Select Page

How To Become A Mechanic in 2021

by Nov 8, 2020How-To0 comments

Do you enjoy working on cars and want to become a mechanic, but don’t know where to start? Chances are if you’re here, you don’t have anyone in your circle who can show you around.

There are many ways to get into the auto repair industry. Choosing the right path can help you jump-start your new career and skip ahead of your competition.

Car photo created by welcomia – www.freepik.com

Education and Training

Having any kind of automotive schooling in your resume will surely increase your chances of getting hired over others without. It’ll also help you in the long run.

As automotive systems keep advancing, having a general understanding of automotive technology will help you apply yourself and adapt to change.

Some very talented mechanics out there, who are very good with their hands, may still have issues diagnosing modern vehicles because they weren’t taught the fundamentals.

Now, there are different kinds of schools and programs you can go to if you want to become a mechanic. If you have no experience working on cars besides doing a couple of oil-changes in your driveway, here are some options.

1. Trade School

Trade schools are very good at what they do; teaching you the trade. They will show you how to use tools and various shop equipment. You will learn the basics of different systems ranging from small cars to big trucks.

Schools like the Universal Technical Institute employ dozens of instructors who come from different backgrounds. They offer financial aid and will work with you to help you land your first job.

Whichever reputable trade school you choose, make sure you pick what’s best for your situation as the cost of enrolling can be higher than the other options.

2. Manufacturer Specific Programs

If you’re passionate about working for a specific car manufacturer, check out their training programs. Big Automotive Companies like Toyota offer the T-TEN Program to educate and train aspiring Toyota Technicians. Besides all the knowledge you learn diagnosing and repairing vehicles, they also give you the opportunity to intern for a real Toyota or Lexus dealership.

Although manufacturer-sponsored training programs are a quick way to get your foot in the dealership world; their campus locations are limited. Going this route to become a mechanic may require you to move far away from home; to get into the training program of your choice.

3. Community College

Signing up for your local community college automotive program is also a great way of getting the education you need to become a mechanic.

Courses are often flexible if you have a tight schedule. Additionally, you can graduate with an Associate in Science Degree; if paired with other general education classes.

Manufacturer-specific training programs are also offered through some community colleges. This is a good option if you want to live a normal college life while learning to become a mechanic.

4. Government Programs

Programs like the Job Corps offer great opportunities for young adults, between ages sixteen and twenty-four. They will not only provide you with the training you need to become a mechanic; they will also provide housing, living allowance, and other benefits.

Job Corps is FREE and fully funded by the federal government. Although not everyone is qualified to join, it’s still definitely worth checking if you are.

To be accepted, you must meet their requirements listed on their website.

Becoming a mechanic during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Many schools and programs had to close down and switch to online learning during these tough times. As people adapt to this crisis, more and more measures are being implemented to continue classes as usual.

Find out more from your program’s website if class is in session and what measures are being taken to maintain good health of it’s students.

What to do while in school?

  • Always remember – you’re in school to get the knowledge and skills you need to become a mechanic.
  • It’s best to start signing up for your ASE certifications while all the information is still fresh in your mind.
  • Find out if your state requires a license to become a mechanic and act accordingly.
  • Build a resume.
  • If your schedule allows it, get a part-time job as a mechanic, or start looking for future job opportunities.
  • Realize the importance of being on time and attendance.
  • Pay a lot of attention when it comes to learning electrical wiring diagrams; many people have a hard time understanding these.
  • Knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can.

What to expect when applying for your first job to become a mechanic?

  • Most dealerships and well-established repair shops will require you to go through a drug screening.
  • The hiring process may take a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
  • Graduating from school with no professional experience, you will most likely be applying for an entry-level position – Apprentice, Lube Tech, tire changer, etc.
  • It’s a lot easier to get a job in a dealership if you know someone already working inside. Referrals come a long way.
  • You will find a job. Auto Mechanics are high in demand according to this article by CNBC.
  • You may or may not need your own tools when you’re starting. Some shops will provide tools and tool-boxes to their lube team – and even sometimes to their technicians.

Starting at an entry-level position

Once you finally land your first job as a mechanic, you’ll mostly be doing oil changes and tire rotations. Don’t get discouraged – be patient and keep working hard. Your opportunity will come to move up in line if you’re willing.

Five Useful Tips:

  1. Keep yourself busy. Don’t sit around looking down on your phone on slow days; instead, do some shop chores or help out one of the master technicians. You should always be willing to help others.
  2. Don’t forget what you learned from school and keep on learning. Learn the tricks and how-to’s from more experienced mechanics whenever you get the chance.
  3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Things happen and you learn from it. It’s also good to learn from other people’s mistakes.
  4. Start building your toolset and get more ASE certifications.
  5. Always do the right thing. Do not be a hack mechanic.

Bonus Tip: Learn what auto repairs can wait and what repairs can’t

Ask your Boss for a promotion

When you feel like you’re ready and the conditions are right, go ask for that promotion you’ve worked so hard for.

Moving out of that entry-level mechanic position will be challenging as there are others, trying to do the same. This is when your education and assets come into play.

Getting to this point will take around several months to a couple of years, depending on your situation.

Tell your boss what you’ve accomplished and all the good things you’ve done. How you have so much more potential if given the opportunity. You have nothing to lose.

Never ever make ‘asking for a raise or promotion’ personal. Do not tell your boss about your personal issues and the fact that you need more money.

If all else fails

If you’ve done everything right and you feel like you have no shot of being promoted; start looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Although it’s best to move up the ladder in the same workplace if you have little experience. Sometimes, the only way to become a flat-rate mechanic is by moving elsewhere.

Doing this has its drawbacks. One is having to start over and proving to management what you’re capable of… Again.

Once you become a professional, flat-rate, money-making mechanic

With enough hard work and perseverance, you will get to this point. All the learning, the sacrifices, and the constant practice of doing the right thing; they will all pay-off.

You are now able to expand your skill-set by doing bigger and better jobs.

You will realize that some jobs can be intimidating, but the level of satisfaction you’ll feel afterwards is priceless.

To be a successful mechanic, you need to

  1. Keep on learning and keep on progressing. Learning never stops. Always achieve to be better.
  2. Acquire more specialized tools (depending on who you work for).
  3. Acquire more ASE certifications and maintain the ones you already have.
  4. Learn your routine. Be as efficient as you can.
  5. Earn more money by flagging more hours than your clock-in hours.
  6. If you work for a dealer, perform all the necessary manufacturer online-learning, and attend manufacturer specialized training.
  7. Start slowly and work on consistency to limit mistakes. How fast you finish a job will come with experience.
  8. Realize that making mistakes is part of the job. Most importantly, learn from your mistakes.
  9. Help other mechanics in need.
  10. Take pride in your work. Fix that right. Stay Professional. Always do the right thing.

[Author’s Note]

I’ve seen many up-and-coming mechanics start from knowing nothing, become confident technicians. I’ve also seen many, fail. From my experience, the ones who are the most successful are the ones who received proper automotive education and training. The ones who are open to new information and self-improvement. And finally, the ones who take a whole lot of pride in their work. To become a great mechanic will take time. The path you choose will dictate when and how you get there.

How To Get Your Car Ready For A Road trip

How To Get Your Car Ready For A Road trip

Going on a road trip with your friends and family is exciting. However, they can turn stressful if you're not prepared. Getting your car ready for a road trip is easy and should be on everyone's checklist before hitting the road. There are several things you can do...

Why Are Cars So Expensive To Fix?

Why Are Cars So Expensive To Fix?

Why are cars so expensive to fix? Why pay the dealer hundreds of dollars, when there's always someone who can do it for cheap? Background photo created by xb100 - www.freepik.com It can be really frustrating when you realize, the money you've been saving for that...

Auto Repair: What repairs can wait and what can’t?

Auto Repair: What repairs can wait and what can’t?

If you're looking at a list of auto repairs your car needs and you're not sure how serious the problem is; keep reading and find out why some car repairs take top priority over others. Background photo created by peoplecreations - www.freepik.com Car ownership comes...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This