7 answers
Emily
Student
Carmichael, California
1
Question
Updated
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What do I need to do in order to become mechanic I want to work on cars and motorcycles. ?
I'm in 11th grade going into 12th I'm not allowed to get a job or be able to drive until I'm done with high school and my gpa is not the best.
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7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Emily an auto mechanic position has become a highly specialized trade that requires you to develop special skills to understand complex vehicle and electrical systems to be able to identify and fix any issues.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS MECHANIC
STEP 1️⃣ HIGHSCHOOL DIPLOMA — High school auto mechanics programs provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for a career in the automotive industry. These programs often include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a shop setting, covering topics like engine repair, brakes, suspension, and electrical systems.
STEP 2️⃣ ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR
AUTO MECHANIC SCHOOLS
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE — Many employers want auto mechanics to have an associate degree. Earning this often requires you to complete a two-year program. You may earn this from a community college or a vocational school. If you choose to earn an associate degree, consider focusing on automotive repair, automotive technology or a related field. Many of the vocational education programs include a combination of classroom and hands-on learning. The goal of these programs is to provide you with the skills you need to diagnose and repair a variety of vehicle-related problems.
• AUTO MECHANIC SCHOOLS — The best auto mechanic schools offer a comprehensive postsecondary education and prepare enrollees to inspect, service, and maintain vehicles. Auto mechanic schools prepare automotive professionals to inspect and service vehicles. Skilled automotive service technicians engage in fulfilling, stimulating work. Most professionals will find career opportunities in auto dealerships and independent repair shops. Employers favor automotive service technicians that have completed postsecondary education and career requirements, including certification.
STEP 3️⃣ INTERNSHIP — Once you earn your degree, it's important for you to gain more hands-on experience. You may complete an internship under the supervision of an experienced certified mechanic. Your internship may take place at a dealership or general garage, and the length of your program may vary. Some programs take a few years to complete, but this helps you better improve your skills and learn new techniques.
STEP 4️⃣ ASE CERTIFICATION — Earning an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is an important step in becoming an auto mechanic. This certification is an industry-standard way to test and prove your skills as a mechanic. Many employers prefer mechanics to have an ASE certification before they hire them. This ensures they hire mechanics with verified expertise.
• SUSPENSION AND STEERING
• MANUAL DRIVE TRAIN AND AXLES
• MAINTENANCE AND LIGHT REPAIR
• HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
• ENGINE REPAIR
• ENGINE PERFORMANCE
• ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
• BRAKES
• AUTOMOBILE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANS XLE
Most employers only require you to have at least one. However, if you earn all ten, you can earn an ASE Master Certification.
CONCLUSION
Automotive technology constantly evolves. This requires auto mechanics to complete continuing education courses to stay updated with the latest technology and techniques. You may also consider continuing education courses to find a specialty or develop new skills.
Hope this was helpful Emily
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS MECHANIC
STEP 1️⃣ HIGHSCHOOL DIPLOMA — High school auto mechanics programs provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for a career in the automotive industry. These programs often include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a shop setting, covering topics like engine repair, brakes, suspension, and electrical systems.
STEP 2️⃣ ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR
AUTO MECHANIC SCHOOLS
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE — Many employers want auto mechanics to have an associate degree. Earning this often requires you to complete a two-year program. You may earn this from a community college or a vocational school. If you choose to earn an associate degree, consider focusing on automotive repair, automotive technology or a related field. Many of the vocational education programs include a combination of classroom and hands-on learning. The goal of these programs is to provide you with the skills you need to diagnose and repair a variety of vehicle-related problems.
• AUTO MECHANIC SCHOOLS — The best auto mechanic schools offer a comprehensive postsecondary education and prepare enrollees to inspect, service, and maintain vehicles. Auto mechanic schools prepare automotive professionals to inspect and service vehicles. Skilled automotive service technicians engage in fulfilling, stimulating work. Most professionals will find career opportunities in auto dealerships and independent repair shops. Employers favor automotive service technicians that have completed postsecondary education and career requirements, including certification.
STEP 3️⃣ INTERNSHIP — Once you earn your degree, it's important for you to gain more hands-on experience. You may complete an internship under the supervision of an experienced certified mechanic. Your internship may take place at a dealership or general garage, and the length of your program may vary. Some programs take a few years to complete, but this helps you better improve your skills and learn new techniques.
STEP 4️⃣ ASE CERTIFICATION — Earning an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is an important step in becoming an auto mechanic. This certification is an industry-standard way to test and prove your skills as a mechanic. Many employers prefer mechanics to have an ASE certification before they hire them. This ensures they hire mechanics with verified expertise.
• SUSPENSION AND STEERING
• MANUAL DRIVE TRAIN AND AXLES
• MAINTENANCE AND LIGHT REPAIR
• HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
• ENGINE REPAIR
• ENGINE PERFORMANCE
• ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
• BRAKES
• AUTOMOBILE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANS XLE
Most employers only require you to have at least one. However, if you earn all ten, you can earn an ASE Master Certification.
CONCLUSION
Automotive technology constantly evolves. This requires auto mechanics to complete continuing education courses to stay updated with the latest technology and techniques. You may also consider continuing education courses to find a specialty or develop new skills.
Hope this was helpful Emily
Thank You Teklemuz. How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.
Doc Frick
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Emily -
Suggest you convince someone to purchase you a small set of tools, then find an old lawnmower that isn't working well, and take it apart and put it back together .... a couple of times. It will be dirty and a little dangerous; nothing a few YouTubes and Band-Aids can't fix.
I started when I was ten - and screwed up a lot of useless hulks before getting good at it. In my decades I have rebuilt three engines and two vehicles as an amateur. As Doc indicates - a specialized education is needed to be a professional mechanic. But this is America; anyone can buy a wrench!
So get out there and get a little dirty!
Tony
Suggest you convince someone to purchase you a small set of tools, then find an old lawnmower that isn't working well, and take it apart and put it back together .... a couple of times. It will be dirty and a little dangerous; nothing a few YouTubes and Band-Aids can't fix.
I started when I was ten - and screwed up a lot of useless hulks before getting good at it. In my decades I have rebuilt three engines and two vehicles as an amateur. As Doc indicates - a specialized education is needed to be a professional mechanic. But this is America; anyone can buy a wrench!
So get out there and get a little dirty!
Tony
a b
Software Development
29
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
a’s Answer
Emily -
I love a girl / woman that knows about cars!
There's a lot of great info for your future planning in the above answers. I'll offer a few immediate items:
Ask to hang around a small engine shop on a Saturday, and try to learn the names of the parts of an engine, as well as the names of tools.
Find a book that describes how engines work - specifically intake, compression, power, exhaust. Then, try to understand the difference between 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines.
Find someone in your neighborhood that works on their own car. Ask them questions, and maybe watch while they work.
Find the archived podcasts of NPR's Car Talk. Those guys are funny, but they're also MIT graduates that ran an auto repair shop for years. Being able to listen carefully and weed out unhelpful info and focus on specific questions to help narrow down the real issue is key to this industry.
Very best wishes!
- Blaine
I love a girl / woman that knows about cars!
There's a lot of great info for your future planning in the above answers. I'll offer a few immediate items:
Ask to hang around a small engine shop on a Saturday, and try to learn the names of the parts of an engine, as well as the names of tools.
Find a book that describes how engines work - specifically intake, compression, power, exhaust. Then, try to understand the difference between 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines.
Find someone in your neighborhood that works on their own car. Ask them questions, and maybe watch while they work.
Find the archived podcasts of NPR's Car Talk. Those guys are funny, but they're also MIT graduates that ran an auto repair shop for years. Being able to listen carefully and weed out unhelpful info and focus on specific questions to help narrow down the real issue is key to this industry.
Very best wishes!
- Blaine
a b
Software Development
29
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
a’s Answer
Emily -
There's a lot of great info for your future planning in the above answers. I'll offer a few immediate items:
Ask to hang around a small engine shop on a Saturday, and try to learn the names of the parts of an engine, as well as the names of tools.
Find a book that describes how engines work - specifically intake, compression, power, exhaust. Then, try to understand the difference between 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines.
Find someone in your neighborhood that works on their own car.
Find the archived podcasts of NPR's Car Talk. Those guys are funny, but they're also MIT graduates that ran an auto repair shop for years. Being able to listen carefully and weed out unhelpful info and focus on specific questions to help narrow down the real issue is key to this industry.
Very best wishes!
- Blaine
There's a lot of great info for your future planning in the above answers. I'll offer a few immediate items:
Ask to hang around a small engine shop on a Saturday, and try to learn the names of the parts of an engine, as well as the names of tools.
Find a book that describes how engines work - specifically intake, compression, power, exhaust. Then, try to understand the difference between 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines.
Find someone in your neighborhood that works on their own car.
Find the archived podcasts of NPR's Car Talk. Those guys are funny, but they're also MIT graduates that ran an auto repair shop for years. Being able to listen carefully and weed out unhelpful info and focus on specific questions to help narrow down the real issue is key to this industry.
Very best wishes!
- Blaine
Dale Keairns
energy systems analysis
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Dale’s Answer
These are all constructive suggestions. I align with Doc's recommendations in terms of a career path to position yourself to be a skilled auto mechanic. You may want to take some business related courses if there is future interest in considering managing or owning a related business.
The best,
Dale
The best,
Dale
Leo McKenzie
Creative, Traditional & 3D Artist, Designer and Corp Executive.
17
Answers
Updated
Leo’s Answer
Hi Emily,
I would suggest finding out if a community college in your area has a mechanics program. If so, this would likely be a great option to get connected towards a degree / certification program that will also allow you to connect with instructors and fellow students that can see your worth and open doors (both for knowledge and work opportunities).
I would suggest finding out if a community college in your area has a mechanics program. If so, this would likely be a great option to get connected towards a degree / certification program that will also allow you to connect with instructors and fellow students that can see your worth and open doors (both for knowledge and work opportunities).
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Emily !
This is a great question and I can give you some support and a direct referral for a path to take after you graduate high school.
First and foremost, I want to advise that you to step up your game for12th grade. Take classes that you can smoothly obtain A's and B's in. You can bring your high school GPA up during 12th grade, definitely.
During the summer after high school, obtain your learner's permit and take driving lessons and when you feel ready, go to the Carmichael DMV for you Road Test and License. That is the exact DMV I took my Road Test at and got my license. The driving test is not a difficult one at that DMV.
Now for the referral. Look into Sacramento City College's Automotive Technology Program for which you will receive an Associate Degree. This program teaches students engine repair, brakes, and electrical systems and you'd get certifications for these skills. You will have many supports on campus and it's not a difficult college to get into, the acceptance rate is 100% ! But you will definitely need a car.
It may be a good idea to nudge the people who are not allowing you to start driving yet and ask them if they would reconsider. Explain that it would help you to get the feel and experience driving now so that you can become familiar with driving situations and things that make the car/vehicle work. Every once in a while just gently nudge them and see if they can come around to allowing you to work towards your license now. This begs the question, are you allowed to do volunteer work ?
If they will let you do volunteer work now at this present time, volunteer your services at a local gas station or car repair shop. Shops would be grateful to have an extra set of hands helping out. You will pick up lots of experience and knowledge by volunteering.
Most importantly, do not be discouraged. Read a lot of books on car repairs, car mechanics, etc. that you can find online or at the Library. Watch You Tube videos of people repairing and working on cars and motorcycles. This will bring in knowledge until you are able to do some hands on direct work with vehicles. Do not give up on your dream career because it is a great field of work, much needed and something you really love. You can do it !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the very best !
This is a great question and I can give you some support and a direct referral for a path to take after you graduate high school.
First and foremost, I want to advise that you to step up your game for12th grade. Take classes that you can smoothly obtain A's and B's in. You can bring your high school GPA up during 12th grade, definitely.
During the summer after high school, obtain your learner's permit and take driving lessons and when you feel ready, go to the Carmichael DMV for you Road Test and License. That is the exact DMV I took my Road Test at and got my license. The driving test is not a difficult one at that DMV.
Now for the referral. Look into Sacramento City College's Automotive Technology Program for which you will receive an Associate Degree. This program teaches students engine repair, brakes, and electrical systems and you'd get certifications for these skills. You will have many supports on campus and it's not a difficult college to get into, the acceptance rate is 100% ! But you will definitely need a car.
It may be a good idea to nudge the people who are not allowing you to start driving yet and ask them if they would reconsider. Explain that it would help you to get the feel and experience driving now so that you can become familiar with driving situations and things that make the car/vehicle work. Every once in a while just gently nudge them and see if they can come around to allowing you to work towards your license now. This begs the question, are you allowed to do volunteer work ?
If they will let you do volunteer work now at this present time, volunteer your services at a local gas station or car repair shop. Shops would be grateful to have an extra set of hands helping out. You will pick up lots of experience and knowledge by volunteering.
Most importantly, do not be discouraged. Read a lot of books on car repairs, car mechanics, etc. that you can find online or at the Library. Watch You Tube videos of people repairing and working on cars and motorcycles. This will bring in knowledge until you are able to do some hands on direct work with vehicles. Do not give up on your dream career because it is a great field of work, much needed and something you really love. You can do it !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the very best !