You wouldn’t visit a doctor or dentist if you knew they didn’t have the necessary qualifications or choose an unqualified hairdresser to give you the haircut of your dreams, so why would you trust your car to an unqualified Kingsgrove mechanic?
If you’re taking your vehicle to a new mechanic, you need to be sure that they have all the qualifications they need to look after your vehicle and that they know what they are doing. But how can you find out whether they have the correct qualifications? We explain how your local Bexley mechanic got their qualifications.
Pre-apprentice Studies
High school students can opt to take pre-apprenticeship studies in motor mechanics as part of their school curriculum. This will give them an idea of what it’s like to be a mechanic. Students can then continue their studies by joining an apprenticeship scheme.
Apprenticeships
Many Earlwood mechanics started as apprentices and embarked on a four-year apprenticeship. During this time, they will have supplemented formal learning sessions and assignments in the classroom with training both on and off the job.
Certificate Courses and Post Trade Qualifications
Following completion of their apprenticeship, qualified mechanics can choose to take specialist certificate courses to improve their knowledge of certain aspects of car repair such as servicing, maintaining, and repairing diesel engines. They may also take courses such as panel beating and bodywork repairs to qualify them to look after the exterior of vehicles.
Experience versus Qualifications
Although qualifications are a basic requirement of any trade, including that of a mechanic, experience can only be achieved by doing the job. Therefore, a mechanic with several years of experience under his belt is likely to be more proficient than a newly qualified mechanic.
Experienced mechanics are likely to have a broader knowledge and experience of working on different makes and models of vehicles and a greater understanding of mechanical problems and their symptoms. They’ll probably have a well-established system for carrying out routine car servicing and maintenance.
Motor Industry Association Memberships
In addition to relevant qualifications, many mechanics choose to join the local automobile association and other trade organisations. This shows that they take their work and business seriously.
How to Check a Mechanic’s Qualifications
If you’re in any doubt about a mechanic’s status, ask to see their qualifications. It’s also possible to check whether they are licensed through the Department of Fair Trading in each state. However, bear in mind that it’s not necessarily a requirement to have a license to practice in every state. And don’t forget about reviews from previous customers and recommendations from friends, family and neighbours - they will give a good indication of the quality and reliability of a mechanic’s work.
