Mechanic? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

FordHawk · 10-15-2003, 17:10

Not sure if this was best posted here or in the Garage.

I am contemplating a change of career (not that I really have a career at the moment being only 18). I have been thinking Info Tech industry...but deferred from uni due to me hating the course. I have been thinking Sport industry...but don't really think that is what I want to go in to. Now I am thinking about becoming a mechanic. This is obviously a huge change from what I have been thinking...but ever since becoming a FF member last year...my interest in cars has absolutely sky-rocketed!

I guess what I want to know is who out there is a mechanic? Do you like your job? How well does it pay? How long are the hours you put in?

It is funny that I am telling you guys about this contemplation before telling my family (who may freak considering I have always been headed for uni...and have done alright all through school.)

The only thing I really see as being a factor holding me back is that I don't have a lot of technical knowledge regarding engines etc. in a car. This would be covered by doing a first year apprenticeship I am thinking.

Please tell me what you think.

AU1XR8 · 10-15-2003, 17:33

My father is a mechanic, and when I was a teen I used to work on Saturdays at his workshop. The only thing I can tell you is that it is not a glamorous job and the pay isn't very flash either.

It can be fun, but mostly it's mundane work on mundane cars.

XRated · 10-15-2003, 18:08

Holy crap! You're going through pretty much everything I have (bar the sports). I just did 3/4s of an IT course, which I fooken hated (lots OO Java programming). Then I thought about being a mechanic, but my technical knowledge definitely lacks... Most of my family and friends think I should focus on a different area in IT. So next year I am hoping to get in to a Multimedia/Networking course.

Good luck with your choices - I know how hard it can be.

FordHawk · 10-15-2003, 18:25

Oh it is really fun XRated isn't it!

I can't work out what I want to do.

Martin · 10-16-2003, 01:16

When I was an apprentice pay was like $4/h

XR8 Lamah · 10-16-2003, 01:24

The IT industry is still fairly sucky atm

much to my disgust

I actually considered changing to mechanics myself a year or so ago during an extended unemployment period, but couldn't handle the idea of 4 years of fairly ordinary pay....

That said, I think a mechanic with a good business mind could make an absolute fortune ( perhaps you could specialise in Ford Performance tuning ? :) ). Seriously - a performance tuning house I think should make a fairly good business ( god knows we need more of them in 'Sydney - Land of the Missing Ford Mechanic")

Oh - forgot to say, I think you will learn everything you need to in an apprenticeship. Existing knowledge would probably help to start with, but strong enthusiasm / interest and commitment will make the difference in the long run . . .

FordHawk · 10-16-2003, 17:05

Thanks for the replies...I understand that if the enthusiasm and committment is there (and it is) I will learn a lot...and hopefully get paid well in the future. The idea of $4 an hour isn't too flash...

OverDose · 10-16-2003, 22:33

they say dont make your hobby your job

FoMoCo4eva · 10-16-2003, 22:59

While on the topic...not that I want to steal your thread here Viper8LitreV10....im doing engineering(mechanical)/commerce at uni (2nd year) but I want to do some kind of mechanics course.

I know the basic stuff about cars, but i want to know how everything works, inside and out. Anyone got any suggestions?

I was hoping for somehting during the holidays.

Hey Viper....I have a mate who dropped out of high school, and then did his mechanics apprentaship. After that he completed Year 12 through night school and now is doing engineering. Not to sure if that helps, but that is the path he has tarvelled.

FordHawk · 10-16-2003, 23:10

Thanks FoMoCo that helps a bit...you didn't steal the thread either.

OverDose - tinkering with cars isn't my hobby at the moment...going on FF is!