tips on how to become a mechanic

2002au · 28-09-2010, 04:49 PM

hi every one, im in highschool and am very interested in becoming a mechanic, i love working on cars.

just wondering if theres and mechanics out there, what are some tips and what did you do to become one?

cheers

george7 · 28-09-2010, 05:42 PM

yea i'm also in high school and considering becoming a mechanic. pretty much for same reaosns as you. I enjoy that kind of work.,

i did work experience at a mechanic for 2weeks in yr10 and it was pretty good.

Only thing is that i've heard that a mechanics pay is really ****, i know all apprenitce wages are pretty **** but even fully qualified mechanics are getting **** pays.

A good place to start is obviously on forums to try and pick up little things here and there but obviously if you are sure htat's what you want to do, then start looking for apprenticeships.

good luck

20focus05 · 28-09-2010, 06:30 PM

go to a group appenticeship organisation.
They will be able to get you a job and courses to do.

WindsorXR · 28-09-2010, 06:55 PM

Straight after I finished year 12 back in 2002 I signed up to a pre-apprenticeship. It was for mechanic/metal worker type things. Was really good. I also done some work experience at a local shop.
Pre-Appenticeship is a good start if you don't mind studying for an extra year before doing your full apprenticeship.
If the pay really worries you then how about joining the army for a mechanics apprenticeship?

GS608 · 28-09-2010, 07:04 PM

A few wise men from AFF once said to me, "Don't turn your hobby into your career, you'll hate it" and "After spending all day working on other peoples cars the last thing you'll want to do is come home and play with yours"

Not trying to turn you away but just something to think about. Good luck

JOSH · 28-09-2010, 07:21 PM

ive been a mechanic for 10 years now and like every job you have your good days and bad days, but i still love doing what i do.

If your keen to get a start go to a workshop and ask if you can do some work experience during school holidays or after school hours and show them that you want to learn and that you can understand what they are talking about and if they havnt given you a job to do pick up the broom or put the tools away so you are always busy.

reds89 · 28-09-2010, 07:25 PM

been a mechanic for 41 years and still goin,heres a few tips,when you get a start whether it be trainee or apprentice,work hard,listen to what people tell you,learn as much as possible about the vehicles you work on.
ask questions,dont be afraid to ask even if it turns out to be dum question.
If you cant get answers find somebody who help.
always listen and learn,learn heaps,do overtime if its there,then when you have done your trade move around for a few years then go out and start your own business,THAT IS WHEN YOU MAKE MONEY.
also love what you do,work on your own cars and ya mates its good fun.
dont work at work then come home and do customers cars that will make you get sick of it real quick.

Auturbo6 · 28-09-2010, 08:06 PM

Companies like group training australia, or icet, are good way's to infiltrate the mechanical trade. Just have to pass an idiot test and show some competance and off u go. Good luck. The advantage of being a mechanic is that you'll always have a job.

kinksta · 28-09-2010, 09:35 PM

At school in the country we did a VET course, and it was a really good insight. It got us work placement as well and was really helpful, and I learnt a little bit. 3 of my mates decided they wanted to carry on with it and left school in year 12, buying huge toolbox's etc, and each lasted no longer than 4 months and came back to school lol.

But it also made me not want to become a mechanic.

Mr Hardware · 28-09-2010, 10:51 PM

Tips on being a mechanic? Do you like skinning your knuckles for $19/hr?
I didn't either.
That's why I got an education and my job title is now master of annoying the hell out of grandpa_spec_au

Windsor220 · 28-09-2010, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Tips on being a mechanic? Do you like skinning your knuckles for $19/hr?
I didn't either.
That's why I got an education and my job title is now master of annoying the hell out of grandpa_spec_au

Who gets $19 an hour these days? A lot better than that now.

I would warn you about doing it. Every young guy wants to work on cars and starts out enthusiastic but by the end of your apprenticeship, 90% of guys want to do something else.

MR_SIDO · 28-09-2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Who gets $19 an hour these days? A lot better than that now.

I would warn you about doing it. Every young guy wants to work on cars and starts out enthusiastic but by the end of your apprenticeship, 90% of guys want to do something else.

Maybe in West Oz you get paid more than $19 per hour but over this side of the country the range is approx $18 - $22 per hour for a Full Time Technician working 38 hours a week. The rate you get really depends on alot of things including how qualified you are for instance, Roadworthy Inspection certificates, gas fitting qualifications, if you are just out of your apprenticeship expect around $18 per hour.

adelaidecrows02 · 28-09-2010, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSSXR8

Straight after I finished year 12 back in 2002 I signed up to a pre-apprenticeship. It was for mechanic/metal worker type things. Was really good. I also done some work experience at a local shop.
Pre-Appenticeship is a good start if you don't mind studying for an extra year before doing your full apprenticeship.
If the pay really worries you then how about joining the army for a mechanics apprenticeship?

What all have said comes together and thats why I picked this quote.

If it's something that you want to do, really think about this option as it will give you some options down the track if you find out that you really dont want to be just a mechanic, or a mechanic at all. I did it in reverse - was a desk jockey/ships diver in the Navy, and now have a wrecking yard/workshop/crash repair business.

You have so many different options available to you in the Defence Force. Where the army might be working on vehicles, the Navy could be going in the direction of ships/helicopters/vehicles, and the RAAF planes or vehicles. On top of this, leaving one of the forces with a trade opens a plethora of areas. Entering one of the forces will mean you will start with a much better wage than your regular apprentice, and finally you get to travel.

I'm dont mean to shove this down your throat, just pointing out what else is available.

Cheers

Matt47569 · 29-09-2010, 12:22 AM

I agree on the defence force apprenticeship.. excellent money and experience

if you can put up with the discipline and being away from home, family and mates etc

**ebxr8240** · 29-09-2010, 09:01 AM

Try to get work / apprenticeship with a big company.. They tend to look after you better with a wider scope of work...
Metal fabrication is another option, where you make things rather than repair ...

ZA-289 · 29-09-2010, 09:45 AM

Most mechanics are still on under $20- an hour, its just not worth it imho. (Qualified mech myself)

Windsor220 · 29-09-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZA-289

Most mechanics are still on under $20- an hour, its just not worth it imho. (Qualified mech myself)

If thats the case then stuff that. I wouldnt even get out of bed for anything under 24 these days.

Mr Hardware · 29-09-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

If thats the case then stuff that. I wouldnt even get out of bed for anything under 24 these days.

Yeah, mechanics should get paid a ******** more than they do.
As for me, i wouldn't get up for 24. At least 30 is required, if not more like 40.

Windsor220 · 29-09-2010, 10:27 AM

Its quite amazing the difference between states. I mean under 20 an hour and your basically on award wage.

Mr Hardware · 29-09-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Its quite amazing the difference between states. I mean under 20 an hour and your basically on award wage.

Yep. And whilst houses are over a quarter of a million dollars for a heap out in the sticks, anyone choosing a career path where $19/hr is the norm is going to make life very, very difficult for themselves in only a few years.
Yes I had to give away what I really wanted to do for something where I don't really enjoy my job anymore, but at least i can afford a modern home!

grandpa_spec_F6 · 29-09-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

.....That's why I got an education and my job title is now master of annoying the hell out of grandpa_spec_au

If you have an education, thus implying you have skillz, then why do the regional servers keep going down?! Or is that just part of annoying the hell out of me?

As others have said, if it is your hobby, it won't be in 6 months. I used to go to LAN parties, spend countless hours building and re-building my pc, modding it, spending lots of dosh on the go fast bits and tweaking them.

Two years working in I.T. and now when I get home as long as it gets me onto the internet I don't give a damn what sort of PC I own.

I replaced doing up computers with doing up cars, friends of mine replaced doing up cars (being car mechanics) with doing up bikes, it's a never ending cycle!

Sizey · 29-09-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR-CHIEF

A few wise men from AFF once said to me, "Don't turn your hobby into your career, you'll hate it" and "After spending all day working on other peoples cars the last thing you'll want to do is come home and play with yours"

Not trying to turn you away but just something to think about. Good luck

Quote:

Who gets $19 an hour these days? A lot better than that now.

I would warn you about doing it. Every young guy wants to work on cars and starts out enthusiastic but by the end of your apprenticeship, 90% of guys want to do something else.

Mate on apprenticeship wages expect 7 an hourt 1st yr, 9 2nd 11 3rd 14 4th and about 16 for your first couple of years as qualified......then maybe you boost up to 19 an hour.

I am doing an apprenticeship myself and after working that and another job, I still earn ****all. It is not work the hours, lack of cash, stress and loss of enthusiasm.

And as has been previously stated, after working all day on other peoples cars, you will not want to come home and work on your own!

dannyxm · 29-09-2010, 02:10 PM

I always wanted to be mechanic. Did the work experience in year ten, dropped out in year ten and lined up an apprenticeship.

The got jacked after a week or so, went back to school, partied for 2 years in yr 11 and 12 then went to uni and became a solicitor.

As said previously, dont make a hobby into a job. I love nothing more than going home working on my old heaps.

Nothing worse than working on cars all week then working on yours at home.

Perhaps look to the defence force or some bigger company if you are that keen.

Good for you to show some initiative. Kudos to you.

sleek7 · 29-09-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandpa_spec_au

As others have said, if it is your hobby, it won't be in 6 months. I used to go to LAN parties, spend countless hours building and re-building my pc, modding it, spending lots of dosh on the go fast bits and tweaking them.

Two years working in I.T. and now when I get home as long as it gets me onto the internet I don't give a damn what sort of PC I own.

ahahaha this is so damn true! Im in IT aswell and Im caring less and less about my own hardware now. As long as I have net and my frame rate doesnt go below 40 im happy

Flamin · 29-09-2010, 07:57 PM

Been there done that, I left school did my apprenticeship and stuck at it for 8 years but I gave it up and don't regret it at all. Working on cars as a hobby is great but working for a few dollars a hour on uncared for cars normally in a hot workshop is not a life long dream for many.

There are a lot of similar trades which pay a lot better and open up more doors - boiler maker, sheet metal/fabricator, air con mechanics and even diesel mechanics can be better opinions. have a good look around give it a go if your heart is set on it as you will learn some great skills.

Auturbo6 · 29-09-2010, 08:17 PM

If one's good at what they do they will be payed accordingly. Yes the majority of mechanics earn a low wage. Thrive to become one of the best and you'll have employers offering u jobs and stupid money left right and center. Man i love being me!!!

Falcman0o7 · 29-09-2010, 08:22 PM

Don't turn a hobby into a job? Awsome advice.

ivorya · 29-09-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002au

hi every one, im in highschool and am very interested in becoming a mechanic, i love working on cars.

just wondering if theres and mechanics out there, what are some tips and what did you do to become one?

cheers

Here in NSW, there was (and maybe still is) a scheme thru selected schools that allow you to go to tafe during school time, to give you ahead start. I'm sure it's a federal initiative, so maybe changing schools could be something for you to look at for that head start.

My brother did this, allowing him to 1stly see if he enjoyed it, 2ndly- gave hime the confidence to seek an apprentaship to finish the course.

blackjack74 · 29-09-2010, 09:15 PM

Don't be an automotive mechanic, diesel mechanics get paid a lot more. I'm shocked to hear how little Eastern states guys get paid. $20 per hour are you serious?? My semi skilled technicians get more than that.

svo supporter · 29-09-2010, 10:22 PM

Those mechanics that have responded on this thread, saying they're on under $20 P/HR. You're obviously working in the wrong workshops.

Good mechanics can command what they get paid an hour, within reason.

Personally, I'm a lowly wheel aligner/tyre fitter. Nothing real flash. Recently I walked into another job and am being paid $22 P/HR. The only piece of paper I've got is saying I can fit a bloody tyre. Nothing more, yet I have the experience and the references, which were a good bargaining chip when it comes to pay rates. I also go a company car supplied after 1 month of being in the new place. ("Fringe benefit")

So if you're looking at getting into the industry. Go for it. Yes, the pay is crap to begin with, but having the experience and the references behind you, then it'll allow you to command good money down the track. Good workshops do pay good money for the right people.