Questions and Answers

New Guy Just Starting Out Q. I am very sorry to write you e-mail because I know you are busy. I just did not feel my question was that important to you. However it is to me. My name is Jamie and I am trying to do something for my boyfriend. He wants to be a mechanic and he doesn't know where to start. The school he attends is an all boy school and does not offer a mechanics program.

My boyfriends name is Michael. He does not have the best grades unfortunately. He is a senior though and has realized his mistakes. He is trying very hard to bring his grades up. I was just wondering if you could give me any advice on how he could get started. Is there anything he can do to make this dream come true?

If you could also give me other men or women I could e-mail for advice I would greatly appreciate it. I know you are very busy sir but I was very pleased with your web page on the Internet and could greatly use your advice. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Jamie

A. The best place for him to get information on his options are from his High Schools Guidance Counselor. It is their job to be able to offer suggestions and information on continuing career education. Poor grades notwithstanding.

There are many collages that offer courses on automotive repair and many of them do not require "good" grades from High School. I went to a vocational school for Small Engine Repair, Auto Repair and Diesel Repair and I didn't even graduate from High School.

His other option is to find a shop willing to hire a young mechanic and help him learn the trade. I broke into the business because a Service Manager at a BMW-Nissan Dealer in Hamilton Square, NJ thought I had potential and gave me a break by giving me a job. (Jeff Bolton, wherever you are, Thank You!) So he can try local shops and dealerships. A lot of times a genuine desire is enough to land a decent job. GM used to offer an apprenticeship program so that would be worth checking out.

He's going to have to work at it. He can spend time at the local public library and read about automotive theory and get a good, basic understanding of how things work.

And Jamie, I'm never too busy to help a new mechanic just starting out, so don't hesitate to write me again. And let me know how he makes out in the future.