How do you become an auto mechanic?

1. Start preparing for an automotive career in high school by taking advantage of the vocational programs offered, both in automotive repair and electrical trades. Math and physical science courses are important prerequisites.

2. Seek out apprenticeship and training programs. Because good, qualified auto mechanics are in short supply, many larger employers have excellent programs for entry-level workers.

3. Note that some mechanics have started out by working in a shop as a parts-runner or a service writer and taking evening courses in auto repair. This is a good way to start if you are not ready to make a committment to full time trade school.

4. Find out about the countless technical schools and community college programs in automotive repair. Look for those whose programs are specifically designed to prepare you for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

5. Understand that most employers require a minimum number of ASE certifications for mechanic positions, and more for the step up to technician. Some shops offer in-house ASE preparation courses, and may offer new mechanics discounts on basic tools necessary for a personal tool inventory.

6. Choose the right opportunity for you. Mechanics are paid on the basis of their productivity, so your earnings will depend in part on the type and amount of work that comes through your employer's shop.

7. Look for an employer who offers opportunities for continued professional development through training and certification.

8. Expect prospective employers to be most interested in the types of work you are certified to perform, particularly any certifications and/or experience you may have with advanced computerized diagnostic systems. Be sure to list these on your resume and any applications you submit.

Tips:
Keep in mind that many technical and trade schools partner with employers, who sponsor students in return for an employment commitment.

Many mechanics consider their personal tool inventory second in importance only to their children. Although your employer will provide the large, expensive or specialized equipment used in the shop, start building a good inventory of personal tools early.

Command a higher hourly rate by earning as many certifications as you can.

Remember that automotive repair professionals need to continually upgrade and enhance their skills through certification and product-specific training. Also, ASE certifications must be maintained through periodic retesting.

Warnings:
Expect to work your share of weekends, as most repair shops are open and very busy on Saturdays.

www.ehow.com/how_5134_become-auto-mechanic.html

"No matter how insignificant the thing you have to do, do it as well as you can, give it as much care and attention as you would give the thing you regard as most important."-Gandhi

In addition to what Alatea said find ways to get excited about auto mechanics. Watch drag racing, or any other sport involving mechanics.

If you are young and like building models, it is a good way to become familiar with the very basics in what goes where on a car.

Learn the difference between a front wheel drive and a rear wheel drive car's components.

Also read hot rod type magazines and things like popular mechanics as well as browsing through summit racing a jegs high performance parts catalogs. Find ways to make it fun.

Find bicycles learn to tear them down completely and clean and reassemble them in better working condition.

Then after mastering that move on to maybe a lawn mower, learn about how it's engine and everything works, try a rebuild or 2 once you feel comfortable enough.

Take as many Auto-Shop classes as you can in school. I mean dig in and have fun, if you aren't having fun, most likely you will lose interest after a while.

I hope this helps, and #1 rule of thumb is, if you dont know something... ask someone who does know if you cant find the answer, no matter how silly you think the question might be. Because:

"There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid mistakes from not asking the question."

Alatea nailed it - nice answer! Also keep in mind that if you're considering going to a mechanic school, most (if not all) of them require you are a high school graduate (or have your GED). Make sure to check with your school adviser before getting too far into the process to make sure. If you are interested in mechanic schools, stop by and check out the Loud Market mechanic schools directory at http://www.loudmarket.com for free info on many of the top automotive schools.

Best,

Mike

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