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%.rnAn Auto Mechanic, Me?rnSigns that a young person with a high school diploma may want to consider auto mechanic school include: • Being good with their handsrn • 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…rnTaking the Leap… Choosing an Auto Mechanic School.rnYoung 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.rnProspective students should look for: • Instructors with real-life experiencern • Hands-on training (with real cars) • Fully equipped facilities with state-of-the-art technologyrn • Training in workplace safetyrn • Apprenticeship programsrn • Training in communication skills and problem solvingrnComplete auto mechanic training also includes information on: • Brakesrn • Automotive computer systemsrn • Car ignition systemsrn • Wheelsrn • Air conditioning and heating systemsrn • Emissions inspectionrn • Car suspensionrn • 4x4srn • Exhaustsrn • Safety systemsrn • General maintenancernMost 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.rnMechanically 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 auto mechanic training at the school of their choice.rnContact the Canadian Automotive & Trucking Institute for more information on their programs.