In this occupation you could be a motor mechanic for a car dealer or garage or for a specialty service, repairing and servicing gasoline-or diesel-powered vehicles. You might repair truck-trailers, snowmobiles, mechanical units or engines. Using ordinary or specialized tools, you would test, diagnose, replace parts and assemblies, tune adjust andmake body repairs. Mechanics and repairers work indoors under safety regulations that control exposure to noise, vibration, fumes, odours and liquids. New developments in engines, transmitions and suspension systems and the growing use of electronic components are changing the mechanic's job into that of a technician with an emphasis on diagnosis. So if you are a mechanic with training in propane and electronic fuel injection engines, on board computers and electronics, your skills will be in greater demand. This job allows you the chance to move into such positions as supervisor, sales representative, service manager, technical sales representative or specialized mechanic.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Apprenticeship, which lasts four to five years and includes some vocational school training, can begin if you are 16 and have finished grade 9 or 10, depending on the state or province. In some places you can apply your vocational credits from mechanical engineering or auto mechanics to your apprenticeship. You must have good reading and writing skills and a basic understanding of electronics. Your hearing and eyesight should be good and you should have manual dexterity.

SALARY:
$31,000 to $34,000