2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
WHy not ask your Dad if you can work for him for a month or so and find out what it is like for yourself? If you don't have the required skills right now, maybe he can let you come in and watch him or one of the other mechanics for a few days (at least). That will also help you see what it is like.
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
At a Glance:
Automobile mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
Quick Facts: Automobile Mechanics
Employment Very large occupation
Annual Openings Very High
An automobile mechanic typically needs to:
have a high school diploma or equivalent
complete a formal training program
complete short-term, on-the-job training
Working Conditions :
In a typical work setting, automobile mechanics:
Are responsible for the safety of customers and coworkers.
Are often exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment that result in cuts, bruises, or minor burns.
Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause serious injury to themselves or other workers.
Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
Common Work Activities
Automobile mechanics perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many occupations.
Get information needed to do the job
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Make decisions and solve problems
Update and use job-related knowledge
Identify objects, actions, and events
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Handle and move objects
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Perform activities that use the whole body
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Use computers
Control machines and processes
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Analyze data or information
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Repair and maintain electronic equipment
Evaluate information against standards
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Explain the meaning of information to others
Process information
Establish and maintain relationships
Document and record information
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Teach others
Communicate with people outside the organization
Helpful High School Courses:
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
Auto Collision Technology
Auto Repair Technology
Diesel Mechanics and Repair
Introduction to Mechanics
Motorcycle Mechanics and Repair
Many automobile mechanics are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:
Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business
Automobile mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
Quick Facts: Automobile Mechanics
Employment Very large occupation
Annual Openings Very High
An automobile mechanic typically needs to:
have a high school diploma or equivalent
complete a formal training program
complete short-term, on-the-job training
Working Conditions :
In a typical work setting, automobile mechanics:
Are responsible for the safety of customers and coworkers.
Are often exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment that result in cuts, bruises, or minor burns.
Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause serious injury to themselves or other workers.
Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
Common Work Activities
Automobile mechanics perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many occupations.
Get information needed to do the job
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Make decisions and solve problems
Update and use job-related knowledge
Identify objects, actions, and events
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Handle and move objects
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Perform activities that use the whole body
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Use computers
Control machines and processes
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Analyze data or information
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Repair and maintain electronic equipment
Evaluate information against standards
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Explain the meaning of information to others
Process information
Establish and maintain relationships
Document and record information
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Teach others
Communicate with people outside the organization
Helpful High School Courses:
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
Auto Collision Technology
Auto Repair Technology
Diesel Mechanics and Repair
Introduction to Mechanics
Motorcycle Mechanics and Repair
Many automobile mechanics are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:
Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business