Question:
I am interested in becoming an auto mechanic. I am not sure which field
I want to specialize in, but I'm sure this is the career that I want. My
question is which is the best way to become a mechanic?
1- go to a trade school 6 - 12 months
2 - go to college, take up automotive engineering 4 years
My goal is to own my own garage (better yet chain of garages). I
want to do quality work and be able to conquer all mechanical problems
that I encounter.
Answer:
A trade school is certainly a good place to start. After trade school get a
job at a good shop or dealer to gain invaluable experience. At the same
time you can see how a shop business is operated and gain valuable business
contacts. As you get more experience and exposure, you can go to school
part time to learn business management. You probably don't need a bachelors
degree in accounting for this. This is probably the area that most
mechanics have trouble with when starting their own business. Then, when
you have great experience, exposure, and business training, you can make the
logical step of starting and running your own 'successful' shop(s). This
plan may seem like it will take too long to achieve (5-10 years?). You will
be surprised when you are at the point of starting your business, at how
short it really was, and you will be very prepared to be successful. A
positive point to the gaining the experience prior to starting a business is
that if you do happen to fail at operating a business (not everyone is cut
out for business), you will still have valuable mechanic skills to continue
earning a good living. Modern vehicle repairs are certainly provide the
opportunity for a 'smart' entrepreneur to do very well in todays economy.
