Advise for aspiring mechanic

[citymechanic]

Hello everyone,
My name is Sam. I have always had a passion for cars and trucks. I have decided that I would like to pursue my passion and make it my job. But before I go running into a new career I was hoping that a few mechanics could answer some questions I have?

1 - How did you get your start?

2 - How long have you been a mechanic and what do you work on?

3 - What do you do in a typical day?

4 - What type of training have you received?

5 - How many people work in your shop? Does each person specialize in a field?

6 - If you had to do it over again would you? Why or Why not?

7 - Is there anything that I should know but have not asked already?


Thank you, your help is very much appreciated.

[moontune]

Hi Sam,
I hope this helps a little. First of all (in my opinion) Mechanics do not get the credit they deserve and get picked on mainly because people hate paying for car servicing and feel they get ripped off so you have to be thick skinned.
A Mechanic in these times usually has to be specialized as vehicles are so complicated now. The other huge consideration is the tool expense.

Now I can say this with experience as I started in a garage at 15 and was a mechanic for over 30 years. I had the very best times training on Jaguar and absolutely loved it, taking distributors apart and completely servicing them along with stripping carbs and overhauling gearboxes engines etc.
Would I do it again? My apprenticeship in England was priceless.

I also worked on trucks when I came to Canada, diesel, refrigeration units etc.

It is very different now to work on the modern cars. The independent garage will not survive so you would most probably work at a dealership.

If you have a passion for cars then you will be good at it.

Thats just my two cents worth. I hope it helps