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How to become a mechanic? Please help


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danzig
New User

Mar 9, 2014, 6:29 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1642 views)
How to become a mechanic? Please help Sign In

Im 23 now, since 18 i have worked under a family business doing Heating and air conditioning installation, you could say i just have been sliding by because i never could figure out what i wanted to do with my life. At this point, the business is closing and i cant slide by anymore, i need a real job. I tried going to community college around 19 or 20 and did half a year of general studies, it wasnt for me i hated school and always have. Im more of a hands on guy. I have always loved cars, i have owned at least 6 just because i play with one, and another always catches my eye. I have always wanted to work on them but i only know basic things like changing oil and routine maintenance. I dont think i can even change rotors ive never tried. My point being, how does one begin? With Heating and air conditioning, you need a sheet metal license, but what about auto repair? I have heard something about an ASE cert but thats about it. I also looked briefly at a course offered by a local school but it was something like $26,000 for an 18 month coarse, i dont have that kind of money and that just sounds rediculous. I cant imagine that when i see mechanics they went and spent 26k to learn what they have.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 9, 2014, 6:40 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1635 views)
Re: How to become a mechanic? Please help Sign In


Quote
I cant imagine that when i see mechanics they went and spent 26k to learn what they have.


Oh, you can't can you?

That is just a drop in the bucket of what a tech has in expenses these days.

You will be paying for training and tools for the rest of your life. You can plan on spending upwards of $150K in hand tools and spend a coupe thousand a year in software updates. That $26K training course may land you an apprentice position that won't get you much more than minimum wage for a few years.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



carjunky
Enthusiast

Mar 9, 2014, 7:40 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1618 views)
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Hammer Time is right, people look at mechanic's as a "Dirty Job". Some people tend to look down on them, because they troubleshoot and fix cars, where others work in a nice clean office.
A mechanic today does require a lot of training, and tools. "Very Expensive tools" And training can be expensive.
What you need to think about is are you handy and will you complete the 18-month course? It is expensive, but you will be able to get some form of loans. For example: uti.edu/student-services/financial-aid


It's just like a college degree except when you graduate you do have hands on experience and a big loan balance.
But if you look at it like a 10 year payment plan, and knock down the $26k to about $3,500 a year can you handle that? I would also ask local shops if they considered hiring people from that school before you start. This way you have an idea.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 10, 2014, 2:25 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1602 views)
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Another point i'd like to make is that ASE certification that you refer to will require you to work in the trade for a minimum of two years before any certificate will be issued, even if the test is passed earlier.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



GC
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Mar 10, 2014, 7:34 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1580 views)
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As someone who has worked in the construction/installation field, and in the automotive field, I will say this - I can make more money with a minimum investment in construction. I had maybe 5k in construction tools and could do most anything. I have prob 25k so far in automotive tools and I dont even have all the basic stuff yet. The skills required to diagnose and repair modern automobiles dont compare to anything I did in construction.

Im not trying to scare you off, though - its way more rewarding. Having a vehicle towed in, and leaving your bay running like a top makes you smile every time. Plus with all the tools and skill you acquire, you dont usually have to pay anyone to fix most things for you anymore.

Its a good career if you really like fixing cars. Its not a glamorous one though. People think your a stupid grease monkey and dont realize that you are skilled in electronic repair, hvac work, a mechanical engineer, proficient with computers and technology, etc....

There is money to be made, but not on par with the investment and knowledge required. But its one of the few jobs that you can be passionate about. Hard to do that in a cubicle.


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Willing to help, willing to learn... Rob


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 11, 2014, 4:45 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1563 views)
Re: How to become a mechanic? Please help Sign In

Hey, I know a couple of shops that need RV mechanics. You get the construction and mechanics all in one package.







Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Mar 11, 2014, 4:47 PM)






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