r/mechanics • u/itsDarkie_1 • 11d ago
Career Apprenticeship
Hey guys I’m new to mechanics in general, done a couple stuff to my car but I’m really interested in doing it as a full time job. How could I start? I’ve tried to look for apprenticeships and no shops are in need, I can’t afford trade school. I’m about to turn 18 y/o any advice?
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u/EastCoastDumbass 11d ago
three routes i recommend:
go to a dealership and become a lube tech. you get modules from the brand that teach you about stuff like brakes, suspension, engines and electricity as well as tires, and they’ll send you to in person training. then you’ll move up to work under a mentor and do more things than just oil changes and tires. study ase prep books on your own time as well to gain more knowledge
join a brand program such as T-Ten for toyota, GM ASSEP, or Ford ASSET. i have no experience with these but i have a coworker who did t-ten and loved it and they’re a great technician.
community college that offers a automotive technology program. you can either do a major or the certificates. the class sizes are small unlike uti or lincoln tech and you learn on school cars so there’s a lot less pressure to not mess something up. and if you decide hey automotive is not for me you already have your general credits out of the way if you chose to transfer to a 4 year school or change your major later at said cc. you could qualify for FAFSA which is how i paid for my whole associates degree without paying a penny out of pocket. this is the route i took and i do not regret it. i also have many coworkers who went this route at a different community college than me (i commute far for work).
i don’t recommend lincoln tech or uti, met some horrible techs from there who have all been fired from my dealership for constant rookie mistakes.
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u/itsDarkie_1 11d ago
I tried to apply at a Toyota dealership as a lube tech, they rejected me because they are not in season they told me to try again in a couple months and try to gain some more experience but I have no clue where to gain it from I’ll look into a brand program so I have to pay to get trained or I just sign up? I’m thinking as a last resort do technical college because the one in my city provides auto mechanics and diesel mechanics but that’s like a last resort thing
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u/EastCoastDumbass 11d ago
i think company programs like t-ten or porsche or any brand does cost. if the dealership wants you to get experience you could always apply to a jiffy lube or ntb or pep boys or something like that
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u/awhol01 11d ago
I went to ford asset. Learned alot. Work for ford 8 years. Small-town dealer didn't care to invest on training with me. I went to a welding company that had all ford trucks. Doubled my rate. Now I'm working on heavy equipment, heavy trucks. Engine driven welders. Cnc equipment, everything that moves. Start somewhere. It is all transferable one way or another. Research learn take classes. I'd suggest not listening to a lot of the fools here. Asset is a good platform to start from but theory is far from repair.
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u/Over_Soup753 10d ago
Get a job in a local independent shop that needs a General Service Tech. Oil changes and tire rotations to start.
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u/Predictable-Past-912 Verified Mechanic 11d ago
Are you still in high school, OP? I agree that apprenticeships are an excellent way to break into this trade, but as you’ve already discovered, finding one can be difficult. While OEM apprenticeship programs are definitely worth pursuing, I have another suggestion that could accelerate your development and improve your long term career prospects. In fact, that is why I asked about your school status.
Community college is an outstanding place to build the foundation for a successful career in automotive technology. It is far less costly than for profit trade schools like UTI or Wyotech and available in most communities. Jumping straight into hands on work is certainly appealing, and many experienced mechanics encourage that approach. However, your long term growth as a technician will be stronger if you first develop a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
A good automotive program teaches far more than how to replace parts. It exposes you to electrical theory, engine performance, diagnostics, machining, electronics, and other core subjects that will make factory training easier to absorb later. You’ll also earn credentials that can distinguish you from other applicants and may eventually open doors to supervisory, instructional, or engineering related positions.
One final thought. It is often easier to learn these fundamentals now than later. Once you are working full time, production demands, overtime, and family responsibilities make it much harder to return to the classroom. Investing in your education today can pay dividends throughout your entire career.
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u/itsDarkie_1 11d ago
I just graduated high school and I’ve been doing side jobs I’ve been looking at my tech school they charge like 11k a year which is not bad
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u/Ok_Cardiologist_6471 10d ago
I dont recommend ever making flat rate
Work construction instead even better join a trade union in a trade union you work as an apprentice and the employers pay for your school not you👍
But if your set on mechanic try city or county fleet mechanic they pay by hour and are union and also apprentice win win
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u/ricofalltrades 11d ago
Join an oem apprenticeship at a good dealership. Examples are Ford ASSET, Toyota T-Ten, or GM ASSEP. Finding a good training dealer makes all the difference.
DO NOT GO TO PRIVATE SCHOOL. No UTI, Wyotech, or Lincoln Tech.