Career as a Mechanic

arcon5

Just wondering...

how would a 25 yr old individual with a child to support in FT work (flexible working hours) go about training in this industry... hmm...

There doesn't seem to be any (that I can find) private courses that could help build up some knowledge before approaching garages and giving them an actual reason for taking on a PTer

dacouch

It might be worth posting on the motoring section of MSE, there are lots of helpful mechanics and motor traders who post on there.

Dunroamin

Have you checked with your local college to see whether they offer any evening classes in the subject?

Notmyrealname

arcon5 wrote: »

Just wondering...

how would a 25 yr old individual with a child to support in FT work (flexible working hours) go about training in this industry... hmm...

There doesn't seem to be any (that I can find) private courses that could help build up some knowledge before approaching garages and giving them an actual reason for taking on a PTer

There isn't. The usual route is through a 2 to 3 year apprenticeship.

There's no such thing as flexible hours in the motor trade and part time is almost unheard of. Typical working week is start at 8am, finish at 5.30pm and rota for Saturday mornings.

Also you need to budget for a couple of grands worth of tools.

Notmyrealname

Dunroamin wrote: »

Have you checked with your local college to see whether they offer any evening classes in the subject?

Evening classes would take about half a decade to get to the point you'd be qualified enough.

19lottie82

Hi OP - I'm afraid notmyrealname is most likely right.

The route to a career as a mechanic is through an apprenticeship,
So unless you can afford to live on an apprentice wage for a few years until you qualify (and as you have a child to support,I'm guessing this isn't an option for you?

Also, again, I agree with the fact that pt or flexible work isn't really heard of in this industry - my OH Is a mechanic and works long hours, as do all of his colleagues. And if a job needs done he has to stay until its finished, he can't just head home because the clock has struck 5.

arcon5

Figured as much.

Was hoping really there may be a private organisation offering courses 2-3 days per week or something. Or at the very least offer an introductory course so if I was to decide on an apprentice it would give more scope to a) negotiate a better salary and b) the initial experience give them moe experience to get on board.

DesertIsland

Well, out of curiousity, what is an average salary for a mechanic?

19lottie82

Most adverts ive seen online offer around £20-30k?
The real money comes if you have the skills / funds to set up your own business instead of working for someone else! (like most trades I suppose)

arcon5

Something like this really http://www.rettech.co.uk/ although this is just for up to 19yr olds and unemployed

colino

Sorry, there is a glut of solid apprentices, improvers and full time techs for anyone to waste their time and energy trying to find a foot in the door of this industry that appears to be in freefall.