Mechanic Apprenticeships

[Djrystofer]

Can anyone comment on getting one of these?
I was offered one at the local Volkswagen Dealership (But from what I've heard, you aren't treated like the bottom of a barrel, being a dealer) and I'm wondering if anyone would like to put some input in on what it's like to be a mechanic, working conditions & future opportunities as one etc
Basicly if it's worth looking into or not
Thanks

[Ivan]

Mate if you are asking these questions I dont think you should bother applying. You either want to be a mechanic or you dont and you dont sound like you are really interested in working on cars.
Ian

[Franco Cozzo]

Dealership is like a retirement village for mechanics, you'll only do minor/major servicing on one particular make, easy work, but its crap, you won't learn too much about the trade, not much thinking involved.

If you want to be more involved look at getting into auto electrical instead, in a normal workshop you're more like a mechanic, because you'll be changing out parts still but be able to go more indepth and you'll cover aircon in much more depth.

These days you might not really do much rebuilding of alternators and starter motors because generally its cheaper to get a new unit sent out to you or a reco from places like Ashdown Ingrams, Baxters or JAS Oceania, we were getting reco EF Alternators for $90 from JAS, you couldn't do it yourself for that low money, or for example we couldn't get a regulator for a WM Caprice alternator, none in the country so we had to buy new.

Or in one case a reg for a particular alternator was around $250, but a whole new alternator was $220, WTF?

But all around the automotive industry sucks anyway, pay and conditions is average all across the board unless you land it in the mines.

If you're going to do an apprenticeship its better to stick to the licensed trades. Or do it for the knowledge and skills, then get out after you're done and do something else, use it to work on your own cars etc.

[mik]

i did 3 years at a big ford dealer back in the 70`s, the pay back then was peanuts, but to be expected for an apprentice, the majority of work was on newish cars, older cars came later,
as a first year the first 2 hours of the day was spent cleaning up the workshop, sweeping floors, oil spills getting abused for accidentally sweeping mechanics nuts and bolts left near car stands from the previous day ,
the rest of the day you where partnered with a mechanic to basically work as a ta (trades assistant), 2nd year was much better,
i think it also depends on the individuals ability and experience as to what sort of work you get as an apprentice, myself i was already pulling motors apart and putting them back together/doing clutches when i was 15/16 years old before i started the apprentice ship, i was doing a lot of mechanic type stuff and working my bits off early in the piece......again for not much money, however for me the pay off did`nt come soon enough, all of my mates where getting much better money doing menial jobs with no trade.
so i left, if i was to do my time again i would still do mechanics but in a different field, like diesel mechanic or a specialist in some area, sparky/power steering, a bit sorry sorry i did`nt stay and get my ticket and go into another field, but being young and impetuous here i am today ..... nearly 52 burn`t out truck driver ......pick wisely grass hopper !

[baxr6]

Dealerships aren't the greatest spots to be an apprentice, if your really interested in the trade I recommend going to a small workshop where u can learn on different makes and you will get a lot more experience.

Im in my 4th year of my apprenticeship with a dealership and wish I hadn't of wasted my time...there's not much oportunity and the pay is horrible.

Once I'm qualified I will be off to the mines to make some decent $$$.

[graham7773]

Not speaking for myself but nephew of mine went into electrical trades and finished his time then went out on his own in Canberra. Did very well and started a business providing tradesmen to the public. A few years later, opened a nightclub and today is a millionaire x 2+. But that is not to say a non trades person cannot do as well. You only have to look at "You are passing another Fox" on the back of a lot of road transport units.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Djrystofer

Can anyone comment on getting one of these?
I was offered one at the local Volkswagen Dealership (But from what I've heard, you aren't treated like the bottom of a barrel, being a dealer) and I'm wondering if anyone would like to put some input in on what it's like to be a mechanic, working conditions & future opportunities as one etc
Basicly if it's worth looking into or not
Thanks

Doesn't matter where you start your apprenticeship, if you are good at it you will advance accordingly.... if you are mediocre then you will go no where.

BTW apprenticeship wages for all trades are always low until you gain your certificate, by then you will know where to go to make the big money in businesses.

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by Djrystofer

Can anyone comment on getting one of these?
I was offered one at the local Volkswagen Dealership (But from what I've heard, you aren't treated like the bottom of a barrel, being a dealer) and I'm wondering if anyone would like to put some input in on what it's like to be a mechanic, working conditions & future opportunities as one etc
Basicly if it's worth looking into or not
Thanks

Doesn't matter whether you're in a dealership, or a private mechanical workshop....You are always treated at the bottom of the barrel...which means doing all the crap jobs of cleaning and real basic service things....oil changes, greasing etc etc....

The secret is, jump in and pick the mechanics brains, when time permits and get you're hands dirty learning the trade.....You won't be working specifically on VW's either....all dealerships have other brands coming in that require some mechanical work done.

There are always opportunities to advance within the trade.....A good mechanic will always be sort after...if you have a proven good track record, other employers will be generous with your wage...

The negative side is...Your back, arms, shoulders and wrists end up totalled from the constant work you're doing with them....You constantly end up with cuts and bruises.. So if you're a sook (No offense intended) the job is not for you....

so good luck with your decision

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

.....A good mechanic will always be sort after...

I think you mean 'sought after'.

http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/sortafter.html

[capesy]

mate if you want to do the apprenticeship go for it, it can only be good for you in the end. if you enjoy doing mechanical stuff and enjoy working on your car you will enjoy doing it.

myself im looking at getting a diesel mechanic apprenticeship when i finish year 12 because i like hands on work and enjoy mechanical stuff

[FG50T]

Stay away mate the pay is still criminal for auto mechanics.

[Billy Bunter]

Hello brothers...Billy here..
Heavy stream mechanic is the way to go...
Diesal engines, transmissions,power trains of american and european trucks, container forklifts.And the best of all if you have your sea legs Ships engineering.
Look at major transport and bus companys ,mining machinery supply companys.Truck manufactures and sevice centres.
And if you are lucky and get an apprenticeship,do auto electrical and lpg gas servicemans qualifications at tafe at nights ,and when your finished and knock on the mining companys door and show the qualifications...$$$$$$$...


Cheers

Billy...

[The Yeti]

Mate as billy said big stuff is the way

I've been playing with container handlers for 15 years, the technology used make cars look simple, thea pay out of your apprenticeship is a lot better as well

I haven't been on the tools for a while but I have also found there is a lot more opatunity for carrier growth as well

[aussie muscle]

Originally Posted by baxr6

Dealerships aren't the greatest spots to be an apprentice, if your really interested in the trade I recommend going to a small workshop where u can learn on different makes and you will get a lot more experience.

i'd take the dealership for at least the first year or two, 3rd or 4th year apprentices are able to move around for a better work environment if they are being held back

[zilo]

It's a job... where they are willing to give you a go.

You are nuts if you don't take it.

Jobs are getting bloody hard to find.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Ugg

It's a job... where they are willing to give you a go.

You are nuts if you don't take it.

Jobs are getting bloody hard to find.

Better off working at Maccas than a dealership mate.

One of my friends is a dealership apprentice, me and two others are apprentice auto electricians.

All my dealership mechanic mate does is change out diff bushes on Territory's and servicing.

I work for a company which builds emergency vehicles, all I do is strip out new Mercedes Sprinters and put our wiring loom in them, and move onto the next van, I know nothing compared to my two other apprentice auto electrician mates who work in a small shop and do everything from serving customers to working on trucks/tractors and everything else under the sun.

My work is easy, the pay is good but you don't learn much and thats the bad side for me, its like the retirement village for tradies.

Originally Posted by aussie muscle

i'd take the dealership for at least the first year or two, 3rd or 4th year apprentices are able to move around for a better work environment if they are being held back

I'd be VERY careful doing this, because you could end up being 3rd/4th year but not knowing enough for another business to give you a shot, as they want someone who can already do the majority of the work, then you end up stuck in the dealership.

[xisled]

IMO I would take the dealership job for the first year, Once you are second year and have a bit of experience, look for an actual workshop.

Most places are after second year, due to the fact that they are not new to the trade and will have some experience on a motor, let it be service or minor work. At least will learn how to use a ratchet gun at the dealership.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Better off working at Maccas than a dealership mate.

One of my friends is a dealership apprentice, me and two others are apprentice auto electricians.

All my dealership mechanic mate does is change out diff bushes on Territory's and servicing.

I work for a company which builds emergency vehicles, all I do is strip out new Mercedes Sprinters and put our wiring loom in them, and move onto the next van, I know nothing compared to my two other apprentice auto electrician mates who work in a small shop and do everything from serving customers to working on trucks/tractors and everything else under the sun.

My work is easy, the pay is good but you don't learn much and thats the bad side for me, its like the retirement village for tradies.



I'd be VERY careful doing this, because you could end up being 3rd/4th year but not knowing enough for another business to give you a shot, as they want someone who can already do the majority of the work, then you end up stuck in the dealership.

Negativity will never get you any where.....You got to start some where....
Like I said in my earlier post, opportunities will come along for the ones who want to succeed in their goals.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by xisled

IMO I would take the dealership job for the first year, Once you are second year and have a bit of experience, look for an actual workshop.

Most places are after second year, due to the fact that they are not new to the trade and will have some experience on a motor, let it be service or minor work. At least will learn how to use a ratchet gun at the dealership.

Do a pre-apprenticeship course, Cert II covers pretty much your whole first year and teaches you everything you need to know, if you're in Victoria, look at Kangan Institute, the new automotive TAFE in Docklands is accessable by public transport and walking 5 minutes, and best of all everything is brand new.

If you have no previous qualifications its subsidised by the government, so it costs like $100 for the course.

[The Yeti]

Did my 1st 3 years, in a Holden dealership, quite enjoyed it, we rotated through departments,

Service
New cars
Used cars

After the 1st year they worked out where we were best suited the numpty went to new cars fitting mud flaps & weather shields, the next guy went to general servic rand the pick of the group went to used cars for 2nd year

It worked well I got to do quite a bit of different stuff

[JOESBOSS]

as stated before, i went our of the trade on compo 2 years ago as a 3rd year. i had been a 3 dealerships and 3 smaller workshops in my time. the job is hard on the joints, which is why my wrist is fingered for life. If you do want a mechanical trade try to get into auto elec, heavy/plant mechanic. first year pay will only be about 280 after tax plus tool allowance and govt benefits.
it is a very thankless job working in a dealership, but if you cant help either type of workshop turn a profit you will not stay long, nor will you enjoy it coz they will degrade you to make you leave.

if you want a a mechanical apprenticeship get into heavy vehicles or electrical. better yet just get into electrical, always in demand, and pay is fair.

[TC200six]

I am a younger person, I have a lot of experience when it comes to oil changes and have done a Cert. 1 in automotive. One thing I want to know is how to get recruited into one of these businesses. I haven't used any job search websites and I would be happy to travel anywhere within the south side of Brisbane.

[xisled]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Do a pre-apprenticeship course, Cert II covers pretty much your whole first year and teaches you everything you need to know, if you're in Victoria, look at Kangan Institute, the new automotive TAFE in Docklands is accessable by public transport and walking 5 minutes, and best of all everything is brand new.

If you have no previous qualifications its subsidised by the government, so it costs like $100 for the course.

Yes I agree a pre app is a great idea but maybe not for the OP.

The OP has an opportunity to get into a dealership now. It is better to do the first year at the dealer. Basically if he waits for the pre app and completes this, he will not be ready to work until at least the middle of next year. if he starts at the dealership now by the time he would have finishes the pre app he will be a couple months away from second year. If he did a pre app over the current job he would be over a year and a half behind.

[BroncosXR8]

Thoughts I'd just add my 2 cents into the flames...

Ever thought of doing your apprenticeship through the Army?
Get to work on a whole range of different vehicles from Light 4x4 right through to Abrahms Tanks.
Best of all the pay is pretty decent compared to a 'normal' apprenticeship, and will set you in good steed to go to the mines afterwards.


On being a mechanic, make sure you really know what your getting into.
I had big dreams of doing V8 engine rebuilds and building diffs, and adding all those really cool aftermarket parts you wish you could buy yourself.

Did my automotive mechanics course at TAFE and some work experience at a Isuzu dealer as well as a machinists and to be honest it sucked (apart from the machinist that was actually quite interesting), oil changes and changing peoples disc pads on there busted **** 80's Corolla wasn't the dream I had in mind

So I left and joined the Army as a communicator, and what do you know that mostly sucks as well!

My point is, don't do it unless you genuinely want to, or think that it will interest you in years to come.

[reece1]

Originally Posted by TC200six

I am a younger person, I have a lot of experience when it comes to oil changes and have done a Cert. 1 in automotive. One thing I want to know is how to get recruited into one of these businesses. I haven't used any job search websites and I would be happy to travel anywhere within the south side of Brisbane.

Originally Posted by XT302

mickyyy,

I just realised it was half a post, owner made shifter attached to one of these I believe

http://www.renagate.com/

Go knock on the door of places in your area you like and ask for ajob .

[zilo]

Originally Posted by BroncosXR8

Thoughts I'd just add my 2 cents into the flames...

Ever thought of doing your apprenticeship through the Army?
Get to work on a whole range of different vehicles from Light 4x4 right through to Abrahms Tanks.
Best of all the pay is pretty decent compared to a 'normal' apprenticeship, and will set you in good steed to go to the mines afterwards.

Only thing is you might have to go and fight a war?

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by reece1

Go knock on the door of places in your area you like and ask for ajob .

That is how I got my apprenticeship....shows you are keen to be employed.

[chamb0]

Originally Posted by Ugg

Only thing is you might have to go and fight a war?

That's the role of the infantry Ugg

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by xisled

Yes I agree a pre app is a great idea but maybe not for the OP.

The OP has an opportunity to get into a dealership now. It is better to do the first year at the dealer. Basically if he waits for the pre app and completes this, he will not be ready to work until at least the middle of next year. if he starts at the dealership now by the time he would have finishes the pre app he will be a couple months away from second year. If he did a pre app over the current job he would be over a year and a half behind.

If he did pre app, he'd be into second year work at TAFE when he starts and have a chance at early release if his future employer wanted to.

I got knocked back from a few places because I didn't do one haha.

[xisled]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

If he did pre app, he'd be into second year work at TAFE when he starts and have a chance at early release if his future employer wanted to.

I got knocked back from a few places because I didn't do one haha.

Or what happened with my brother, the small workshop was so busy my brother could not go to tafe. He missed out on a whole year of school, he had to do an extra year to get qualified.