Auto mechanics work on all sorts of vehicles, from cars to trucks and buses. They are responsible for repairing damaged parts, replacing them when necessary and diagnosing problems that customers have brought in to them. Depending on their speciality and the shop they work at, they may also perform general maintenance on cars or specialise in a specific make and model.
Is a job as an auto mechanic for you?
If you're interested in becoming an auto mechanic, it's important to first determine if this type of job is actually right for you. You'll need to know that you can work well with your hands, pay close attention to detail and possess the ability to problem-solve on your own. Most importantly, you'll have to truly love working with your hands - you'll be working with engines and parts all day, so if the idea of getting dirty doesn't appeal to you then maybe you should consider other career options.
Auto mechanics diagnose and fix problems with vehicles or their parts. If cars or trucks need maintenance or repair, the mechanic will perform the necessary tasks for the customer. Mechanics also replace worn-out parts in vehicles and make sure that all of the vehicles are running properly. They have to be detail oriented and have problem-solving skills in order to maintain the quality of their work.
If you've determined that a career as an auto mechanic is right for you, there are plenty of places where you can get training to pursue this career path.
The typical path to becoming an auto mechanic
To work as an auto mechanic, you must first be trained on how to fix cars. This usually happens in a specialised college or through an internship programme at a shop where you will practice on cars until you are ready to take automotive certification exams. Many mechanics don't start out by working on cars but instead, work as assistants while they learn how to fix vehicles.
The best colleges will provide students with hands-on training in addition to classroom instruction so that they can get a feel for what purpose each car part serves and is responsible for and which tools should be used when fixing them.
Mechanics are one of the most well-respected careers in the automotive industry and are usually in demand, as everyone's car will need to be fixed at some point.
As an auto mechanic, you will earn a decent income, get to work with your hands, and be able to help people out. The tradeoff is that it can be a challenging career due to the high level of skill required. However, if you enjoy a challenge, this could be the path for you.
