Mechanics vs. Technicians

[David Conway]

Hey Eric,

I once had a discussion with a friend of mine about the differences between a mechanic and a technician. He told me that a mechanic does only basic auto repair but a technician does more advanced work. What do you think about this topic?

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

I think I’m going to move this into the general discussion forum and see what the forum has to say about it.

[W00DBar0n]

This came up day one at work, they are the same thing.
Technician sounds better to a customer then mechanic does is the main reason that mechanics are being called technicians now.

In my field we were once called heavy duty mechanics, now we are heavy equipment technicians.
Which one sounds like a monkey swinging a sledge hammer and which one sounds like a person who wont damage you machine and is clean?

[mckrishes]

There is no difference. Just the name. Maybe people think the older names make them feel less worthy.

Mechanic = Automotive Technician
Garbage man/woman = Waste management technician
House keeper = Environmental service tech
House wife = Stay at home mom
Secretary = Administrative assistant
Computer repair man/woman = Computer services technician
Nurse aide = Medical assistant

And the list goes on

[David Conway]

A week or two ago my brakes class had a couple of guest speakers. The one guy told us that once we are done with the program, “we” are not mechanics, we are highly trained technicians.

[stingray66]

IT The same thing Your guest speakers. are blowing smoke up your a”’
AND DONT THINK for a minute getting an ASE master tech will make you any more of a MECHANIC
10 Bucks flat rate GOOD LUCK with that

[Dave]

Yeah, it’s a title thing.

As far as I can tell the training is the same.

The only thing I would consider is if they have an ASE cert.

Then they can call themselves a ballerina for all I care.

[mckrishes]

[quote=”davidsconway” post=40758]A week or two ago my brakes class had a couple of guest speakers. The one guy told us that once we are done with the program, “we” are not mechanics, we are highly trained technicians.[/quote]

Going to school is a good thing and I encourage it. I agree that school makes you highly trained and increases knowledge, but not necessarily highly skilled/experienced. ASE certification is designed to separate highly skilled/competent automotive professionals from lesser skilled/competent automotive professionals. To sit for the exam, you are required to have experience, some of which schooling qualifies you for.

So what advantage does a “highly trained technician” have over a “mechanic?” Are/do they:

1. Qualify to sit for ASE? No.
2. Make more money?
3. Held more accountable/responsible?
4. Experienced?
5. Skilled?
6. Knowledgeable?

Etc.

[Author]

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