experience

[newchris]

i know this isnt necessarily a tool question but since i assume the majority of you all are or were professional mechanics ill ask anyway at the risk of getting flamed. i was wondering what kind of experience is needed to start at an auto shop. i never went to school for it but i am very good with my hands and to be honest pretty good with cars, i work on mine, and all of my friends call me when they need something fixed. i have no problem being an apprentice or starting with stupid **** like oil changes but i want my foot in the door and id rather start at an auto shop and not an oil change outfit. would they hire someone like me or is it a standard that you have to be schooled in it?

 

[tonydanzah]

ASEs usually help

 

[00S4Boy]

ASEs usually help

Great help tony because you need two years experience in a shop to get ASE's.

Your best bet find a Tire chain in your area, not sure where your from. Something like Tires Plus, Firestone, National Tire and Battery, Merchants Tire, Tire Kingdom, Expert Tire, Big O Tires, Sears, Goodyear.

Also make sure it's a tire chain that does mechanical repairs, there's a couple around me that are specifically just tire shops tires and alignments.

The reason I say a chain is there is usually a revolving door of tire technicians, because it's grueling work for usually ****** pay. But it's an in into the industry.

Quick lubes are not a in into the industry as they rarely do service, and if they do offer it, it's usually a joke.

 

[00S4Boy]

Oh and for the record the majority of people on this board are not mechanics.

 

[Erle385]

if i were you i would go to a small shop. like one when the owner is the only mechanic and he would love to have some help. that is what i did. i am learning all parts of the business, RO's, bills, ordering parts and of course the work.

 

[tonydanzah]

Great help tony because you need two years experience in a shop to get ASE's.

Your best bet find a Tire chain in your area, not sure where your from. Something like Tires Plus, Firestone, National Tire and Battery, Merchants Tire, Tire Kingdom, Expert Tire, Big O Tires, Sears, Goodyear.

Also make sure it's a tire chain that does mechanical repairs, there's a couple around me that are specifically just tire shops tires and alignments.

The reason I say a chain is there is usually a revolving door of tire technicians, because it's grueling work for usually ****** pay. But it's an in into the industry.

Quick lubes are not a in into the industry as they rarely do service, and if they do offer it, it's usually a joke.

How do you figure, anyone can take the test and pass it if they can read. In states like michigan you need to be ase cert to work on the area of the car or there needs to be a master tech and you fall under his blanket.

 

[00S4Boy]

How do you figure, anyone can take the test and pass it if they can read. In states like michigan you need to be ase cert to work on the area of the car or there needs to be a master tech and you fall under his blanket.

http://www.ase.com/Template.cfm?Sec...tManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=6709

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

How do you figure, anyone can take the test and pass it if they can read. In states like michigan you need to be ase cert to work on the area of the car or there needs to be a master tech and you fall under his blanket.

You have to have 2yrs experience. You can take the tests pass them, then get a job, and in 2yrs you will get your certs.

 

[tonydanzah]

You have to have 2yrs experience. You can take the tests pass them, then get a job, and in 2yrs you will get your certs.

bingo and there is not actual requirement for work experience, you could have changed tires for 2 years or just oil changes.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Oh, totally forgot the main topic. Most dealerships will hire you as a lube tech first. If you want to be a mechanic you will move up quickly. I would also suggest apprenticing with the used car tech; if you don't want to be limited to one brand of automobile.

Not sure about the independent shops, but I would assume they might hire you, and I would assume you would start out at the bottom and earn your way up. You could learn a lot at one, just make sure to pick a reputable shop, some of these places are filled with idiot techs and owners.

 

[00S4Boy]

Oh, totally forgot the main topic. Most dealerships will hire you as a lube tech first. If you want to be a mechanic you will move up quickly. I would also suggest apprenticing with the used car tech; if you don't want to be limited to one brand of automobile.

Not sure about the independent shops, but I would assume they might hire you, and I would assume you would start out at the bottom and earn your way up. You could learn a lot at one, just make sure to pick a reputable shop, some of these places are filled with idiot techs and owners.

I know how true that is, the National Tire and Battery I work at is filled with people who should not be touching cars.

 

[tonydanzah]

i never submitted any work experience because I worked on heavy equipment where its irrelevant except to tell employers

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I know how true that is, the National Tire and Battery I work at is filled with people who should not be touching cars.

Oh, I wasn't talking about the chain stores. Don't know if this has to be mentioned or not... If you want to become a well rounded quality mechanic, stay away form these shops. I can't speak for all chains in the country, but usually the house the **** techs who got fired, wannabes that couldn't hack it, and crack heads.

 

[larry_g]

Chris

I'm a retired industrial mechanic. I've spent my working life fixing things and did some management time. What I learned through my life is that skills you have will get your car running and things working. This however does not mean that you do things to the standards of the professionals in the field. This is where schooling and apprenticeships come into play. Where I worked it was viewed that degreed people, AS, BS, and higher were trainable. We had a few A&P mechanics that made the transition to industrial very easily. They were taught the discipline and attention to details that were needed in my plant. If you have the option for schooling take it, it will pay off in the long run. Today’s maintenance tech has a lot more to deal with than the mechanics did when I went to school and worked as a mechanic. Points, plugs, check the compression and do the carb and it would run. Now days it’s a lot more. The basics are the same but the controls are a whole lot more sophisticated.

Someone above said that a tire shop is a way in the door, and that is one way. I would suggest that if you spent two years in school instead of a tire shop that in 5 years you would be way further ahead.

Lg
No neat sig line

 

[00S4Boy]

Oh, I wasn't talking about the chain stores. Don't know if this has to be mentioned or not... If you want to become a well rounded quality mechanic, stay away form these shops. I can't speak for all chains in the country, but usually the house the **** techs who got fired, wannabes that couldn't hack it, and crack heads.

National Tire and Battery for the most part is an awesome company to work for. I just happen to work at a brand new store that hasn't established a crew yet. It's to the point of me, the 21 year old mechanic is the lead tech who's history is tech school, half a year as a tire tech, a year as a service writer, and year at a chain store that basically hires scum(no drug test no bg check) doing beyond basic mechanical repairs.

 

[peter_x]

I used to try to get hired in shops being a self-taught mechanic. For the most part, the only shops that hired me would do so off the books. They were basically looking to pay someone $10 an hour that would make them $500 an hour.

I sold all my tools and bought a tow truck.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

National Tire and Battery for the most part is an awesome company to work for. I just happen to work at a brand new store that hasn't established a crew yet. It's to the point of me, the 21 year old mechanic is the lead tech who's history is tech school, half a year as a tire tech, a year as a service writer, and year at a chain store that basically hires scum(no drug test no bg check) doing beyond basic mechanical repairs.

First I mean no disrespect; seriously, and I do not want to start a war. But, even if it is an awesome company to work for; you will not learn much. How many tire shops would even replace and intake manifold gasket? Answer, not many; they are not allowed to by corporate "can't speak for all, but most are this way." If you want to sling tires and do alignments for a career, by all means do it, but if you want to be able to fix anything wrong with a vehicle this is not the way to go "in my opinion."

 

[Fedwrench]

I always look at a person's work ethic more than their technical skills initially. Are you dependable, punctual, ready to work, free of personal issues, etc. I can train, mentor, and develop someone with a good work ethic but, it's harder to develop a good work ethic in someone that doesn't have one.
Keep in mind that being a tech/mechanic these days often *****. Most places eat their young and view techs as expendable. Also keep in your mind that a car is often a person's second largest purchase next to their home and if you screw something up, everyone will hear about it. Training is important so, I would try to attend a few night classes at your local community college if they're available. If you knock on enough doors someone will give you a shot, good luck.

 

[caper]

i never submitted any work experience because I worked on heavy equipment where its irrelevant except to tell employers

So according to this you've passed the tests but are not certified?That's how it looks.I'm not familiar with the ASE certs,they're worthless in Canada(and most of the US from what I've read).Kind of like the IFPS certification I just had to get to keep the company happy.We have a nationwide licensing system which requires a 4-5 yr apprenticeship and then passing a nationwide exam.In this country if you don't have a license or are not a registered apprentice your working for peanuts in a shop that's usually ****.Most reputable shops won't hire guys who aren't willing to go through the apprenticeship program.

 

[caper]

i was wondering what kind of experience is needed to start at an auto shop. i never went to school for it but i am very good with my hands and to be honest pretty good with cars, i work on mine, and all of my friends call me when they need something fixed. i have no problem being an apprentice or starting with stupid **** like oil changes but i want my foot in the door and id rather start at an auto shop and not an oil change outfit.

Reading your post I see a couple things that are in your favor.First you have some knowledge of cars,even if it's limited.This is at least a starting point.The second thing is even more important IMO.You realize your knowledge is limited and are willing to start at the bottom and work your way up.I'm sure there are employers out there who are willing to take on someone and teach them when they have a good attitude about things.There are a hell of a lot of top mechanics who got their start at the bottom of the chain running for parts,sweeping floors and changing oil and tires.A good attitude and a strong work ethic along with a thirst for knowledge can get you up the food chain pretty quick.I started out doing mufflers and pumping gas.After twenty years I've got more licenses and courses than I can keep track of but I've made my way into a gravy mechanic job that's one of the highest paying in my area.It didn't come easy and I worked a lot of ****** jobs but I took advantage of every opportunity for training I came across and eventually it paid off.

 

[ADaughen]

1. Remember lots of dealer mechanics were laid off last year.
2. Certs are a plus.
3. Local Joint Vocational School could get you some hands on experience that a shop might not be willing to offer new guys.


I worked for a small shop back in high school. It was all the "**** work" - tear down, clean up, etc. Be prepared for the dirty jobs. Make sure you bust your **** and show a willingness to learn. Ask questions.



A few years later (2001), I almost opened my own shop. Local place had a two lift bay with office, and tools for $65k. I had a silent partner and business plan arranged. The problem at the time was the location was not ideal and finding customers could have been difficult. -If you can't find a shop... start your own.

As it is, I am tech support. I wrench for fun and spare cash.

 

[00S4Boy]

First I mean no disrespect; seriously, and I do not want to start a war. But, even if it is an awesome company to work for; you will not learn much. How many tire shops would even replace and intake manifold gasket? Answer, not many; they are not allowed to by corporate "can't speak for all, but most are this way." If you want to sling tires and do alignments for a career, by all means do it, but if you want to be able to fix anything wrong with a vehicle this is not the way to go "in my opinion."

The shop will do what ever i feel comfortable doing.

I've done intake gaskets, clutches, timing belts.

Basically being lead tech our limit of work we will do is work I am comfortable doing as long as the customer agrees to the price.

 

[tyreguy25]

i never submitted any work experience because I worked on heavy equipment where its irrelevant except to tell employers

You can pass the tests and not be certified. Also, a tire shop that does brakes, suspension, etc is a qualified experience requirement for the ASE certs. I am hanging out at my shop until I can take, pass and be CERTIFIED under A4 and A5. That is neither here nor there. My intention is to pick up the study guides and what not in the next couple months...

 

[Thumper]

Newchris.....when I had my shop I wanted young guys like you..somebody with common sense...a basic understanding of how stuff works....a willingness to learn....and a natural mechanical ability. Find a small reputable independant shop that does general repairs and talk to them. You will start off cleaning, sweeping and doing basic jobs until you prove yourself.

Like someone else said......some tech classes in the evenings and all the tech seminars you can go to....by all means do it. It's a tough business to get into and even tougher to stay on top of all the changes but if you really want it you can do it. Good luck .

 

[mtkst19]

if you can find a mom/pop shop that is willing to take you in. it is harder now a days due to the technology. but there is still indy shops that kept w/ the times.

another option is to work in a salvage yard. hands on experience tearing stuff down. in addition, you have some lee-way generally if you do mess **** up. last bonus, you will or should devolp the ability to look at **** and visually be able to disect it. As no way you know how to tear apart every car. Yet by studying what you are about to do, you will visualize it and go to town. Work in a yard for a few years, you will pick up quick. It is not glamorous or easy work. But pay can be equal to a repair tech. As used parts is big business.

 

[newchris]

thanks everyone, theres really not too many mom and pop shops around here, i will try the ones i know, see i dropped out of uconn (im from connecticut by the way) because i knew i didnt want the office type job that would come with a degree from there so i went back to my highschool job at the hardware store but after finally getting a decent amount of hours they cut them so im putting in my two weeks notice because im sick of having **** like that done to me. i was just exploring options, my buddy was a manager at jiffy lube and just got hired at midas, he does alot more now, buys his own tools and will eventually work his way into being a pro wrench. id be very interested in doing that, but honestly ill probably just join the army like i planned on when i dropped out anyway haha

 

[tonydanzah]

So according to this you've passed the tests but are not certified?That's how it looks.I'm not familiar with the ASE certs,they're worthless in Canada(and most of the US from what I've read).Kind of like the IFPS certification I just had to get to keep the company happy.We have a nationwide licensing system which requires a 4-5 yr apprenticeship and then passing a nationwide exam.In this country if you don't have a license or are not a registered apprentice your working for peanuts in a shop that's usually ****.Most reputable shops won't hire guys who aren't willing to go through the apprenticeship program.

Yes but to be certified all I would need to do is submit my work experience which is plenty and I get the certs mailed to me.
Canada seems to have its act together with certification in regards to protecting the worker. I know Michigan you need to be certified or need to be under a master techs "blanket". Can either be a state cert or you can transfer the ASE. But in illinois the certs may mean a raise to you depending on your employer or it means totally nothing. It depends how much they want to push ASE signs up front. No such national apprentice. Only heavily regulated are your building/repair trades. Plumbers, electricians, hvac. But in Illinois at least you can find plenty of unlicensed polish or mexicans doing these jobs as well. As long as people want a disconnected rate they will stay in business.

 

[Simplespeed]

I started as a tire/lube guy at NTB about 5 years ago. I cut my hours and went to aviation maintenance school. Towards the end i quit my job to focus on school. After i graduated i explored job offers and stuff and realized i didnt give a **** about planes. I still wanted to work on cars. I applied at dealerships as a lube tech. I got hired at Nissan. I busted my ***, showed up early and left late 6 days a week. The 3 other lube techs ended up quitting and i ran the lube bays by myself for 4 months. My boss let me choose who he hired for lube and i put a good team together and i got a raise and didnt have to touch the cars anymore, just made sure they got done correctly and quick. This is after working there only 6 months. Well, i wanted to work on cars so my boss made me a tech. Promised to send me to school after i finished twenty something online courses of Nissan training. I finished them in 2 months but i think he thought i wouldnt do them and wasnt serious. I was doing trannys, rear ends, axles, along with all the basic maintenance and starting to get into nissan consult 3 pretty deep. Alot of the techs didnt know how to use the new stuff. My boss kept putting off sending me to school but continued to send other techs. He dicked me around too long, then it got slow so i left. I came back to NTB as a temp job but iv been here a year and it is no place for someone who wants to learn. All you will do is struts, brakes, alignments and batteries. If your fast, you can make a decent paycheck. But anyone can make a decent paycheck working 60 hours a week. I shoulda stayed at the dealer and let them **** me around, at least i was in a cooled and heated shop that was clean and surrounded by experienced techs and had a nice schedule.

Whatever you do, wherever you go, bust your *** and you will eventually move up if you want to. Im 25years old and i feel like im behind because i dont have any ASEs yet but this should change in the next few months. Good luck.

 

[treasureseeker]

I started out in a small garage then when I bought a new car I talked my way into that dealership. I think a small garage is a good start. You not only have to learn to be a good mechanic but to be safe, lots of potential for accidents . The slower pace of a small garage is helpful in starting out, but you need to know when to move on. The one I worked at had no money for education and after some years I had learned all they knew but cars change and we didn’t.

A few comments on Simplespeed's experience in a dealership. I feel as long as someone in the shop gets the training and will share you can evolve. If you get into a dealership it is a big break and take it as far as you can.

 

[CarCrafter]

How do you figure, anyone can take the test and pass it if they can read. In states like michigan you need to be ase cert to work on the area of the car or there needs to be a master tech and you fall under his blanket.

In Michigan, you need to be STATE certified, not ASE certified to work in the areas of certification. The State certification is relatively easy to pass and is administered by the Secretary of State (Vehicle reg, licenses, etc) On the other hand, if you have ASEs already, all you have to do is send in a copy of your cert and pay the fees and you are automatically state certified.

 

[tonydanzah]

In Michigan, you need to be STATE certified, not ASE certified to work in the areas of certification. The State certification is relatively easy to pass and is administered by the Secretary of State (Vehicle reg, licenses, etc) On the other hand, if you have ASEs already, all you have to do is send in a copy of your cert and pay the fees and you are automatically state certified.

i mentioned that a few posts up

"Can either be a state cert or you can transfer the ASE." post #27

 

[CarCrafter]

i know this isnt necessarily a tool question but since i assume the majority of you all are or were professional mechanics ill ask anyway at the risk of getting flamed. i was wondering what kind of experience is needed to start at an auto shop. i never went to school for it but i am very good with my hands and to be honest pretty good with cars, i work on mine, and all of my friends call me when they need something fixed. i have no problem being an apprentice or starting with stupid **** like oil changes but i want my foot in the door and id rather start at an auto shop and not an oil change outfit. would they hire someone like me or is it a standard that you have to be schooled in it?

I think the whole ASE debate has gotten away from what you were originally asking.

There are simply no single route that maps your way to starting your own shop. There are plenty of shop owners out there who "own" but know little to nothing and end up learning more each day while he/ she is on the job from the employees. On the other hand, there are few guys who were in their family business while mom was cashing customers . Some guys start out at schools, work their way up the totem pole and start their own. Others skip the school and go right to work, blah blah blah. No one has the identical story.

If you are mechanically inclined and have some experience, you already have a leg up on most of the guys already. Nothing beats real working experience, even if its learning by mistake on your own vehicles. If you are trying to get into the business as in-expensive as you can and fast track your way to shop ownership, I'd just as soon skip the school (full time) and find a tire chain like another poster had suggested. Tire & lube lads are a dime a dozen, so the expectation isn't much more than a warm body and a pulse, which means the shop typically isn't going to be too choosy. Learn to use the equipment and absorb like a sponge. From there you can leap frog your way into other positions, brakes, alignment, etc. I would definitely take advantage of the seminars and any training they have to offer and seek out some night classes at the local CC if you can. From there you can leap frog your way to a dealership and hopefully get more training there. In the mean time, you should have been accumulating tools and knowledge like nothing else. Sometimes, try out different positions. If you are personable and you find a place/ situation where they wouldn't mind you helping with customers, you may find that you enjoy it and that's a good way to see the customer service side of things; service writer, service manager.

IMHO, there are never too many skill sets to possess when it comes to life, or owning a business. If you understand every position and can perform them, that just makes you that much more likely to succeed. Shops come in different shapes and sizes, from one man to many more. Some can be started on a shoe string budget, others could be in the millions. The most valuable asset in your arsenal should always be YOU, whether it be working for someone or owning a business.

I'm not going to get into the ASE or not ASE ******* contest here. That is entirely up to the individual. The ASEs are not rocket science and they are worth something, but I wouldn't run into a burning home to save'em, if you catch what I am trying to say.

 

[crewchief888]

when i left this area back in the early 80's, (due to an economic downturn), i had been a machinist/too l& die maker for 8+ years, and had served my apprenticeship.
1200 miles away, and no job for machinists
i was driving a forklift, loading trucks in a paper recycling plant. i heard that a local equipment dealer was looking for help, so i went that night and talked to the service manager, i could start the next day, changing tires and doing oil changes.
i told him no, i'll start in 2 weeks after i give my notice.
i started out doing oil changes/tires, and within 6 months was out running field service calls.

all of my schooling came later, with every dealership that ive worked at over the last 25 years.
all it took was the incentive to learn, and to listen.
over the years ive worked in the shop, field service, rebuild room, weld/fabrication shop, lead mechanic, and a short time as a service manager.

i dont play well with others, so ive been back out on the road for the last 6 years..

 

[mrholeshot]

I'm a Master Certified Auto Tech A1-A8, I also have L1 (advance engine performance) as well as Master Engine machinst M1-M3.

Some will tell you these test are a joke. I can tell you they are tough. You better be on your game when you take some of them. I've never failed one but a few I sweated the first time out. I was certified before they used the ASE patch. It use to be a round orange cog gear with NIASE on it. The test won't make you a better technician but it does show others that you take pride and are serious about your craft. I paid for my guys certs if they passed. I required anyone who was on flat rate to get certified. With each cert the pay went up.

I started a lot of young people that went from sweeping the floor to Certified technicians and several Master Technicians.

Your best bet would get into a independant shop to gain experiance in as many makes as possible.

In order to start your own shop the only thing you need is good business sense and deep pockets. I worked for a guy once who didn't know how to check his own oil but he surrounded himself with skilled technicians.

A lot of people who think they are good with cars learn quickly it's no cakewalk. If you have a real passion you will do well.

 

[krusty the clown]

i'm an ase master as well.........took them all in one night, never studied. passed all of them at 92%.

had a guy tell me that i could never pass L1 because a guy he used to workwith couldn't pass it and he's much better than me. so i went to the bar and got drunk first.......wanna guess how i did
















i passed

 

[mrholeshot]

i'm an ase master as well.........took them all in one night, never studied. passed all of them at 92%.

had a guy tell me that i could never pass L1 because a guy he used to workwith couldn't pass it and he's much better than me. so i went to the bar and got drunk first.......wanna guess how i did
















i passed

I never studied either. You just have to know what you are doing and read carefully. Can be very tricky. I take them 4 at the time. Recerts are a breeze. The reason I won't do them all at once is if I don't get around to testing as they expire I was still certified.

I don't know how you passed L1 drunk. I did like 90% and was pulling my hair out.

 

[mrholeshot]

i'm an ase master as well.........took them all in one night, never studied. passed all of them at 92%.

had a guy tell me that i could never pass L1 because a guy he used to workwith couldn't pass it and he's much better than me. so i went to the bar and got drunk first.......wanna guess how i did
















i passed

I never studied either. You just have to know what you are doing and read carefully. Can be very tricky. I take them 4 at the time. Recerts are a breeze. The reason I won't do them all at once is if I don't get around to testing as they expire I was still certified.

How did you hit the all at 92%?

I don't know how you passed L1 drunk. I did like 90% and was pulling my hair out.

 

[krusty the clown]

I never studied either. You just have to know what you are doing and read carefully. Can be very tricky. I take them 4 at the time. Recerts are a breeze. The reason I won't do them all at once is if I don't get around to testing as they expire I was still certified..

you still have a year to retest

I don't know how you passed L1 drunk. I did like 90% and was pulling my hair out.

maybe because i know what the hell i'm doing..........

 

[autopts71045]

The shop will do what ever i feel comfortable doing.

I've done intake gaskets, clutches, timing belts.

Basically being lead tech our limit of work we will do is work I am comfortable doing as long as the customer agrees to the price.

NTB is our biggest customer at our Napa Store and we have many acounts. Those kids know how to use scanners and believe it or not, we sell them everything Head Sets, Clutches, various sensors, and, their returns are low. Beats me!

 

[sberry]

If you are serious some school is a good idea, I can tell the difference when a guy has had some formal instruction vs learning hand to mouth. Sometimes guys with a bit of hands on are ahead the first day but those with some training usually blow by them in short order.