|
Mechanics repair
many different machines such as cars, trucks, big tractors,
and motors. Being handy with tools, plus having good math
and computer skills is important. So if you're into fixing
things and don't mind getting messy, this could be the career
field for you.
Mechanics
can be many things such as:
Auto Mechanic—Like getting under the hood? As an auto mechanic you could tinker at auto repair shops. Who knows, you might even open your
own garage and have a long list of customers.
Machine Technician
(Mechanic)—If you like to work on machines you
might get a job as a tech in a factory. If so, you'd work
a set schedule every week. If you work for a company that
fixes other people’s machines, you may pack your tool
box and do some traveling.
Diesel Mechanic—
If 18-wheelers rev your engine, this could be the job for
you. You'd probably work eight hour shifts, keeping
trucks in top shape for weeks on the road.
Interview
with Auto Mechanic, Mike Smith:
 Mike Smiths' dad, an engineer, liked to save money. So he basically
fixed and built everything around the house. Naturally, then,
at age five—being the youngest of three children—Mike
became the “gopher”.
"He'd ask
me to 'go for this' and 'go for that'. I didn't like it at
first, but that's how I learned what tool was what."
By the time Mike
was nine he started rebuilding old lawn mower engines in his
spare time. He made go-karts, mini-bikes, and even created
his own rock polishing machine out of old engines.
"I just liked
to take broken stuff and fix it. If I couldn't fix it, then
I'd take parts from one thing and put it into something else."
He also transformed
old bikes no one wanted and repaired them to sell. Then,
at age 11, Mike's dad started buying repossessed cars
and fixing them up. The two worked side-by-side for years
thereafter.
"In the winter
my dad put an old wood burner in the garage, so we could work
right through."
From then on, Mike's
love of auto mechanics grew. In high school he was the
teacher's assistant in his auto mechanics class. And at 17 he landed
his first job at a local service station.
"I did everything.
Pumped gas, worked on cars, and even washed cars," he says.
Mike continued
working for garages in big car dealerships. He also had a
small shop in his own garage he worked in after hours and
on weekends. So when the opportunity came to build his
own place, he jumped at the chance.
"It was now
or never. My wife, me, and my boys did everything."
He bought a parcel
of land and went right to work. Five months later, the shop was open for business. Although it was slow at first, within seven
years he had a list of 300 steady customers. And today
that list has exceeded 500!
"It's all
about doing good business, offering a decent price, and being
able to fix cars that no one else can."
In his spare time,
Mike enjoys drag racing. "It's a great feeling to be
out on the track. But it's an even better feeling to know
you built what you're driving yourself and that your machine’s
able to beat some of the best made cars out there."
Mike also likes
to teach auto mechanics and is volunteering at the local college.
You might say he's following in his father's footsteps. Make
that tire tracks!
What You Can Do to Get Ready:
As in
Mike's case, a high school diploma is a must. Aside from that
you'll have to go through special training and testing (at
your local college) to obtain licensing. In the meantime
you might want to call up a local auto repair shop and see
if you can volunteer to be their gopher. Who knows,
maybe you'll end up with your own successful business like
Mike.
What it Pays:
Payment depends
on position and where you work. Jobs in this field can start
at around $11 per hour and go up to as much as $30. You might
even get a nice benefit package—that’s stuff like
retirement plans and health insurance—if you work for
one of the big garages.
Other
Resources:
How
Can I Become An Auto Mechanic:
Terrific tips to help you reach your goal while you're still in school.
How
To Get Started: More info on what it takes
to get your motor going in this career.
|
