CraigJ
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| posted on 10/1/08 at 07:01 PM |
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Qualifications to be a mechanic?
Ive been working on cars for nearly 9 years now but only ever in my spare time never as my job.
I can do just bout all general mechanical work around cars and im thinking of changing jobs to see if i can finally get a job as a mechanic but i was
wondering if i'll be wasting my time as i have'nt been to collage for it, and as ive only ever done it as a hobby i have no references to
back up what i know.
Id ideally like to get into a big firm (more money lol) but would be happy working in a normally garage as long as i can get the same wages im on now
or better.
Just wondering what my options are, i cant go back to collage as i have bills to pay so need to work and a night course is out the question as i
currently work Days/nights/afters.
Any useful advice would be great.
Cheers Craig.
[Edited on 10/1/08 by CraigJ]
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tegwin
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| posted on 10/1/08 at 07:06 PM |
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My two pence worth..
99% of qualifications mean JACK!
I know someone who has NO qualifications and managed to get a job at Morgan Motors...he now managed a department!
He took along a portfolio of work he had done and sold himself to them...
Looks like you would have no issues doing the same..
Just tell them you are more than willing to learn any new skills on the job...
Good luck!
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omega 24 v6
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| posted on 10/1/08 at 07:10 PM |
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Well if it's anything like up here then you need to be a useless twat who can't sort a car but can wipe off the fault codes and say the
computer says everythings fine
If it looks wrong it probably is wrong.
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iank
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| posted on 10/1/08 at 07:13 PM |
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I suspect getting to an interview will be the hard bit without a qualification - someone competent should recognise any potential/good attitude/work
ethic if you get your bum on the seat.
I'd suggest using the Mongoose as your CV, once it's finished to a high standard you should really use it to sell yourself.
Remember the only function of a CV is to get you into an interview - it's essentially a marketing document - once in there you win or lose the
job (you don't get there if your CV doesn't convince them you can do the job).
Good luck! 
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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thunderace
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| posted on 10/1/08 at 08:04 PM |
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tell them you work for a f1 team and design and build you own cars in your spare time but the f1 sub you worked for has gone bust you worked as a
parts tester very boaring job..
show up in your kit car helps a lot.
a bit of bs goes a long way i have given people a job for having the ball.
whats the worst that can happen lol.
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Litemoth
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| posted on 10/1/08 at 08:43 PM |
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My tuppence worth:
The bottom line is that it's a snake pit out there. You'll either have to be a good salesman and lucky or get the qualifications.
If you want to work for a good company that will give you prospects, a good working environment, job satisfaction and ongoing training etc,
you'll need qualifications.
The reason for that is that good companies want the best people so they'll look for good mechanics with qualifications. There are lots of good
mechanics without qualifications but they well be passed over for the ones that have.
If you want to be taken advantage of or work as a grease monkey for 'Bob's Motors' then no qualifications is the way to go.
Many employers will be keen to get you educated at their expense - Government grants are available and loads of courses and modes of study. Some
employers have "Investors in People" awards and other internal schemes geared to just this kind of need so approach them and find out..
Because of the reliable and technical nature of on cars these days, mechanics are having to be more technicians. the days of stripping engines and
gear boxes is fast disappearing, it's just not economically viable to work on cars the way we used to. Cars are also becoming tied to the dealer
who is turn tied to their suppliers, such as Bosch, for technical equipment, know-how and qualifications.
I was lucky enough to be part sponsered through an automotive ONC and HNC but studied with many that had families and had to work the time back or
work in Tescos to make up the shortfall in money. They/we worked our arses off to get qualified - it wasn't an option not to.
I went on to study for an hons degree whilst working a full time (shifts) job at a automotive factory - 40 hours a week plus the degree. It took me
five years and lots of 18 hour days plus homework and I was rennovating a house at the same time. If you're determined enough you'll find
a way.
If you don't make the time to get qualified, the next bloke will and take your job.
Go for it!!
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Danozeman
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| posted on 11/1/08 at 06:58 AM |
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AS said you will need to be bloody good at selling yourself to get an interview.
With this corperate manslaughter stuff coming in aswell you will be very lucky indeed. If your not qualified and someone has an accident through
something you missed you and your company will seriously get done.
I am an ex apprentice and Iv been a qualified mechanic for 6 or 7 years now and my comapany (shouldnt say it but royal mail) are making everyone take
the IRTEC licence which is a national qualification/licence to show your a competant mechanic to cover there arse should something happen. Its a
great thing to have to get jobs elsewhere but you have to have been qualified for 3 years to take the test. Iv got nvq level 2 and 3 and a Btec
national cert in motor vehicle tech and still got to prove myself.
Dan
Built the purple peril!! Let the modifications begin!!
http://www.eastangliankitcars.co.uk
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D Beddows
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| posted on 11/1/08 at 09:19 AM |
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I'd say from personal experience you need to think quite carefully about it........similar kind of story to you and I thought it would be a good
idea as well. I managed to get a job as an engine builder/tuner with a specialist Landrover tuners - engine dyno to play with, cnc machine in the
next room etc etc - basicaly every tool or process you would have in your dream workshop and....... I absolutely hated it  It's actualy very
different working on your own stuff in your own time to actually doing it for a living. Didn't help that the boss was a t*sser mind you but I
actually found the work got pretty boring and repetitive suprisingly quickly tbh which suprised me a bit because I really enjoy the process of
building engines.
Not saying it wouldn't work for you but it's worth bearing in mind that it's definitely not the same as working in your own garage
on your own stuff.
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02GF74
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| posted on 11/1/08 at 09:25 AM |
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are you sure you want to turn your hobby into a full time job? 
building a locost with new clean components is not the same as doing mundance CV boot changes and getting covered in road filth, engine, muck, grease
oil etc. for 8 hours of every day forever.
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dave-69isit
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 posted on 11/1/08 at 11:09 AM |
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job
y not turn up in a car you have helped build then tell them all about it any car nut would be sucked in just my opinionion
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Alan B
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| posted on 11/1/08 at 12:35 PM |
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My take on this....
I LOVE building, from scratch, our type of car.....little else (notice I avoid saying nothing.....) gives me greater pleasure....
However, I HATE working on routine repair jobs on my tintops.....
I personally find there is big difference between building (which includes, engineering, fabrication, machining etc.) and repair (which has little of
what I consider the fun parts).....
Just my thoughts.......
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CraigJ
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| posted on 11/1/08 at 02:09 PM |
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Thanks for all the comments and advice guys.
Way i have been looking at it is my current job is ok, it pays my bills but i dont enjoy it. I get covered in oil and crap every day doing it. I have
a big passion for cars and i enjoy working on them weather its building my Mongoose or simply changing a head gasket on a friends car.
Id rather get into a trade i enjoy and know more about than keep doing a job that is just there to pay my bills.
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