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juan
Student
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what to encounter?
what will I encounter as a mechanic in my career?
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Davis Koontz
CSA
5
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Los Angeles, California
Updated
Davis’s Answer
Hi Juan,
This is a great question. While I am mechanically inclined myself, I am not a mechanic by trade. However both my father and brother are highly skilled mechanics, with my brother being the head mechanic at the largest Aston Martin dealer in the world. I am very close to both of them, and can speak frequently with them about their experiences.
No matter what rung of the ladder you are on, whether it be entry level, or well into your career, you will experience challenging scenarios that are not always in the manuals. This can be said for all careers I believe, but as a mechanic, whether it's heavy machinery, diesel, or automotive you'll run into issues that require creativity and perseverance. You will constantly be learning, so I recommend staying coachable, and also inquisitive. If you do not understand something, it's always best to ask questions, and listen for the response so you can then implement what you've learned.
Regarding what you'll be encountering everyday, diagnosing issues with vehicles and having to order the necessary parts to complete a job will be a regular occurrence. Your diagnostic skills will be crucial to not only a good experience for yourself, but also the customer. If you are able to identify and troubleshoot a problem the first time, it will save you lots of grief later on. After you've received said parts, you'll usually have to refer to the manual for the vehicle, which is a compendium of information, in order to install the part or complete the work. After having completed that specific process a couple of times on multiple vehicles, more often than not you can rely on the knowledge you've built up for that process to complete it again in the future. However, the automotive world is constantly changing with new vehicles being released, so it's likely that you'll be referring to manuals often. I believe there are over a dozen different engine formats that Ford currently uses, for example.
I would highly recommend going into a Automotive program at a local community college. They will offer classes and training on all aspects of modern vehicles. The Community College often times have relationships with dealers in your area where you can work in mentorship programs, as well. Dealers for companies like Toyota depend on these local programs to constantly bring more individuals such as yourself into the field.
A benefit of the Community College over a specialty trade school (which are great choices as well) is that you will receive an Associate's degree after completion, which will get you half-way to receiving your Bachelors Degree. I would suggest you make an appointment at your Community College with a counselor and see if they can arrange a time for your to check out the College's automotive program and shop.
I hope this helps.
This is a great question. While I am mechanically inclined myself, I am not a mechanic by trade. However both my father and brother are highly skilled mechanics, with my brother being the head mechanic at the largest Aston Martin dealer in the world. I am very close to both of them, and can speak frequently with them about their experiences.
No matter what rung of the ladder you are on, whether it be entry level, or well into your career, you will experience challenging scenarios that are not always in the manuals. This can be said for all careers I believe, but as a mechanic, whether it's heavy machinery, diesel, or automotive you'll run into issues that require creativity and perseverance. You will constantly be learning, so I recommend staying coachable, and also inquisitive. If you do not understand something, it's always best to ask questions, and listen for the response so you can then implement what you've learned.
Regarding what you'll be encountering everyday, diagnosing issues with vehicles and having to order the necessary parts to complete a job will be a regular occurrence. Your diagnostic skills will be crucial to not only a good experience for yourself, but also the customer. If you are able to identify and troubleshoot a problem the first time, it will save you lots of grief later on. After you've received said parts, you'll usually have to refer to the manual for the vehicle, which is a compendium of information, in order to install the part or complete the work. After having completed that specific process a couple of times on multiple vehicles, more often than not you can rely on the knowledge you've built up for that process to complete it again in the future. However, the automotive world is constantly changing with new vehicles being released, so it's likely that you'll be referring to manuals often. I believe there are over a dozen different engine formats that Ford currently uses, for example.
I would highly recommend going into a Automotive program at a local community college. They will offer classes and training on all aspects of modern vehicles. The Community College often times have relationships with dealers in your area where you can work in mentorship programs, as well. Dealers for companies like Toyota depend on these local programs to constantly bring more individuals such as yourself into the field.
A benefit of the Community College over a specialty trade school (which are great choices as well) is that you will receive an Associate's degree after completion, which will get you half-way to receiving your Bachelors Degree. I would suggest you make an appointment at your Community College with a counselor and see if they can arrange a time for your to check out the College's automotive program and shop.
I hope this helps.
thanks now this makes it more clear to me.
juan
That was a great reply Davis!
Joseph Smith