Birth of an Automotive Repair Technician

Do you know anyone like this?

1. Beyond curious about how stuff works
2. Liked to build models maybe at one time
3. Like to take stuff apart and tinker
4. Love to buy and use tools

I truly believe all mechanics are tied together somehow genetically. I know, these are really just common traits, but you have to wonder how many of you reading this right now wish you learned more about cars. Understand my point now? That “pondering” is the central source that makes one into a mechanic, and some into great technicians.

Modern Day Dilemma

Unfortunately, many kids are being steered away by their parents from tech school and the thoughts of being a mechanic, regardless of their passion. Even my own father, once a great mechanic in the 1940’s, wanted me to choose another career. But he also knew that having a trade under my belt would ensure I’d always have a job. As usual, he was right.

Outlook of Technicians

Luckily for you, the spirit of tinkering out-drives many parent wishes to be a doctor or lawyer and keeps auto mechanics from becoming a dying breed.

To better explain this, here’s a typical development progression list of the average everyday mechanic-in-the-making. Keep in mind that each experience listed here early on grows upon all of the others to come and ultimately shapes and develops whether or not one will make it in this career:

• Experience, 0 years: As a kid, takes things apart and works on bikes, lawn mowers, motorcycles, etc. Dad’s tools are everywhere! (sorry dad)
• Experience, 1-2 years: As a young adult, starts collecting their own tools, tinkering with cars, finds a job as a tire installer or lube tech, or just sweeping the shop floor at night after school. This is where one may find exposure to professional peers and start learning from them on-the-job. They may also attend technical school around this time or just continue to learn on-the-job.
• Experience, 2-4 years: Out of school and working full time in a garage somewhere. At this stage, this person is considered an “Entry Level” mechanic. It’s not real easy finding a job at this stage. Their experience is commonly limited to simple procedures like tires, oil changes, belts and maintenance services, but it is not to say they are not capable of bigger and better procedures. Many managers have a hard time trusting them with doing anything beyond their experience level. This is also a very critical time in their career development. If they are held back, they could lack self-confidence. If they are encouraged to work “under the wing” of a veteran, they are very likely to succeed.
• Experience, 4-10 years: Been in the field for a while, considered either a Class C or Class B mechanic or technician, and their experience varies greatly. Most survive by doing everything including tires and brakes to water pumps and timing belts and other hard part replacement services that require tools, hands-on experience and adequate speed to do so. Not at all unusual to start doing engine and transmission swaps at this stage. By now, they are confident in their abilities and becoming quite experienced with parts-changing, but they usually have an ever-present dread of knowing how to correctly and quickly diagnose electrical, emissions and engine performance related issues. This is also the “sink or swim” time period for many.
• Experience, 10-20+ years: Now either a Class B or Class A technician, their experience still varies greatly, they’ve undergone a fair amount of aftermarket or factory training on systems and theory, and they have the hands-on skill to apply the new knowledge. At this stage, most have decided that this field is a career choice for the long term and may have their sites set on management down the road. Others know that their years of experience makes they extremely valuable. It’s not at all unusual for this individual to walk out of one shop at lunch time and have a new job elsewhere 15 minutes later if they choose to do so. Shop owners and manager alike know this all too well and will do just about anything to get their hands on seasoned professionals long term. This is where many techs learn that diagnosis is hard, but it pays very well when you’re good at it. Why? Most techs don’t want to be bothered with it – too much thinking and risk involved. By risk, I mean they rather do a brake job and get paid the same amount of time as an hour of diagnosis pays and not likely have any problems.
• Experience, 30+ years: Likely a shop owner or manager, or a rare person to find working on your vehicle. Experience is King in the auto repair world and these are the Kings. Many at this stage are thinking about retirement due to many years of aches and pains from abused body parts like the knees, hands and lower back. No wonder they’re so grumpy! Be that as it may, this is the person who likely forgot more than most technicians now know and can run circles around others when it comes to diagnosing.

If you’re a mom or dad and your kid shows the signs of a mechanic, PLEASE don’t discourage that. In fact, embrace it and watch your kid thrive. It’s not about you anymore. It’s about your kid and your kid’s future. besides, you’ll get free auto services!