Is there anyone here thats actually in the mechanics trade?

Hi guys, as above is there anyone who actually works in a garage full time? I've got an NVQ lv3 qualification and I've been trying to get work/work exp but no one is willing to hire..

What I want to know is, what brought you into the trade? Did you find it hard starting out at first? Worst and best things about it? Any memorable moments?

I landed an apprenticeship straight out of school mate (16), Did my 3 years got all my qualifications, ata certified etc, then got let go after my contract ran out. Not been a mechanic since. I like the job, and still enjoy working on cars, the thing I didn't like was the pressure to complete some jobs in next to no time, on quite a few occasions I would only just have the car in and on the ramp and would be asked how long its going to be. I think it depends where you work though, I was at a main dealer so time was everything. I prefer to take my time and try and get things done right.

Its a good job providing you get a good employer mate, same as any job really. If its what you want to do, stick at it, keep applying for jobs until you get one.

Hmm I see. I wish I had gone for an apprenticeship straight after school.. instead I opted to go for a college course 3 days a week and tbh I don't think I learned a lot from it practical wise.

Same as Bushell, I was straight out of school at 15 (wasn't particularly well behaved) and into an apprenticeship with the police on their fleet. Again like Bushell I was not taken on after I had served my time (too many dealings with the police outside of working hours) so went on to work for several dealerships and independent garages. And now... I'm a lecturer in a college in the motor vehicle department. Started when I was 26 as a learning assistant/workshop instructor and worked my way up. I teach apprentices on day release from work and also full time students like you would of been. In all honesty an employer will always opt to employ someone who has the modern apprenticeship over a NVQ albeit they amount to the same qualification. Really comes down to experience and as you rightly say, this is something that is seldom learned anywhere other than a functioning garage.

I have helped several students usually over 25 years old (as this is the cut off age for apprentice funding(in Scotland anyway)) into employment in garages. So it can be done.

One guy in particular was very determined and gave up asking for employment and started asking if he could work for free. He was doing so by the end of that week and after a few weeks he was employed as a semi skilled labourer. He is now completing the work based assessments required to make his SVQ3 into a C&G modern apprenticeship.

I know this route might not be suitable but just an example that it can and has been done.

If it's what you want don't stop trying. At the end of the day it's a numbers game for how ever many no's you get you get closer to yes.

Thats some motivational speech right there. Hopefully I can land something soon when the time is right. Currently doing some crappy work at the moment but its giving me the funds to build up on my car. Once my car is built I want to try and find work in the trade I love again. I've been doing some research and apparently companies like Mercedes and Audi are taking on apprentices that all ready have NVQ level 3s, giving them a one year course to get them up to speed. By the end of the one year they could be on a full wage. Seems like an option for me.