Got no garage work experience

mike19902010

Hello,

I'm a fully qualified mechanic(level 3 IMIAL) but i've not actually worked in a garage before so when i'm applying for jobs i'm putting i've not got any experience which is putting people off.

Although I do know what i'm doing, i've done clutches, timing belts, head gaskets, brakes, suspension etc. I've even rebuilt an engine when the piston rings had failed.

So I do have some experience but nothing on paper just seems impossible to get a job doing what i really like and what i spent 3 years doing to get qualified

Anyone able to give me any tips or advice?

theronstar

How is your current financial situation?

If you have some savings, then maybe you could volunteer your services at a garage - annoying, I know - and after a few months you would have a referee!

TELLIT01

You don't have 'no experience' you have the 3 years it took to get the qualification. Presumably much of this time was spent 'hands on', so can't whoever you worked for during that period act as referee if that's the problem.
How was your training financed? How did you achieve the practical part of the work?

DCFC79

Know anyone (whether you know yourself or a friend who has a friend) who owns a garage you could volunteer at ?

xapprenticex

Volunteering to work at a garage doesn't really work, they will still have to pay insurance etc, its not free for them so if they are going to take you, you may as well get paid.

I advise you walk into every garage in your area (or however far you are willing to travel) and ask sell yourself in person, tell them you are looking for more experience etc etc.

I have seen this happen when I went in for a MOT and some young guy just walked in asking for work and he had a positive outcome, he didnt get the job as the garage was full with trainees at the time.

mike19902010

My current financial situation is erm poor(:rotfl:) was thinking of other way to get that experience is going in for an apprentice(im level 3 fully qualified so that wouldn't work)

Yes i have the 3 years and yes most of that was spent hands on in the garage at college, but job adverts say "3 years experience" which I'm not sure includes the 3 years in college workshop, other ads say "3 years experience post qualification which is self explanatory.

Training was financed by a loan taken out by me, and i don't know what you mean by achieved practical side? i scored top marks on the sections of the IMI qualification, and was only me and other person who got most of the questions correct flying through exams etc.

Yes i know a few people but they all have enough staff, and yes i'll print my cv and covering letter off and hand them into garages.

I'm on the 11 top job sites looking twice a day.. I've had two interviews, to which i was declined. Got another interview at stoneacre citroen in two days and another one the next day for evans halshaw.

Still applying though lol

patman99

As you appear to have the tools to carry out full engine rebuilds and clutch replacement s, have you ever thought about becoming a mobile mechanic?.

At least this would give you more actual experience to take to a garage.

dawyldthing

What about becoming a rac or aa man? I think they become Jack of all trades so I'm guessing they do training on the job

mike19902010

mobile mechanic? being self employed doing my own accounts etc? would need a van or something and i don't have spare cash to invest lol aa and rac yes i've applied just seeing if i get a reply

Muscle750

Im lost when you say you tell them youve no experience surely your qualification is more to the point your not exactly selling yourself , ive been doing it now 40 years the trade has changed alot and not for the better either Ive worked for three companies in that 40 years and really have had enough of it, Labour rates of £140 ph and you cant get a pay rise for the last now 11 years yet the clowns in suits who dont know a brake light from a steering wheel on £60k a year plus and a new Audi A6 every 12 months or so is where the trade stinks

mike19902010

No, in my covering letter i've written ive changed clutches, timing belts etc so i'm writing that i'm able to do the jobs but they seem to be wanting experience AFTER qualifying. I went to college doing VRQ level 1, 2 and 3 IMIAL light vehicle maintaince and repair. but alot of the jobs have "must have 3 years experience in a working garage" or something / or "must have 3 year experience POST qualification"

I'm not sure being in college workshop away from customers etc is classed as experience in regards to a job so i put i've got no working experience(as in i haven't worked in a garage before)