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What are the requirements for this profession?
#college #car#automotive how do i become i mechanic
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Julio’s Answer
Hey Luis,
Becoming a mechanic is a great career choice that doesn't necessarily have just one route to achieve your goal. For example, you can:
- Go to trade school or a community college near you that offers programs such as, "Automotive Technician". This will be good experience for you and will look very good on your resume. Things to keep in mind are that many trade schools tend to offer very little financial aid, while some community colleges depending on your family's income and taxes filed from the previous year will actually PAY YOU to go to school. My cousin went to his local community college in Houston, TX (Lone Star Community College) and got his certification in about 2 years.
- Begin working at a shop and have someone train you. This is the route some people take if they don't necessarily want to go to college or don't have the resources to help them apply or find colleges near them. If you have a family member that may know or is a mechanic, go work for them, even if you're being paid very little, learn as much as possible and make sure your basics are strong (oil changes, tire rotations, changing out tires, brakes, fluid changes, battery swaps, etc.). Even if you have the basics down, you are able to apply to dealerships and work for them as an entry level technician doing mainly oil changes and move up from there.
Conclusion: The best-case scenario would be if you enrolled in a community college near you with a program for mechanics where you would get paid to go to school and earn a degree/certification, while working a part-time job at a shop, dealership, or big chain such as discount tire, jiffy lube, etc. Once you have a degree, your options will broaden immensely and instead of applying for entry-level technician, you can apply for mid-level positions or manager positions at big chains.
Downsides: The biggest downside that I get from many mechanics I know and aspiring mechanics is that although you get paid good, the tools you need to purchase are very expensive. You need EVERY kind of tool in EVERY size, you will need endless power tools, endless hand tools, endless storage solutions for your tools, toolboxes, maintenance supplies for your tools, and more. Within your first couple of years as a mechanic, you will upwards of $50,000 on tools alone, definitely WAY more if you are getting good brands and all the tools you need. Many shops expect you to have your own tools, so be prepared to drop a pretty penny on those. Other than that, Good Luck!
Becoming a mechanic is a great career choice that doesn't necessarily have just one route to achieve your goal. For example, you can:
- Go to trade school or a community college near you that offers programs such as, "Automotive Technician". This will be good experience for you and will look very good on your resume. Things to keep in mind are that many trade schools tend to offer very little financial aid, while some community colleges depending on your family's income and taxes filed from the previous year will actually PAY YOU to go to school. My cousin went to his local community college in Houston, TX (Lone Star Community College) and got his certification in about 2 years.
- Begin working at a shop and have someone train you. This is the route some people take if they don't necessarily want to go to college or don't have the resources to help them apply or find colleges near them. If you have a family member that may know or is a mechanic, go work for them, even if you're being paid very little, learn as much as possible and make sure your basics are strong (oil changes, tire rotations, changing out tires, brakes, fluid changes, battery swaps, etc.). Even if you have the basics down, you are able to apply to dealerships and work for them as an entry level technician doing mainly oil changes and move up from there.
Conclusion: The best-case scenario would be if you enrolled in a community college near you with a program for mechanics where you would get paid to go to school and earn a degree/certification, while working a part-time job at a shop, dealership, or big chain such as discount tire, jiffy lube, etc. Once you have a degree, your options will broaden immensely and instead of applying for entry-level technician, you can apply for mid-level positions or manager positions at big chains.
Downsides: The biggest downside that I get from many mechanics I know and aspiring mechanics is that although you get paid good, the tools you need to purchase are very expensive. You need EVERY kind of tool in EVERY size, you will need endless power tools, endless hand tools, endless storage solutions for your tools, toolboxes, maintenance supplies for your tools, and more. Within your first couple of years as a mechanic, you will upwards of $50,000 on tools alone, definitely WAY more if you are getting good brands and all the tools you need. Many shops expect you to have your own tools, so be prepared to drop a pretty penny on those. Other than that, Good Luck!
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hi Luis,
I'm happy to hear you have found a passion for cars and hope that you continue to follow that passion into a rewarding career. I will try my best to give you some steps to follow and become a mechanic/automotive technician.
- Get an Education: While school can seem daunting at times it is the foundation to all rewarding careers. My recommendation is while in high school, take as many math and science classes as you can to learn invaluable problem solving and critical thinking skills that will help you later in your career. Throughout high school strive to maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA) as it will set you apart when you apply for post secondary school. Receive your Highschool Diploma.
- Apply for Vocational Program: After highschool to set yourself up for success, you'll need to complete some postsecondary education. A vocational or certification program will teach you the basics of functioning and maintenance of vehicles and their systems. There are several programs that you can choose from, including the following: Intro to automotive technology, Diesel Service Techniques, Automotive Electrical Fundamentals, Fuel and Emissions Systems.
- Update your Resume: Create a Resume to hand to prospective employers, and be proud of the successful milestones and involvement you had during your time in highschool and vocational school .
- Gain Experience and Skills: As soon as you're done with your postsecondary education, you'll likely start off at an entry level position. Apply to work at local mechanics and dealerships.
- Communication is key: Being friendly and working for your clients in a respectful manner will assure that you create strong relationships and repeat business for your employer!
- Pass all Necessary State exams: To get licensed in the state you live in, you’ll likely have to take and pass an exam.
- Ask other mechanics for tips and spend time outside your work reading up on your field: This will help you set your self apart from other mechanics and will allow you to stay ahead of the curve.
Good luck on your Journey! Hard work and dedication will get you to your goal of becoming an automotive technician. Set backs are bound to happen, take them in stride and use the situation you're place in to learn. Celebrate your successes and develop lasting friendships along the way.