6 answers
Becca
Student
Welch, OK
1
Question
Updated
289 views
How hard do I have to try to become a mechanic What could possibly effect me? How do I start? Does being a girl effect it? How long will it take for me to become a mechanic??
How hard do I have to try to become a mechanic? What could possibly effect me? How do I start? Does being a girl effect it? How long will it take for me to become a mechanic?
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6 answers
Ricky Samilton
Aircraft Maintenance
1
Answer
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Ricky’s Answer
Hello,
You need to study and approach this as if someone's life depends on it, because it actually does.
You need to study and approach this as if someone's life depends on it, because it actually does.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Becca
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
330
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
Effort & Timeline: It takes 1 to 2 years of trade school followed by hands-on experience to become certified. It requires strong physical stamina, manual dexterity, and a constant willingness to learn complex electronic and computer diagnostics.
How to Start: Enroll in an automotive program at a local community college or trade school, and look for an entry-level position (like a lube technician) at a local shop to gain immediate experience.
Being a Woman: While the field is historically male-dominated, modern shops are highly welcoming to women. Today’s automotive repair relies heavily on digital diagnostics and precision problem-solving rather than just brute physical strength.
How to Start: Enroll in an automotive program at a local community college or trade school, and look for an entry-level position (like a lube technician) at a local shop to gain immediate experience.
Being a Woman: While the field is historically male-dominated, modern shops are highly welcoming to women. Today’s automotive repair relies heavily on digital diagnostics and precision problem-solving rather than just brute physical strength.
Mohd Norizwan Azwari Mat Ghani
Manufacturing System Engineering
3
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Mohd Norizwan Azwari’s Answer
Hi Becca,
Being a mechanic now involves more than just mechanical skills because electric vehicles have more electronics. So, you'll need to learn more. You can start with simple things like fixing bicycles to learn basic mechanics, then move on to more complex things like cars.
Since you've decided to become a mechanic, try joining a repair shop. This will help you learn more and understand what being a mechanic is all about.
Being a mechanic now involves more than just mechanical skills because electric vehicles have more electronics. So, you'll need to learn more. You can start with simple things like fixing bicycles to learn basic mechanics, then move on to more complex things like cars.
Since you've decided to become a mechanic, try joining a repair shop. This will help you learn more and understand what being a mechanic is all about.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Becca
Rene Raya
Mechanic
6
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Rene’s Answer
Good morning Becca,
I understand your question is "How hard do you have to try" vs. "How do you" become a mechanic. The answer to your question varies from person to person, depending on how much mechanical aptitude the individual has. I've seen people with low mechanical aptitude attempt to work as mechanics and they all eventually washed out. People like that are okay for working in rebuild shops but they struggle to develop efficient techniques and short cuts. Usually things that don't work the way they're expect to work, throws people like this into a tail spin because they can't understand how to trouble shoot. On the other hand, people with high mechanical aptitude naturally fall right into being good mechanics. They work like magicians and reach the top of their pay scales quickly.
To find out what your own mechanical aptitude is, you can take a mechanical aptitude or mechanical reasoning test. You can ask your counselors if they have such a test they can administer for you. Or if you're not in school you can probably find one online.
One last note. Automobile mechanics aren't the only type of mechanics out there. With the way the pay is structured and with all the proprietary software and tools necessary, it's becoming more and more difficult to make good money or become a good automobile mechanic. Industrial mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics are a lot easier to understand and excel in.
I understand your question is "How hard do you have to try" vs. "How do you" become a mechanic. The answer to your question varies from person to person, depending on how much mechanical aptitude the individual has. I've seen people with low mechanical aptitude attempt to work as mechanics and they all eventually washed out. People like that are okay for working in rebuild shops but they struggle to develop efficient techniques and short cuts. Usually things that don't work the way they're expect to work, throws people like this into a tail spin because they can't understand how to trouble shoot. On the other hand, people with high mechanical aptitude naturally fall right into being good mechanics. They work like magicians and reach the top of their pay scales quickly.
To find out what your own mechanical aptitude is, you can take a mechanical aptitude or mechanical reasoning test. You can ask your counselors if they have such a test they can administer for you. Or if you're not in school you can probably find one online.
One last note. Automobile mechanics aren't the only type of mechanics out there. With the way the pay is structured and with all the proprietary software and tools necessary, it's becoming more and more difficult to make good money or become a good automobile mechanic. Industrial mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics are a lot easier to understand and excel in.
Thank you for taking your time to answer my question. This was a very helpful answer, thank you so much.
Becca
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
240
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Becca,
Thank you for this important question. Let us first look at the basics. The role of a mechanic exists because we have automobiles. Automobiles fulfill the human need for mobility. Therefore this role is a very critical one.
Basic proficiency in mathematics and physics in high school is sufficient to enable you enroll into a trade school/institute. Education systems vary from one country to another. Usually, the course takes two to three years. Excelling in the training will be a good starting point.
Long-term success, however, depends on the level of expertise you develop over time.
Fundamentally, the love for what you do is a prerequisite that allows you to pursue your career with passion, diligence, commitment & perseverance. As your experience grows, so will your level of competence and expertise.
Good luck in your studies and career.
Thank you for this important question. Let us first look at the basics. The role of a mechanic exists because we have automobiles. Automobiles fulfill the human need for mobility. Therefore this role is a very critical one.
Basic proficiency in mathematics and physics in high school is sufficient to enable you enroll into a trade school/institute. Education systems vary from one country to another. Usually, the course takes two to three years. Excelling in the training will be a good starting point.
Long-term success, however, depends on the level of expertise you develop over time.
Fundamentally, the love for what you do is a prerequisite that allows you to pursue your career with passion, diligence, commitment & perseverance. As your experience grows, so will your level of competence and expertise.
Good luck in your studies and career.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Becca
Jerry Van Norman
Professional Engineer with over 50 years of experience
12
Answers
San Marcos, Texas
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Becca,
Consider getting a job at a local auto parts store. You'll learn the terms, understand which parts are in stock, and how to order special items. Every dealership and large repair shop needs someone to handle parts, so this could also be a good starting point.
Modern cars and trucks are like computers on wheels. Fixing them is similar to working on a computer, and this skill is in high demand. If you enjoy working with computers, this could be your path. Diagnostic skills are essential for every repair.
Trade schools offer courses in various areas of car and truck maintenance, like engine rebuilding, suspension work, electrical & electronics and body repair. This training can be a solid foundation. You might also consider interning with an expert mechanic.
Understanding how cars are built and repaired can lead to a career in automotive engineering, a branch of mechanical engineering. This could involve new designs, manufacturing, or creating special parts like off-road conversions, etc.
You have many options to explore and a bright future ahead.
Jerry L. Van Norman, PE
Consider getting a job at a local auto parts store. You'll learn the terms, understand which parts are in stock, and how to order special items. Every dealership and large repair shop needs someone to handle parts, so this could also be a good starting point.
Modern cars and trucks are like computers on wheels. Fixing them is similar to working on a computer, and this skill is in high demand. If you enjoy working with computers, this could be your path. Diagnostic skills are essential for every repair.
Trade schools offer courses in various areas of car and truck maintenance, like engine rebuilding, suspension work, electrical & electronics and body repair. This training can be a solid foundation. You might also consider interning with an expert mechanic.
Understanding how cars are built and repaired can lead to a career in automotive engineering, a branch of mechanical engineering. This could involve new designs, manufacturing, or creating special parts like off-road conversions, etc.
You have many options to explore and a bright future ahead.
Jerry L. Van Norman, PE
Thanks for your encouragement!
Becca