What is involved in becoming a mechanic?

Question

I am at University and gradute in the summer. I will most likely go in to an academic or office job, thereby learning no practical skills but (hopefully) earning a comfortable wage; this said, I think I would prefer the practical skills.

What is involved in becoming a mechanic, so I can have it as a 'back up' career and work on my own projecys at home? Is it a costly or lengthy process? I have a couple of old bangers at home I can tinker with to learn the very basics, then is it off to evening school?

Thanks for the help.

I'd be happy to work as an HGV mechanic if this is any easier?

Answer 1

a car

Answer 2

If you've got that far down the road to a "comfortable" career then I suggest this may not be the road to take. Most people who become mechanics have been " dabbling" since childhood, however there's nothing to say that you aren't the exception. With that in mind my advice would be to find a local garage ( probably a family run business is best) and offer your services for free at mutually agreeable times so that you can get a "taste" of whats in store. Good luck.

Answer 3

To be a mechanic these day you will have to go back to college or uni to get anywhere
If you want a practical skill. motor mechanics isn't best move cause its a dying breed, it's all electrics now. But if thats the career move you want then the best way is to ask around you local garages for any mod app places, thats what I did and I am now at peugeot.
Good luck and I hope this helps

Answer 4

Our local vocational college has a 2 year degree program. You need to have the mechanical inclination in your blood from the time you were born to be any good at it. There are a lot of wannabees out there that have gone to school for it, but if you weren't born to do it, not only will you lose interest, but will suck at it. (Try getting tested first to see if you have the inclination).

Answer 5

how can you consider mechanics as a back -up?to become a qualified fitter in the motor trade you have to undergo a basic 4 years training on a low wage,once qualified you can earn in excess off 30grand a year .either you become a qualified mechanic or you choose otherwise ,eitherway it is a skill and qualification ,dont be-little it

Answer 6

well i cant talk for other, but i grew up arond . my dad working on cars trucks an so forth, ,, but i say first , learnning ,how care work,,, the you need tools, god lot of tool, , an be willing to give it you all to fix the car, so many start, the just give uo, ,, an their , skinning you finger, lol, an knuckel,.... but i say you got to learn all you can about ,care an trucks be fore, you can do it, an too hand on, work,,,, an the best way for that is to work on one an see how it work, an the top thing is schooling

Answer 7

first things first..take one of those beaters that noone drives and noone will ever again and take it apart then put it back together and see if it works...but you will need a set of tools so go to sears and buy a starter set ro around 450.00 bucks and enjoy i but i would recomend trying something smaller and cheaper like a lawnmower to work on.. besides that they are easier to hide when it doesnt work out for you....

Answer 8

you need a basic mechanical understanding some schooling whether in a class or in a garage and mainly you need to compile experience

Answer 9

go hang out at joes corner shop on weekends best way to learn be there see it

Answer 10

there are tech schools out there to teach you how...go to a garage and ask a mechanic to see which one he likes...second ya gotta like grease under your finger nails!!!!!!!!!!!!