What It's Like To Be A New Automotive Tech

Today Rusty and I sit down, and talk about being a new automotive tech. We give you advice on what to expect your first day, week, and even year. Thoughts on buying tools, getting work done right, and how to learn from the best guy in the shop.
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disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@mikejens2271]

People say there is no career advancement for technicians..they fail to realize the career itself advances, so don't blink and fall behind!

[@Smartymcnotsosmart]

man, as a mechanic transitioning from an amateur to a more experienced and demanding level, I really appreciate your vids! definitely a fan!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Smartymcnotsosmart That is awesome man! I am glad to hear that.

[@richardheffelfinger7832]

As an industrial maintenance tech this hits home so hard. I started out loading trucks in a warehouse and realized that it was moving to automation. The only job left in 15 years is going to be the guys/girls working on the automation. I was fortunate that my employer allowed me to go to school and supported me. There are a lot of cross/career-information and ideas and inspirations on your channel thanks man! Anyone who turns a wrench and/or does diagnostics should watch and enjoy. Thanks Charles!

[@Pelllaw26]

i hate when people look down on mechanic or any blue color workers. Everyone has a important role in this world and no matter how high up in a tower you work in, if every garbage man quit, all those people will be on their knees begging for their trash to be picked up.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Exactly

[@judesteven5951]

I know it is quite off topic but does anyone know a good site to stream new series online?

[@judesteven5951]

@Jacob Cody Thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I really appreciate it!

[@jacobcody3796]

@Jude Steven You are welcome :D

[@EddieLeal]

@@judesteven5951 Did you find one?

[@tommy_robertson3829]

just graduated with associates in honda PACT tech

[@billbeckett1021]

The community college is the best bang for the buck in the U.S. The kids in the public tech schools are just too young to fathom the education that is offered to them. We do not let 13 year olds enter the service or sign any leagal kinds of contracts but parents let them choose what they think what they want to do until they retire. I am all for community college training.

[@Albino71992]

Its hella saving me a buck

[@dantheveganman]

agree it's been awesome

[@phonkyfeel1]

The closest UTI or Lincoln Tech is 2.5 hours away from me. Ideally I’d go to one of those. My local community college has an automotive degree program-but I don’t know if it holds enough sway to open any apprenticeship doors. I do t really want to change pads or oil etc..

[@towikameha7616]

​@@phonkyfeel1Employers look for experience more than anything else. A degree means very little if all you know is theory without practical experiences. Regardless of where you go, I recommend working part-time somewhere. That way you can gain better insight on what you're learning.

[@Albino71992]

Thanks for the insight! I'm currently still in school and these videos from you and others in the field have help rid some worries I've been having.

[@skreechatl]

I have been watching your videos non stop I start my first day as a technician next week and I've only had hobby experience but I have a passion for cars thank you for what you do you are really helping me be prepared

[@Drew-wf7vw]

What I've taken from this video is that you are both the excellent foreman/mentors. I started out at as fleet work on school busses and I would've given anything to have leadership like this. Love your videos!

[@autotechnics92]

Always enjoy watching your videos , I am a new tech or I would say a mechanic though I haven't been in any tech school but I have been working on cars for 5 years now, have been previlage to watch your videos and learn a lot about cars. Thanks for this

[@rautelamotortradeinsurance9273]

Welcome both of you.....

[@tylerknox8555]

Thank you guys so much for all your advice! It have been very reassuring with having a lot of these questions with starting at a tech school. You guys are awesome, god bless.

[@HumbleMechanic]

ROCK ON!

[@MarkyMark-py9nu]

Though I’m not in tech school yet I will be starting in 2 months and I’m very excited seeing how I love cars, watching these videos really helps reassure myself that all my goals and dreams of working in the industry are possible and I definitely feel like the things you guys spoke about aren’t things that are necessarily taught at tech school so I really love all the extra info I can learn even before starting school, always watch your videos and love the volks content ur someone who id love to be like as a tech keep it up!!!

[@SchaferMagnant]

Just started as a tech at the local Volvo dealer, and can relate to everything you guys said in the video! Certainly helps to know that they are common steps to go through. I've been apprenticing for about 6 weeks and they are starting to let me go on my own when its needed and feel like a deer in the headlights for sure, but it gets better a little be every time! Really enjoy the videos, specially the ones about starting out as a tech!

[@phonkyfeel1]

What type of degree/certification did you complete prior to your current position at Volvo?

[@thatdellguy]

If I had seen this right after graduating UTI back in 1994, it would have been very helpful. Awesome video.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Heres something I heard a few months ago and have really analyzed it dealing with "new" people I come across... What I heard is that there are only about a one DOZEN PERSONALITIES. What you said about the 08 thing is really spot on! Good stuff as always Humby! PS This was a great sesh!

[@roycezaro1998]

I'm a few months into my training at UTI, and I've just started watching your videos- really nice job you've done. Already I've learned a lot from you that I haven't been taught in class, and I plan on continuing to learn from your repository of knowledge and wisdom. Thank you. Any other great mechanics/techs you would recommend watching?

[@Pelllaw26]

i might be very lucky but starting off into career center during high school is a great way to get into it. Here where I go we have shops everywhere looking for younger kids to do internship and everything. The teacher here have been in the business for years and they will teach what they learned. after high school you will have a work place right out of school and you can futher your education to college level but it's always good to start early because mechanic isn't really something you read out of a book and know everything. A lot of it is learning from mentors and what they made mistakes and how to avoid them. Books will tell you more about cars but they do not tell you on how to make mistakes.

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

My first day was learning to use a Bear Diagnostic machine. Then heads gaskets on 240-260-280Z.... Along with setting value lash. and carb sync..I can change a head on one in 1.5 hours. I made out like a bandit the first 4 months..

[@1977jelliott]

I started in a dealership in Western Australia over 20 years ago as a "mature age" apprentice, finished my apprenticeship at the dealer and then left shortly after to go and work elsewhere, took a job with MTU Detroit Diesel and became a troubleshooter for them, worked on engines from as small as a single cylinder VM Motori firepump to mechanically governed and operated sequential compound turbocharged Navy frigate engines to fast ferry power units with 20 cylinders at 8 litres per cylinder that would displace a swimming pool size volume of water in tenths of seconds. Since then I have been down the career path of defence department maintenance scheduling and project management and have come full circle in the last year to work at an old school performance car and hotrod workshop, never lost the knack of tuning a carby or what have you after my time away from cars. Advice for new mechanics, find a mentor, someone who has experience and is fastidious and dots their I's and crosses their T's, get out and experience other fields away from dealerships.

[@1977jelliott]

ps. one of the biggest learning curves I experienced was becoming a VW tech at the dealer when the brand was reintroduced to Australia, new/euro technology and learning how to get by without the manufacturer specialist tools yet still get the job done right first time, if you can do that then you can apply that in any field.

[@Janet_Airlines802]

Thought i had blurry vision for a second. Good video thanks

[@janezdemsar255]

Just stumbled across this video, I'm going to UTI right now and I'm looking forward to my career. Thanks for the tips!

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s awesome. How’s it going with o line classes?

[@janezdemsar255]

@@HumbleMechanic Interesting to say the least. Hope we can get back to hands on soon though.

[@nor-caloutdoors2261]

really do love all of your videos especially being new to the automotive industry I really appreciate all the good tips and tricks and try to take a lot of this knowledge to work with me.

[@isaihfigueroa2609]

This video helped alot I'm on my 4th term in school to become a auto tech & I am getting into a shop just to help out & clean up mainly learn because I know it is alot different than school Haha Thanks I'll try not to be a shmuck😂

[@christopherelrod8788]

I walked into a ford dealership the other day with shorts and a t shirt and I've been back 3 times because they keep asking me to come back and talk to another manager. I also have two years collision a few months of transmission work and graduated school for collision repair I feel like they keep asking me back because I interview well. I don't hesitate when asked a question but I also seem very open genuine and ready to learn when I talk to them

[@undeadjake1235]

Im new, i love it, i work at NTB im on my way ti becoming a mechanic hopefully work here for a few years and move up somewhere elce after i get experience.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Nice!!

[@StillMarzz]

About to get a promotion to flat rate tech at an NTB. How’s your advancement going?

[@seyhathou3364]

Hey! I really like your videos. Speaking as a guy outside of the field, this video keeps my dream alive. I've realized that I am into cars after spending times fixing my father's car (which is super basic actually). I'm 25 now with no background related to auto industry, but I want to take a kick start in the field. Some people said I better go for the community college but I am not sure if it is the best move as I don't know what a community college looks like; they don't exist in Cambodia. So what is your recommendation for my first move?

[@dylansocha2378]

18 going to school from a sponsor. Thanks for all the videos

[@pabst86]

HumbleMechanic Occam's razor.. ha So taking in my first 3 days of being in the shop again after 6 years not in a shop environment. Still in a nervous but steady trending learning curve or course. Noticing I have lost some of my most main tools such as air chuck tire gauge tool and some middle sized pry bars. Also my Power Probe grew legs.. As far as being professional I have shown up as the first person in the lot and dressed in dickies as the other guy shows up in a ratty Aero-postale t-shirt running in the door at 8:10am.. Trying to act on, I know nothing but not come across as I have not learned anything in my years. I had some slip ups already but so far so good. Thanks for all your hard work as I do follow Eric, Paul, Jason and yourself for my after work or down time knowledge. Hope a good year in the first week as well.

[@HumbleMechanic]

pabst86 AWESOME!

[@phatdad9750]

Great video and advice for a 40 year old going to tech

[@coexist1018]

Similar situation here I started a 38 with zero knowledge the first two years after school will make u a "Humble Mechanic"

[@phonkyfeel1]

I’m 48 and seriously considering this path. I love the problems of auto repair!

[@mxpants4884]

I'm 42 and just finishing my second year. It's been humbling, but it's much more satisfying than the desk jobs I had, and I don't worry about my job disappearing overseas or being done by AI either.

[@phatdad9750]

lol right i finished back in march and love my job@@mxpants4884

[@paulp6386]

In Australia, we have 4 year apprenticeships. F all pay 4 days and 1 day a week tech school. After 4 year your a licensed mechanic. :)

[@HumbleMechanic]

I like a setup like that. It seems that would be a great path to being a better tech

[@fuckjewtube69]

It's not. People work at tire shops for 4-5 years can't even change balljoints and qualify to test for the license and you can easily cheat on the test.

[@larryvelezbx]

What do you feel is the effect of time pressures on the work of a tech? Quality and speed seem to be inversely proportional and customers always want their car back asap.. Thoughts?

[@jonathanrichard8030]

Today is my first day as a auto tech I’m goin to work in like a hour lol nervous as shit

[@HumbleMechanic]

You got this!! And if your day is over, how’d it go?

[@Nsmnsd197]

HumbleMechanic homie died

[@JmanRx81]

I'm a pharmacy Manager. I have 2 rules for new, and really any amount of tenure, pharmacy technicians: 1) If you don't know, don't guess. 2) It's better to do it slow and right than it is to do it fast and wrong.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Great advice

[@JmanRx81]

@@HumbleMechanic Charles, when it comes to shop management and mindset, we are on the same level and wavelength.

[@rautelamotortradeinsurance9273]

My first starting car mechanic long time I worked then I became service advisor....then I thinked I purchase a cab then I drive my self...after some time I sold it....nowdays iam doing car insurance advisor.....now iam thinking my first work was good....bec I love that work and was my first work automobiles .....technician....so what types of work I must to do?????

[@joseibarra125]

your words are so spot on, a stupid person could not do our job. Although Stupid is not the right word to describe someone who is not mechanically inclined. We techs are both smart and mechanically inclined.

[@brianmartinez-gh3pe]

What up dude, I've been watching your videos and i keep hearing stay off the tool truck. I'll be starting school at UTI next month and understand that they give you a certain amount of credit to buy tools. My question to you is, what should I take advantage of buying with that credit. I believe it's a snap on credit. Thanks in advance

[@soldierkiller29]

i would highly recommend investing most in the tools you're gonna be using everyday. this includes your sockets and wrenches, ratchets, air impact, electric impact, etc. once you have your BASIC tool set, then start looking at other tools that could help you make your job easier and/or faster. if you're a dealership tech, look at other guys' carts and boxes and see what common tools they keep at an arm's reach so you can get an idea as to what area of tools to invest in. also, if you're hesitant on buying a tool that you constantly have to keep borrowing from someone else, a good rule of thumb is, if you borrow it more than twice, buy it. and dont EVER make impulse decisions when buying tools, if you step on that truck, you better know what you're getting prepared to buy and how much you're getting to spend, DO NOT simply walk on the truck because its a slow day at the shop and you have nothing better to do, you will get suckered in.

[@automedic9781]

Hey humble, I’ve been watching your videos for about a year now, and I love everything you’re putting out! You’ve really helped me start enjoying my job again and for that I am forever thankful. I do have a question for you though, as I’m stuck in a rut not only because I’m not making any money but because I can’t seem to get anyone to invest in me and train me. I’ve been an auto tech for a little over two years now, I started at a Mazda dealership and did several months as a lube tech there, and then I went to an Audi dealership, and within the 8 months that I was there I was able to go from $12 hourly to $17 flat rate and was able to pull 40-60 hours a week depending on the week. I then moved down south about 800 miles or so for family reasons and I got stuck doing nothing but recalls at a Ford dealership, despite the fact that I had completed the Ford FACT program prior to that. I recently switched to Chrysler/Fiat, and now I’m having the opposite problem where all I’m getting are overly complicated drivability problems that I do not currently have the knowledge or ability to diagnose and fix, and I’m bringing in maybe an hour and a half a day. I spoke to my service manager about being put with someone to learn because I’ve never done a proper apprenticeship despite my constant plea, and I want to learn. I’m at a point now where not only am I not making money but I’m not learning either and I feel like my career as a technician has hit an absolute standstill and I don’t see any way that it could change. I don’t want to jump shops again, because I want to be able to stay in one place. But at the same time I need advancement and I need to be able to live. Any advice you could give me would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time in advance! Have a wonderful day!

[@CarsonRH]

Hey mate are things going better now?

[@automedic9781]

Carson Harrison Yessir! I spent maybe another month at Chrysler, then jumped from there to Pep Boys, and from there 6 months later to a Cadillac dealership. Worked my way up at GM for a year and a half, and then got offered $35/hr by a local independent shop and have been there for about 10 months now as one of the main guys. Life gets better my friends. Just gotta keep working at it. Honestly I forgot about this comment, and it’s crazy to reread it and see that this is how I used to feel

[@CarsonRH]

@@automedic9781 Could I ask for some advice for a somewhat similar position? I’ve been in the industry for about a year and a half but am stuck at a dead end position at a mom and pop shop. I’ve been wanting to make the jump to a dealer or other local shop but they either aren’t hiring or want someone with 3+ years of experience. I like what I do but want to be able to further my career.

[@automedic9781]

Carson Harrison Honestly man it’s really hard. My personal advice to you would be go online to passthease.com and buy the master A series kit, it’ll have all the study guides from A1-A9, and just pick a book, and start reading. Anything you don’t understand, look up on KZbin, or Google and try to understand why things are how they are. It also has great tips for diagnosing problems in certain systems and it’s practical. Then when you feel comfortable (absolutely study for understanding not just to pass the test) take your tests and get certified. Start applying what you can to each car you work on, and as you’re doing this, keep looking for a shop that is willing to let you get the hands on experience but also help you when you need it. It’s hard to find that shop, and you may have to hop around a few times, but you’ll get there man. As long as you’re working every day to be a better tech, you’ll absolutely get there. Just give it time.

[@CarsonRH]

@@automedic9781 Sorry to bug you but I was able to get an offer at a local shop for a 50% raise plus benefits with the possibility to advance!

[@dannytheman2217]

Is this a good profession for a 30 year old that has never worked on mechanical parts but worked on computers and did some short voltage

[@calibimmerlife6817]

I worked on computers, programming video games, computer repair, and had 0 knowledge of cars, yet I have had success doing garage repairs on my BMW's saving thousands of dollars in labor... Now I own tons of tools and enjoy working on cars. Hope to continue to learn and change my own profession.

[@noahdrysdale8664]

I’m 16 in grade 11 in Canada and am wanting to get into the industry, I’m taking my shops class in high school and learning where I can else where. Is there anything else I could be doing?

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s awesome. I’d find a way to buy a super cheap car and start getting hands dirty.

[@massimoportinari3199]

I'm 53 years old. I never worked as a mechanic. I'm planning on going to school and totally changing career. I found joy on working on my car. Am I too old to become a respectable technician or there's no such thing as "too" old?

[@HumbleMechanic]

The biggest issue you’re going to run into is keeping pace with someone who is 20.

[@phonkyfeel1]

@@HumbleMechanic I’ve found that although some younger folks may move quickly, they might not fully think things through-which ends up costing more time in the end. Just thoughts from my experiences in the working world for a couple of decades. I absolutely LOVE your KZbin channel!

[@gary_lav]

When do you feel the industry will finally turn a new page and start paying technicians what they rightfully deserve? What will it take?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Sooner the better. I actually think it may be happening now with so many shops struggling to find good techs.

[@mrmurdx8956]

I too have wondered that myself as too what will it take to get paid a wage that's worth my time and investment. I cant only hope in time this career will blossom into something great.

[@williedybas1243]

is 34 to old to go to tech school and start as a technician?

[@meanodustino9563]

Willie, no i started when i was 32, im finally going to be 1yr im going to be 35 but I think im doing ok now!

[@redheadedrambler2549]

I'm 36 do you think that's too old to go back to mechanic school and start a career as a technician?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Michael Arnos Nope, I will be a long hard road, but if you want it, you can have it.

[@JimWestbrook]

It's funny you asked this. I am 41 and I start my first day of "tech school" in two days.

[@maxsmoviechannel2025]

Jim Westbrook How are you liking tech school? I’m 26 and start in a week

[@EddieLeal]

I feel you almost have to degree in electrical engineering to work on todays modern/tech filled cars. Especially with EV cars coming out now.

[@mva8082]

auto tech vs machinist cnc programmer

[@paulklemer]

Has anyone come to an interview in a suit? 🤓

[@luiscabral8645]

TECHNOLOGY !!!!I IRONMANOLOGY sort off,,,,,

[@mwwhatever]

do you know of many LGBT mechanics?

[@HumbleMechanic]

A few.

[@phonkyfeel1]

Aren’t the most important considerations that they do a great job and are good employees to work with?

[@mwwhatever]

@@phonkyfeel1 I'm adding because I'm gay and considering being a mechanic

[@phonkyfeel1]

@@mwwhatever my bad! I work in a fab/machine shop with two trans folks, who happen to be two of our best, highest producing employees. Yet there have been other employees who make stupid comments about that. I apologize for misinterpreting the intent of your question!