not yet entered the electric car market.

As an automotive repair technician, you have every chance of having a long and successful career with Tesla as it continues to ramp up production.

How to prepare for your interview at Tesla?

If you want to know how to become a Tesla mechanic, you need to know how to prepare for an interview process.

Tesla’s applications are viewed humanely, compared to other companies that have automated resume screening.

Prepare to answer some questions that relate to a future job. In the interview process, you will need to explain why you want to work for the company and get ready to give examples of your ability to work and meet tight deadlines.

Screenshot 2 4

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do you need to work for Tesla?

Tesla has many different job opportunities. Most of this work is accessible only with a high school diploma, while others demand master’s degrees or vast experience. The company focuses on recruiting the best employees.

How much does Tesla training cost?

It’s not expensive for START. Tesla mechanic schools have an advantage in that they don’t charge a fee to learn how to do it. The reverse is true. Tesla will pay you for 12 months of training.

Can anyone repair a Tesla?

Anyone can do some basic maintenance procedures. Or you can visit a local service center
to do some simple repairs. Anyway, Tesla cars are unique; for some issues, you will need to visit a Tesla Service Center.

Do mechanics work on Tesla?

At the moment, most independent shops don’t work on Tesla cars. You will need to ask for an electric car-certified technician. There is hope that in the nearest future, as there will be more electric cars, more mechanic shops will enable Tesla car repair services.

Conclusion

Now you know how to become a Tesla mechanic. You have to apply to one of the colleges listed in the article and start studying the program.

Remember, you don’t have to have a college degree, but you’ll also be paid a stipend. Tesla is also an equal opportunity and diversity employer and committed to providing reasonable accommodations to LGBTQ+ and individuals with disabilities.

The program has a track record of providing students across the nation with the skills required for a successful career with Tesla. All qualified applicants will receive consideration to accept employment.

Also Read About The Perils Of Getting A Tesla Fixed

Cameron Mason

I have been fond of cars since childhood. I have always been interested in knowing the principle of their work, as well as the structure. Therefore, I liked to help my father dismantle cars and fix them. Then I went to college with a degree in mechanical engineering. After all, I decided to connect my life with cars.

Leave a Comment