Crisis in the Trades? Just Another Good Reason to Become a Mechanic

In August 2011, the Canadian magazine Maclean's published an article called, "Why Your Teenager Can't Use a Hammer: Complaints About a Generation of the Mechanically Challenged" which argued that the trades will soon face a crisis in our country, because the youth of today no longer spend their time taking apart old appliances or working on the family car with dad. In fact, with the computerization of cars, the average dad (or mom) no longer appears to work on the car, either. Where some see disaster, others see opportunity. After all, we do live in a car-based society. If, as the article says, overall mechanical knowledge is on the decrease, dependence on auto mechanics can only be expected to rise, making it a more interesting career choice than ever. Plus, some auto mechanic schools boast graduate employment rates of as high as 95%.

An Auto Mechanic, Me?

Signs that a young person with a high school diploma may want to consider auto mechanic school include:

• Being good with their hands


• Having an aptitude for problem solving: Mechanics are called upon to diagnose car problems.


• Adaptable: Car technology is rapidly changing. Today's mechanics need to be open to change. Who knows, the cars of tomorrow may run on electricity, and tomorrow may come sooner than we think...

Taking the Leap... Choosing an Auto Mechanic School

Young people who are interested in becoming an auto mechanic can start the search for an auto mechanic school while they are still in high school. A motivated student enrolled in an intensive program can complete coursework in as quickly as 39 weeks.

Prospective students should look for:

• Instructors with real-life experience


• Hands-on training (with real cars)


• Fully equipped facilities with state-of-the-art technology


• Training in workplace safety


• Apprenticeship programs


• Training in communication skills and problem solving

Complete auto mechanic training also includes information on:

• Brakes


• Automotive computer systems


• Car ignition systems


• Wheels


• Air conditioning and heating systems


• Emissions inspection


• Car suspension


• 4x4s


• Exhausts


• Safety systems


• General maintenance

Most schools encourage prospective students to book a campus tour or to attend open houses to get a better feel of whether or not auto mechanic training is really the right diploma for them.

Mechanically minded high school students may have a competitive advantage in today's digital culture. They should be encouraged to become a mechanic by signing up for an automotive mechanic training at the school of their choice.