It’s not all grease stains and oil cloths, that’s for sure! Many people see a career as a mechanic as unglamorous. But your job doesn’t need to have glitz and glamour to make it interesting, varied and fun!
And a career as a mechanic can be more diverse than you think. Automotive repairs is an industry that’s constantly changing as new models of cars hit the market. Not only do you need to be able to embrace the life of a grease monkey, but you must also know how to navigate computer software too. There’s room for progression and the chance to have a lifelong career that’s rewarding and fascinating. In this article, we take a closer look at what you can expect from a job as a vehicle mechanic.
WHAT’RE THE STATS?
Let’s start first with the facts. What can you expect from a job in the Australian automotive repairs industry?
- Mechanics typically have a lower unemployment rate. Once you’re trained, you’re likely to have a job! If you find yourself between jobs, in such circumstances as moving town, you won’t be in this situation for long.
- The industry is enjoying stable growth, which means that you will maintain a job as a mechanic for years to come.
- Most mechanics work full-time, providing a reliable source of income. Hours are approximately 40 a week.
- According to Job Outlook, full-time Australian mechanics earn approximately $1000 a week. If you specialise in a niche area, this could be much more!
- To become a mechanic, you typically require at least a Certificate III in Automotive Repairs. It’s rare for someone to get into the industry without formal training.
- Training can often be undertaken as an apprenticeship where you work and study simultaneously.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON AN AVERAGE DAY AS A CAR MECHANIC?
On to the fun stuff! What exactly would you be doing on a daily basis as a mechanic? This can vary depending on whether you wish to specialise in a particular area such as air conditioning technology, body repairs or electrical work. A general service mechanic might carry out the following jobs on a typical day:
- -Diagnose a check engine light.
- -Conduct a 10 000 KM service.
- -Perform an oil change.
- -Rotate the tyres on a vehicle.
- -Conduct an 8000 KM service.
- -Replace headlight bulbs.
- -Inspect a vehicle for its roadworthy/safety certificate.
Some tasks may take up more time than others, like when a vehicle problem is proving challenging to diagnose. In many cases, you’ll be using a computer to diagnose and test parts. The role of a contemporary mechanic requires a wrench in one hand and a laptop in the other. Much of your job in a typical retail workshop or servicing centre will involve repairing and replacing old car parts and carrying out scheduled maintenance. However, you may choose to work in heavy vehicle repairs, where you could end up being subcontracted onto different sites, or even gain the opportunity to be an employee of a large industrial company. Alternatively, you could look into a career in roadside assistance, or even as part of the defence forces! There is a great range of employers for mechanics that could see you taking your job to several different industries.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES WILL YOU HAVE TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER?
There are many opportunities to advance your career as a car mechanic. You may wish to specialise in particular areas to gain new skills, or eventually open up your own workshop. Choosing to stay in the same workshop could lead to supervisory and managerial positions with higher pay rates and heightened responsibilities. Furthermore, the work of a vehicle mechanic is forever changing and advancing as car technology catapults into the future. Who knows what cars will be capable of in twenty years? If companies like TESLA and Audi keep manufacturing vehicles that incorporate innovative new technology, the role of the automotive mechanic is only going to get more interesting!