Getting trained as an auto mechanic

One of my articles appearing at: http://www.helium.com/tm/818342/perfect-example-someone-wants

My life is a perfect example for someone who wants to go into the automotive mechanical field but does not really have the money to almost completely quit work and attend a formal school.
You see, my dad was a small engine and automotive mechanic who taught me a lot. When I graduated high school, my dream was to become an aviation maintenance technician but it required a minimum of two years at a full time school.

My dad and mother or I couldn't afford the added expense with almost no income from me, so that dream went by the way side. I desperately needed a source of decent income so as an alternative I couldn't wait to become a truck driver. A couple of short lived jobs later, that was exactly where I found myself. That job also carried along the responsibility of some maintenance work on the trucks I drove (a tradition of sorts back then). So did the next few driving jobs. Those experiences as a truck driver proved invaluable later in life.

I finally decided truck driving was not for me so I tried my hand at several other occupations and finally wound up working at a commercial tree nursery where I again found myself taking on mechanical responsibilities, even taking some formal training at a nearby technical school. Seems I couldn't stay clear of mechanics whether it was on mine, a relative or friends vehicle, or on the job working on a truck, tractor, ditching machine or you name it.

My brother tried his hand at a shop of his own and I decided to help for a while. This really began my career as a full fledged mechanic. About three years later I started to work for a large truck dealership in a neighboring city. 25 years later I was still in the big truck field, but along the way I became a highly trained ASE certified Master Medium/Heavy Truck & Bus Technician. I didn't turn down any opportunity at further training and certification, Let me tell you, that led me all over a great part of the US going to first this school and that school. A blank wall in my house will barely hold the certificates I collected.

I guess the message here is to get on board any job that will subject you to the mechanical field if the funds are not available to attend a technical school. Then get as much training as you can anywhere you can, and the auto field will just happen for you if you have the mindset for it along with the drive to take that next step.

Automotive mechanics of caliber don't just happen along, making them in big demand and the demand is getting bigger all the time. Especially where the electronic world is concerned. Computers and electronics are an increasingly large part of all automotive applications today and will be even more a part of it tomorrow. Some training in those areas is certainly advisable.

A description I keep hearing from people in the know (and I agree), is that a person who is both mechanical minded AND computer/electronics savvy will get to the point of earnings akin to airline pilots and beyond. A huge demand for these people already exists.

One final thought, start right now putting together your tools and toolboxes because they cost thousands and most shops require you provide your own tools to a certain degree. A weekly allowance for tool purchases is the only way to go for a person serious about becoming any kind of automotive mechanic.

Some places where you can get a job and both receive the background and training necessary to become a full blown auto technician is listed below:

WalMart, Sears & other auto service centers
Tire shops (they also do light to medium auto mechanics)
Taxi & limousine services
Bus companies
Public School shops
City, county & State shops
Trucking & delivery companies (including such as UPS, Fed Ex, etc.)
Auto service centers in general
Exhaust repair shops
Auto glass companies
Radiator repair shops
Driveline repair shops
Alternator & starter re-builders
Transmission & rear axle re-builders
Engine re-builders
And the list go on.

You see, the possibilities are there. All you need to do is get in there and dig while being open to any and all chances to advance.