So, you’ve just finished school—or you’re will at the end of the year. First of all, congratulations! But here’s a question: Do you know what comes next? Are you headed to university, or perhaps thinking about a trade apprenticeship? Or maybe you’re the type who's planning to take a year off to "find yourself" while visiting European hotspots, spending days in long queues trying to get into Bergheim, and pretending like you're deep while everyone around you is going on with their careers.
Chances are, there are a few of you who are considering a building trade. There’s also a good chance that many are eyeing university instead. But we’re willing to bet that almost none of you have considered becoming an apprentice mechanic. And, honestly, that’s understandable.
But let’s take a closer look at the reality of a mechanic’s career. What's good about it? What's bad? And is it even worth considering as a career path?
The Reality of Being a Mechanic
First things first, let’s be blunt: Being a mechanic isn’t always glamorous. It can be a tough gig. Mechanics often work long hours, deal with frustrating tasks, and face some of the lowest pay rates among skilled trades. On top of that, there’s a worrying trend of drug and alcohol abuse within the profession. Mental health issues are also far too common, and unfortunately, they often go unnoticed.
In fact, a study in the U.S. ranks mechanics as having the third-highest suicide rate among all professions, which speaks volumes about the pressure and stress many in the trade experience. This shouldn’t be overlooked. The combination of long hours, low pay, and difficult conditions takes a toll.
If you ask any mechanic under the age of 28, they’ll likely tell you they hate the job. However, if you ask anyone who’s been in the trade for over a decade, you’ll hear a very different story. Many of them truly love being mechanics, and it’s something they’re passionate about. The difference in perspective as people age and gain experience is fascinating.
So, What’s Good About Being a Mechanic?
Now, don’t get us wrong: It’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, there are several reasons why mechanics stick with their career and even grow to love it over time.
Mental Stimulation and Problem-Solving: Being a mechanic is far from monotonous. It's a job that requires you to think on your feet and solve problems in real time. Every day brings a new challenge, which can be extremely stimulating for people who like to keep their brains engaged while they work.
The Satisfaction of Fixing Things: One of the best parts of being a mechanic is the opportunity to fix something for someone every day. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you’re able to diagnose and repair an issue, especially when the customer is happy with the result.
Passion for Cars: Many mechanics genuinely love cars and enjoy working on them. It’s a specialized skill that not everyone has, and it takes time and effort to become proficient. Doing a high-quality job and seeing the results of your work can be incredibly fulfilling. If you're someone who enjoys hands-on work and the satisfaction of fixing things, it can be a great fit.
Real* footage of Lachlan dancing
Becoming a Mechanic: The Process
If you’re in Queensland (or similar regions), there are a couple of main ways to become a qualified mechanic, and both paths usually involve going to TAFE. The two main options are:
TAFE-based Learning: This route involves attending classes and gaining practical knowledge at TAFE while taking on work experience hours in the field. It’s a great option if you prefer hands-on learning and want to gain practical experience while studying.
However, while this is a shorter path to becoming a qualified mechanic, it is often frowned upon by potential employers as people qualified through this method are often less experienced.
Apprenticeship: Some people choose a more traditional apprenticeship route, where they work directly with a qualified mechanic or at an auto repair shop, gradually building their skills over time.
This often leads to a better chance of employment, but can take extra years at a lower pay rate, often while working alongside grumpy, older mechanics.
Either way, you'll gain the technical expertise and real-world experience you need to become a skilled mechanic. But it’s important to keep in mind that it can take a few years to become fully qualified and start earning a decent wage.
The real reason we work
Final Thoughts
So, is being a mechanic a good career? Like any job, it has its pros and cons. If you're looking for a mentally stimulating and hands-on job, and you have a passion for cars, it could be a great fit. But, it’s also important to be aware of the challenges and stresses that come with the profession.
If you're considering this career path, make sure to do your research and speak to professionals in the trade to get a sense of what it entails. It's not a decision to be taken lightly, but for the right person, it can be a deeply rewarding and satisfying career.
If you have any questions about this blog post, would like a second opinion from a mechanic or would like to find an honest mechanic in Brisbane, check out Kashy here.
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