Is it worth is to become a diesel mechanic still?

Always opportunities for OT on top of that too.

 

Just a couple things I would add.

I would say really understand the operation a mechanical engine. Not that you're going to see mechanical engines all the time, but you don't want to be one of those guys that stands there with his laptop and his plug and when he doesn't see anywhere to plug it into he doesn't know what to do.

If you really truly want to learn the trade find a reputable shop that has really old guys in it and see if you can get them to teach you. You probably are going to have to take the trash out and sweep the floors and prove to them that you truly want to learn but if you do what you learn from those guys will be the best education you will ever get in your life.

If you really are concerned with the physicality of it then maybe you should become like the other person said the motorcycle mechanic or lawn mowers or something less heavy.

Or just find something else that suits you better.

What is it that you like about mechanics that you're considering it?

 

I like anything and everything about engines and vehicles in general. I've heard mechanics say nothing ruins their love for vehicles faster than having to fix vehicles every day.

 

Have you ever thought about working in a machine shop?

That is really technical work and I don't think there's a lot of bull work involved with that.

A skilled Machinist can really make a good amount of money.

 

I have not. It sounds interesting. I heard if you go that route you should be a CNC machinist, not a manual machinist. Correct?

 

That I do not know. I'm sure someone else will be able to answer that.

But to be clear I'm talking about working in a machine shop where you resleeve engines and you cut cylinder block decks and do line boring and valve jobs and that type of thing.

All mechanics know what a machine shop does, but most mechanics have almost no experience actually doing that type of technical work.

Mechanics do the actual physical repair but when it's time, they send it right to the machine shop to get the block or the crank magnafluxed or whatever they need.

 

And depending on where you reside good machine shops are getting harder to find. Most of the great ones were small family owned shops and the owners are retiring or passing away and there are no youngsters to carry on with it.

 

Looking back its really sad how few apprentices I worked with.
That is why there is a shortage of skilled trades today.

 

Its true. I haven't been at this as long as you have (few years over a decade so far). As an apprentice I rarely got an opportunity to work with a Journeyman. Sure they were around and willing to help but for the most part us apprentices were just thrown to the fire and told to get it done. I put the blame for that on the shop's shoulders. If there's a shortage of skilled tradespeople, employers should start investing in the new folks coming on board.

 

Maybe you didn't prep to be an apprentice. Before I got hired for a 1st 6 month apprenticeship I had 2 years mechanics in High school and 2 years in diesel engines at a technical school...to become a Journeyman mechanic you had to complete 3 years as a apprentice ....
Tests and all.