thinking to change careers

i don't believe you're going to be wearing a lab coat, gloves, and a head mounted light.

you're going to get dirty, chasing down electrical circuits, up to perhaps removing some heavy parts like starters, alternators, even get deep into the cab to remove the computers then reassembling things.

before i got into trucking, i was an auto mechanic as well, and i got fed up with it, so i applied to several dealerships, like Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Lincoln, and was told, "sure we need a good diagnostic tech, but you ain't gonna be diagnosing every day, you're gonna wrench when there is work".

not only that, but it takes time to learn diagnostics, to be very good at it. you have to be spot on with your diagnostics, cuz if the mechanic screws up., it was YOUR fault that he did, you told him what was wrong.

best to just get into a trucking garage, maybe with a leasing company like Ryder, Penske, as they send you to school. but you're gonna wrench for them as well. even dealerships, they ain't gonna hire you to be a diagnostic tech outta the box.

i know what i went thru when i wanted out of driving, and back into the service business, and it's not as easy as you seem to think it's gonna be. your age, IS a factor.........it's called.."age discrimination"...trust me......been there, done that.

you only have like what...2 years as a mechanic..??

good luck, you forget a lot..from 2006 till now.

i had put in nearly 19 years as a mechanic, and still trying to get back into it, there was a lot to learn. that plus i had a huge amount of repair experience.

your background will get you into some training, then a longer road to get where you want to get. it's gonna be like you're all new to the trade.

 

Those types of positions aren't the type you walk into most shops doing. You will be doing all types of repairs. To be a specialist takes years of hands on experience and I can pretty much guarantee you there is at least one guy alrea working at any shop you apply to that is working his way to that position.

I support your decision to get back into a shop. Good mechanics are hard to find. Jump in anywhere that's willing to pay you what you need, do great work, show up on time every day and you'll quickly rise above the average "technician".

I just noticed you mentioned having a bad back. If you are unable to get under trucks you may have a hard time getting a repair job. Most shops won't let you pick and choose what work you want to do and as the new guy you'll get the work nobody else wants.

 

this is true..much like trucking, it's seniority nearly 100% of the time, in order to dictate to the employer what you will or will not do.

gotta work your way up all over again.

 

If your an experienced diesel fitter they'd welcome you over here with open arms, with the mining boom they are short staffed and diesel fitters are wanted urgently working on the big Cat or Komatsu motors, 12 hour shifts, day/night 7 days on 7 off. However have family friendly shifts of 4/3 work Monday to Thursday with Friday - Sunday off. So take the plunge and move across the pond if you want mate. If you land a 457 visa you can apply for residency straight away. Hastings Deering looks after Caterpillar maintenace so they'd be the best people to contact. Emeco another firm that lease equipment to the large mines controlled by BHP and service all their equipment, like Dump trucks, Giant Excavators, Dozers, Graders, Loaders. Income wise you could expect to be on at least $50 per hour if not more, free food and board paid for while your living out at camp. So about $4200 per week based on 7 days x 12 hour shifts or 12 x 4 days = $ 2400

 

Serious question, but what skills do you have to offer, and why would they hire someone for diagnostics only?

You really have to understand the whole truck, and how the different systems operate together, to diagnose. That knowledge isn't easily aquired

 

yes, there are many smaller shops..but then too, you still need to be on your "A game" for them as well as any larger place.

just read the many complaints here on this site, about the money truckers are paying for repairs, and the repairs ain't no good.

those smaller shops depend dearly on top notch staff, unless they are scumbags, then you too will be treated as such by the customers..you really do not want that.

i wish you well, but depending on your age, and this is where you gotta really think...your age, and your back issues........you really wanna start from the bottom again...???

it's tough, it can be done, but expect hurdles along the way, that very well may make you go back to driving

or....you could get more business educated, hire a very good driver...not a student.....and you be the broker.....that might require some sort of bond or whatever, others here will know that better, to advise you...

just DO NOT hire a recent trucking school grad, as he or she will cost you more money with accidents, and incidents than say a 2-3 year driver would.