Any pro mechanics on the forum?

[IhaveNoPantsOn]

Just wanted to get an idea of how many of us on this forum work in the automotive field. Let me know how long you've been in the field, and if you want, what shop/garage/dealership/whatever you work at.
I've only been in the auto repair industry for just under 2 years, including a year of school (huge waste of money). Unfortunately, due to needing a better source of income, I've been working 2nd shift in a factory since the end of Oct. '08. I'm really starting to get the itch to start turnin' wrenches again.
So, guys, let me know your story. Thanks.

 

[Blake442]

I worked at a service station doing mechanical work for the five years through high school and college, for auto body repair.
After school was done, I got a job doing restoration work and did that for four and a half years, and have now been working in another custom shop doing body work for the past few months.

10 years in the industry and I'm only 25...

 

[josh77]

Professional tech for over 9 years now specializing in j* cars (we don't do tuner sh*t tho). Had 6 years before that at a late model salvage yard doing everything from dismantling (mainly) to sales and other things. I'm 31 now, been working in the auto field for 15 years now. No plans to change.

 

[dan2286]

Ive been trying to get into the field, but its hard to find work. A lot of the places around me want you to have tons of experience, or they wont hire you. I also need to wait till my license clears up a little before most places can hire me.

 

[SBCregal]

im an apprenticing mechanic, just finished 2nd level of training but i've been in the trade for 8-9 yrs now

 

[Mudweizer]

I went to two years of schooling after high school and been turning wrenches for 15 years now for Toyota(dealership). I'll be 36 this year.

 

[IhaveNoPantsOn]

I worked at a service station doing mechanical work for the five years through high school and college, for auto body repair.
After school was done, I got a job doing restoration work and did that for four and a half years, and have now been working in another custom shop doing body work for the past few months.

10 years in the industry and I'm only 25...

Nice. I'm kinda jealous. I would love to get more into auto-body and custom/resto work. Actually, right now, I would just love to work on any cars, doing anything.

 

[yourownself]

i'm a manager at a parts store (advance) which makes me like a service manager. any time a mechanic can't figure out his own problems, he'll call me and ask me what is wrong with the customer's car. we have a few regulars who call, which really adds up.

before that i've been a service writer, mechanic and tire slinger at sears in massachusetts and hawaii, as well as working for a little 3 man garage in hawaii. been a pro tech for 4 years, and the "barracks mech" the whole time i was in the navy before that.

 

[gs dewd]

I'm part owner of a repair shop. We do just about anything from oil changes to engine rebuilds and replacement. I've been in the field for about 21 yrs now. So i've worked on a few cars in my life.

 

[78gp]

I worked as a harley mechanic, custom bike builder for 4 years including one year of school 2 years as a general auto tech last year i started as a heavy truck repair doin engine rebuilds an total resto on semis when work gets slow i go out and drive truck over the road until things get busy again i am 33 been working on my own stuff since i was 13 my dad has been a mechanic or truck driver all his life so i have had alot of training over the years. 8)