| In this age of easily created and changed content in a | | | | add to the value of your mechanic. |
| web 2.0 framework, where there is literally trillions of | | | | Motor Industry Association Memberships |
| pages and only a few people allocated to checking on | | | | Look for mechanics that are members of their local |
| the truth of marketing claims, the word 'qualified' is | | | | automobile association and other trade organizations. |
| often tossed around with little to back it up. When it | | | | They aren't 'qualifications' as such - but do add to your |
| comes to something with as large an impact on your | | | | confidence in hiring them. |
| personal safety and household budget as your car, | | | | Experience versus Qualifications |
| you want to be sure that the word 'qualified' in a | | | | As anybody who has worked in any setting knows, |
| mechanic's description means exactly what you | | | | there is no substitute for on-the-job training! This is why |
| expect it to! Today we are looking at simple steps that | | | | apprenticeship programs almost invariably include a |
| anybody can take to ensure that their mechanic is | | | | large on-the-job element in their programs. However, a |
| qualified to undertake car repairs and perform routine | | | | greater number of years of experience after the |
| car services on your vehicle. | | | | apprenticeship has been completed certainly indicates |
| Apprenticeships | | | | that your mechanic will:o Have a broader experience in |
| The most usual way for a mechanic to become | | | | different makes and models of carso Have seen a |
| 'qualified' in Australia is by undertaking a four year | | | | wider variety of problems and their symptoms, |
| apprenticeship. The apprentice undergoes both | | | | perhaps leading to a quicker diagnosiso Have |
| on-the-job and off-the-job training, in an ordinary | | | | perfected their systems for performing routine |
| mechanic's environment supplemented by formal | | | | maintenance like car services, and therefore be more |
| learning at TAFE. | | | | cost-effective |
| Pre-apprentice studies | | | | Post Trade qualifications |
| Students still at high school can also undertake | | | | As we mentioned, post-trade qualifications for motor |
| pre-apprenticeship studies in motor mechanics and | | | | mechanics can include certificate courses in an area |
| various aspects of vehicle care and maintenance. The | | | | of specialization within car repair. In some cases, motor |
| studies usually replace a traditional school subject, and | | | | mechanics can use their experience to get substantial |
| might shorten the length of time it takes the mechanic | | | | credit towards actual qualifications. |
| to become qualified. | | | | Checking on qualifications |
| Certificate courses | | | | The best and easiest method is to ask what |
| A completed apprenticeship is generally regarded as | | | | qualifications your mechanic has! For some business |
| the gold standard in qualification for motor mechanics. | | | | types, you can check on their license status through |
| Having no more than a certificate is not considered | | | | the Department of Fair Trading in each state, however |
| enough to be a fully qualified mechanic. However, even | | | | motor mechanics do not require a license to practice in |
| qualified mechanics can add to their skills with a | | | | every state. Customer testimonials on a company |
| certificate course that specializes in one area of car | | | | website will provide some indication of qualification, and |
| repair; diesel engines, electrical appliance engines, or | | | | Googling a company name to find real-life reviews is |
| certificates in panel-beating and minor bodywork can | | | | always a useful method. |