nextSteps.org - Automotive Careers

Two potential routes into mechanic trade

Hot Tip -- by Shane Clements

There are really two routes to getting started as an auto mechanic, or as they are coming to be known, automotive service technicians. You could probably apply this advice to becoming an auto body technician, heavy duty mechanic and motorcycle mechanic as well.

In order to get your trade certification or "ticket" you have to get the following things:

your own tools (very important! no employer will supply tools or hire people without them);

Math 10 or 13 (pure or applied) and English 10 or 13 (most employers prefer high school grads);

be hired by an employer willing to train;

1,500 hours of on-the-job training each year for 4 years;

eight weeks of technical training each year for 4 years.

Route 1: Work Experience

You can become a mechanic by working in the "car industry" and gaining experience first. A path like this might resemble:

a job washing/moving cars at a dealership or as a shop helper at a repair shop;

promotion to "apprentice" after demonstrating excellent work/trustworthiness;

complete required work hours;

attend required school sessions during breaks in the year.

The advantage of going this route is you are working and getting paid most of the year. This lets you purchase the schooling and tools you need without a lot of student loan debt.

The disadvantage of this route is there isn't any guarantee when you take that "helper" position at the shop you will ever be promoted. Also, unskilled positions (jobs at shops that require zero training or experience) are pretty rare.

Route 2: School

Many people are taking community college programs to get their start in auto mechanics. Many of these programs get you credit for one year of work and school hours so you enter the work force with some experience and training.

An advantage is you enter the work force with training and experience which makes you eligible for way more jobs. A disadvantage is you will need to find the money to attend these programs and buy tools.

So like many trades, you have the option to "work your way up" or start with formal schooling. Which way should you pick? It really depends on your situation. If you have an employer who is willing to train you already, then it may be better to "work your way up." If you don't have that connection, you might find it hard to get a job where you will eventually get the training. One mechanic we talked to said "I worked for awhile in the industry, but I really didn't have much opportunity until I got tools and the training program."

If working your way up is your course, or you want to get your hands dirty and try out this occupation, you may want to start with a job as a lubrication technician at an oil-change company. It will get you some experience for later and gives you an opportunity for basic hands-on work before you decide.

If you are a high school student and thinking about this, talk to your school guidance counsellor about the Registered Apprentice Program (RAP). It's a way you can get experience, high school credit and money all at once.

(Shane Clements is a career advisor at the City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre.)

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