2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Rich’s Answer
You are looking into a great career field that is always looking for more people! Mechanics, also called technicians, are always in demand, across a myriad of industries: automotive, heavy trucks/equipment, marine just to name a few. First things first, if you don't have a high school diploma or GED, get that out of the way. If you are still in High School your school may have an auto mechanics or shop program, those will help you get a head start if they are available. If not, don't lose heart, there are a wide range of mechanic's training programs available. These can be at your local community college or tech school or they may be independent (UTI and LincolnTech have campuses all around, General Motors has a program too) and not affiliated with a school.
You are probably thinking, how do I pay for that? Most programs can take educational grants, like a Pell Grant, if your income (or your parent's if you are still a dependent) is low or non-existent. They will also have guaranteed loans available.
If you don't want to start with a formal program, you can also start at some shops as an apprentice, helper or runner. These typically have low pay, but they do give you some experience and you can see if this type of work is for you.
UTI link https://rev.uti.edu/?expvar=ft-paidsearch-auto&utm_term=how%20to%20become%20mechanic&utm_content=378700184800&cb.device=c&ca.cr=378700184800&ca.mp=Google&ca.kw=how%20to%20become%20mechanic&ca.network=g&ca.target=kwd-965698880&ca.mt=b&utm_campaign=CMP-01016-S2L0G5&utm_medium=sem_nonbrand_desktop&utm_source=google&gclid=CjwKCAjwkvWKBhB4EiwA-GHjFrwQNiU205e9bJPUjX4T4g_G_rn9cnreTQfXpVoUCQOkygC7y3BTOBoCDcIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
LincolnTech link https://info.lincolntech-usa.com/programs/automotive/automotive-technology/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Automotive%2BPROG%2BNashville%2BTN%2BENG%2BSPART%2BBMM&utm_adgroup=Automotive+Technician%2BBMM&utm_term=%2Bhow%20%2Bto%20%2Bbecome%20%2Ba%20%2Bmechanic&click=sem&infinity=ict2~net~gaw~ar~539820072627~kw~%2Bhow%20%2Bto%20%2Bbecome%20%2Ba%20%2Bmechanic~mt~b~cmp~Automotive%2BPROG%2BNashville%2BTN%2BENG%2BSPART%2BBMM~ag~Automotive+Technician%2BBMM&gclid=CjwKCAjwkvWKBhB4EiwA-GHjFspluJEgow8fILRmSjIha6zX_jacFdQu7CiEjW6Sv3cyUhiDtc7yxRoCvcgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
General Motors (GM) link https://www.acdelco.com/gm-technician-careers?ppc=GOOGLE_700000001302653_71700000082959500_58700007043671077_p63374755236&d_src=313715&d_adsrc=4569404&d_campaign=71700000082959500&d_site=GOOGLE&d_adgroup=58700007043671077&d_keyword=how%20to%20become%20a%20mechanic&gclick=CjwKCAjwkvWKBhB4EiwA-GHjFpKDjly4ax4-cUx_scERTpUiu1Wr6NvceCKLuxr9jTOeRWUdf5qh8RoCzTMQAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAjwkvWKBhB4EiwA-GHjFpKDjly4ax4-cUx_scERTpUiu1Wr6NvceCKLuxr9jTOeRWUdf5qh8RoCzTMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Suggestions on how to get started https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-an-auto-mechanic-with-no-experience
You are probably thinking, how do I pay for that? Most programs can take educational grants, like a Pell Grant, if your income (or your parent's if you are still a dependent) is low or non-existent. They will also have guaranteed loans available.
If you don't want to start with a formal program, you can also start at some shops as an apprentice, helper or runner. These typically have low pay, but they do give you some experience and you can see if this type of work is for you.
Rich recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
You need to get ASE or State of Michigan certified. Henry Ford Community College, as well as others in the area offer Automotive classes. If you are self motivated you can self study, then take a mechanic test at Secretary of State ($5 a test). ASE study guides work well for the State of Michigan Licensing test.
Buy an ASE study guide.
Study for one test at a time.
Take one test at a time.
Kevin recommends the following next steps: