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Hey Yak
I started my apprenticeship in a Ford Dealership in England in 1979. After completing my apprenticeship I moved to Canada. However, in England you get assigned to a Master Tech or Mentor. I just heard that my Mentor Al is still there and is due to retire but hasn’t yet. So, how long has he been there: 42YEARS!!!!! But, you have him beat. He doesn’t go home for lunch.Cheers
YuvyI began my apprenticeship at 16 in England at a large Ford dealership (1979). Four apprentice Techys were hired each year. First years began the day by cleaning the the 20 bays, emptying the garbage and getting coffee for the older Techs. I wanted to be a Tech so bad I didn`t care. I also didn`t know any better at 16. Anyway, I was assigned to a Mentor tech, his name was Al. I worshipped him. It was a flat rate dealership so the quicker he trained me the more money he made as I got a fixed salary for the first two years. So all the jobs I did, he got payed for. He taught me to be quick, but thorough. He never got mad at me when I messed up, he just fixed my mess. Looking back, I can see how unfair the system was. however, I learned a lot and was willing to do anything to become like Al. I would hope you meet someone like Al. Also, ask yourself how bad do you want to make it. And try to focus in on where you want to be in 2,3,4 years. It is a messy business, but, 34 years later, I`m retired, but I`m looking to get a hoist for my home shop. If it`s in your blood, it`s in your blood. I wish you all the best.
Hi everybody, my name is Yuval or Yuvy for short. I am originally from Newcastle, England. At 16 (1979) I started my apprenticeship at a large Ford dealership in Newcastle. It was great. I was assigned to a Master Techy and spent two years working for 18 pounds a week (about $36.00) In my third year I moved to flat rate pay and was paid book time for each job. I loved that. Speed was everything and I certainly was guilty of taking a few short cuts here and there. It’s not an appropriate wage structure for an 18 year old apprentice who wants to make money!
After completing my apprenticeship, I tried my own business for a while but took an opportunity to move to Vancouver Canada in 1985. I ended up working for BCAA (AAA) for a few years but quit and went to school and finished a degree in English Literature??????? I got a job as a Teacher but soon ended back in the shop teaching Automotive. Later I retrained and taught wood work for 14 years.
I am retired now …. early retirement at 54 🙂 I have been Wood Turning for the past few years but family and friends started asking me to fix their cars. Problem was, most of my training had been in England working on 4 cylinder carbed engines with choke cables! The most sophisticated tool I owned was an inductive timing light! Any how, I began searching for a good YouTube site to do some catching up. I found ETCG and began watching all his videos.
Eventually I started cherry picking some jobs: brakes haven’t changed much, suspension set ups couldn’t be worse than the Hydrolastic Austin set ups I was used to. So, I dove in. The only completely new tech for me was the world of trouble codes and diagnostic work. I picked up a decent OBDII Scanner, some wiring diagrams and a multi meter and had at it. I have learned a lot form Eric and continue to do so. I am up and running now picking my jobs to suite my comfort level. I love the challenge and I think that is what keeps us healthy and happy: learning new skills is good for your well being as you get older. My shop, however, is wood shop/ auto shop. I’m going to have to lose some weight. There’s not a lot of room when I get an SUV in there!!
One question: I am considering a scissor lift. Could anyone recommend a good quality brand. There are dozens out there, mostly, I think, made in China.
Thanks
City & Guilds Automotive Technician
British Columbia Institute of Technology Education Certificate