mechanics? male Vs female (is there females?)

[red_vb]

ih all im just going to ask this question, "would you take/want a female working on your car?" just pondering if i should change career paths and start studying to be a mechanic? im currently in retail?

[(CODEZ)]

i would have a female work on my car as long as she was fully qualified

i think this would be the case with most other members on this forum too

[S.T.K.E]

Listen i dont think it makes a difference when it comes to technical trades such as a mechanic, if you are male or female. Of course it is a male dominated trade. just like any of them. Been a mechanic takes brain not brawn. You wouldn't take your car to a mechanic who was dumb as a brick wall??? would you now

[Philthy]

I wouldn't think twice about it. I imagine that once you had a business set up word would get around about your work (good or bad), just like it does with every other mechanic.
As long as you are qualified and had a good name there shouldn't be a problem

[Cobez]

I couldn't give a shit whether the mechanic was male or female, as long as they do the job properley, they could be an alien for all i care. It's all about the best person for the job required, if the female is better than the male applying for the job, then so be it.

[dunno85]

go for it sista like everyone else has said male or female as long as the jobs done right who cares there is female plant mechanics out at my work...

[fuzzy2308]

go for it. i would rather a chick than a bloke work on my car

[andyman]

Listen i dont think it makes a difference when it comes to technical trades such as a mechanic, if you are male or female. Of course it is a male dominated trade. just like any of them. Been a mechanic takes brain not brawn. You wouldn't take your car to a mechanic who was dumb as a brick wall??? would you now

takes just as much brawn and brain to do the job, being able to lift and support large gearboxes, 4wd wheels etc is a pretty large part of the trade,

i know a few chicks that are mechanics, nothing wrong with it, but ill say they generally arnt that girly girly if you know what i mean

[danja]

Can't ever recall seeing a female mechanic, but as long as she knew what she was doing there's no problem, same as applies for a bloke.

There's a certain amount of brawn involved, I'm sure all of us have had our share of bolts that just don't want to budge, and as Andy says, lifting heavy objects has been known to happen...

[redcv6]

big dirty guy vs. short skirt bending over my front guard hmmmmmmmmmm let me think about this.......

[Julie]

I'd definately let a qualified female mechanic work on our cars, still haven't found a decent male mechanic they have all been ****wits lol

[Rossbx]

I am all for you going for an apprenticeship in Automotive Mechanics and would welcome a suitably qualified female mechanic to do work on my car when needed.

As Danja has said, there is a certain amount of brawn needed for the job; not just brains. If you are not exactly a tower of muscular strength, try gaining an apprenticeship working on small cars like Nissan or Hyundai as most parts on small cars are not that heavy.

Up here in Qld, a lot of employers will not put a female on as an apprentice because of possible sexual harrassment by the males. Not only is it a serious problem but is also an embarrassment to the company you work for.

The good and bad points are as follows:

Good; Trade qualifications mean that you will always be able to find a job
You are almost guaranteed at least 40 hours a week in work
It is always gratifying to finish a complex task and have it working ecxactly as it should or even better than it should

Bad: Mechanics are the lowest paid of any of the trades. They used to be the highest many years ago, but not anymore.
Customers can be rather quick to blame the mechanic for something that has happened to the car AFTER it has been worked on the mechanic. Example; you fit new brake pads to the front brakes and all is good. Customer takes car home and on the way, a headlight bulb blows. nine times out of ten, you will get the blame for it even though you were only told to do the brakes.
Walking on hard concrete floors is hard on your feet and knees. Constant bending over working on engines can give you back pain (mechanics back they call it)
If you don't mind getting your hands dirty then this is the job for you. Used oil stains your hands, especially Diesel oil and it is difficult to remove. It isn't permanent though, so don't worry. It is just embarrassing when you go out to a restaurant for dinner or some place like that.

I am definately not trying to put you off or anything, I just wanted to give you some idea of what to expect. I have worked in mechanical workshops for 22 years mainly as a Lube Technician (AKA grease monkey) so I know a lot about what you will be looking at.
My best advice to you is definately do some homework before you decide on anything and if you still want to go ahead with it, give yourself a head start and enroll for a prevocational course in Automotive. Doing that will be a good start for you and most of the time it will also knock 6 months off your apprenticeship.
I hope this helps you out a little at least.

Sorry for the long winded post...

[holdenhero]

Top post rossbx.

As for the original question, I'm the same as the others, if she knows what she's doing I don't see why its any different from a bloke?

[red_vb]

I am all for you going for an apprenticeship in Automotive Mechanics and would welcome a suitably qualified female mechanic to do work on my car when needed.

As Danja has said, there is a certain amount of brawn needed for the job; not just brains. If you are not exactly a tower of muscular strength, try gaining an apprenticeship working on small cars like Nissan or Hyundai as most parts on small cars are not that heavy.

Up here in Qld, a lot of employers will not put a female on as an apprentice because of possible sexual harrassment by the males. Not only is it a serious problem but is also an embarrassment to the company you work for.

The good and bad points are as follows:

Good; Trade qualifications mean that you will always be able to find a job
You are almost guaranteed at least 40 hours a week in work
It is always gratifying to finish a complex task and have it working ecxactly as it should or even better than it should

Bad: Mechanics are the lowest paid of any of the trades. They used to be the highest many years ago, but not anymore.
Customers can be rather quick to blame the mechanic for something that has happened to the car AFTER it has been worked on the mechanic. Example; you fit new brake pads to the front brakes and all is good. Customer takes car home and on the way, a headlight bulb blows. nine times out of ten, you will get the blame for it even though you were only told to do the brakes.
Walking on hard concrete floors is hard on your feet and knees. Constant bending over working on engines can give you back pain (mechanics back they call it)
If you don't mind getting your hands dirty then this is the job for you. Used oil stains your hands, especially Diesel oil and it is difficult to remove. It isn't permanent though, so don't worry. It is just embarrassing when you go out to a restaurant for dinner or some place like that.

I am definately not trying to put you off or anything, I just wanted to give you some idea of what to expect. I have worked in mechanical workshops for 22 years mainly as a Lube Technician (AKA grease monkey) so I know a lot about what you will be looking at.
My best advice to you is definately do some homework before you decide on anything and if you still want to go ahead with it, give yourself a head start and enroll for a prevocational course in Automotive. Doing that will be a good start for you and most of the time it will also knock 6 months off your apprenticeship.
I hope this helps you out a little at least.

Sorry for the long winded post...

ROSSBX no all is fine.....thanks any info is a + im hitting the big 3 0 next year and im also thinking i could be to late? and the part about brawn lets just say im not small just cuddly....i think i can handle weight (not sure on kg factor). i can lift/hold/squat afew. i do have muscle under there somewhere.... i sometimes think i could handle/rival(could out do) male chat, you guys cant be that bad (lady pics in a shed is not that bad as long as i can put up a few hotties of my own.) i have always loved cars since teens i should have done it back then (hindsight is always a blessing bugger it) but im kinda to scared to follow it i think, just like im to scared to ride a motorbike, but i like them....this could be a stupid question but how long would it take to qualify? how long for you?

[Rossbx]

Hey red_vb, Gee you are still a spring chicken... lol. At 29 you can still get an apprenticeship which will take you four years to complete; three and a half years if you do the prevocational course. It is called an "Adult Prenticeship". Please do not be "Scared to do it". Yeah sure it is a tad scarey in the beginning but it gets to become the norm fairly quickly.
The biggest misconception with young guys (especially) is that they will be working on engines because they are an apprentice "Motor Mechanic". If the truth be known here, they may not even get to touch a vehicle in the first twelve months of their training. I have known young apprentices to be sent out to mow the grass, sweep the workshop out or if they have a licence, be sent out to get parts needed for the day. After doing all that they would be washing parts for the mechanics. First year is basically about learning about parts (what they do and what they are called) and basic knowledge of tools and how to use them safely and properly.
The real training really starts at
2nd year is when things become a bit more hands on. By third year, you will be given jobs to complete with the aid of a qualified mechanic. Forth year apprentices are vertually given free reign (but still being monitored)
There are a lot of things you have to do in the apprenticeship that you will NEVER use on the job, but you have to learn it and pass the exams as well. Technical drawing is one of them.
There is a lot more to being a mechanic than meets the eye as well. You will have to do electrical diagnostics, engine management diagnostics, welding (both oxy/acetelene and arc/mig welding) and even air conditioning and automatic transmissions (although the Autos are mostly done by transmissions specialists)
As for the guys, well lets just say you would have to have a really good sense of humour and are able to give as good as you get. If you don't swear before you start the apprenticeship, then you will soon learn. Girly posters are basically frowned apon in most places these days as it is seem as smut.

Like I said, don't be scared to do it. Think positive, be brave and believe that you can do it and you will be surprised at how much easier things become. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask questions. The job is only as hard as you make it.
I hope this helps and answers your questions. If I can help you out with anything else just let me know OK

BTW we have a place up here called "The Apprenticeship Company" who places people of all ages into apprenticeships. Have a look in your area for similar establishments as they can give you all the information you need and also get you started with an employer...

Cheers,
Ross

[Deutscher]

I think go for it !
I wouldn't find a girl working on my car. I'm sure you could be as good if not better than some of the male mechanics.

You seen transformers 2? Hmmmmm Megan Fox the mechanic

If that's what you want to do, then do it.

[red_vb]

I think go for it !
I wouldn't find a girl working on my car. I'm sure you could be as good if not better than some of the male mechanics.

You seen transformers 2? Hmmmmm Megan Fox the mechanic

If that's what you want to do, then do it.

yeah i have seen it (u know movies r pretend rite?) lol yeah i dont think there would b many that look like her, lol and thanks, i will be doing some research first im not sure the mister is happy about this tho...oh well i dont NEED his approval anyhow...

[NORTI]

I had given it thought a number of times, & Ive been asked by random people why I have never persued it.....

I dont want to lose my enthusiasum for working on my car, by working on so many other peoples shitboxes

[alien]

I had given it thought a number of times, & Ive been asked by random people why I have never persued it.....

I dont want to lose my enthusiasum for working on my car, by working on so many other peoples shitboxes

Some people do loose passion for cars, some it just enstills it more. My mate (who is around my age) is a mechanic and he loves his cars. Whenever he's not working on cars at his work he's working on his own, or driving it! The work he does on his own cars has probably increased, same as his love for cars. Just depends on the person i guess.

big dirty guy vs. short skirt bending over my front guard hmmmmmmmmmm let me think about this.......

Hmm, i know which one i'd want too. Only problem is i do most of the work on my car, unless i've got no time to, then it goes to a mate

I couldn't give a shit whether the mechanic was male or female, as long as they do the job properley, they could be an alien for all i care. It's all about the best person for the job required, if the female is better than the male applying for the job, then so be it.

*starts working on Cobez's car* You wanted UFO modification right?

[stevesvx2001]

well im at doing a apprenticeship and the only girl at my tafe doing mechanics started a car in reverse and it jumped back wards 10meters into a hoist and screwed the hoist and the car. and because of that.no. no i would't

[NORTI]

well im at doing a apprenticeship and the only girl at my tafe doing mechanics started a car in reverse and it jumped back wards 10meters into a hoist and screwed the hoist and the car. and because of that.no. no i would't

Funny enuf after my exhusband ****ed my car so many times, & so-called male mates 'who know heaps about cars' have done more damage than good, theres a reason I dont let guys work on my car..............

[MikesCalais]

big dirty guy vs. short skirt bending over my front guard hmmmmmmmmmm let me think about this.......

alla megan fox in transformers 1?

I dont care either way... a good mechanic is a good mechanic, same with anything else

[Morton]

To me, it all depends on attitude - not gender. Some blokes can be ****wits, and working for an auto parts supplier, I meet a lot of women who are twits too.

Having said that, while a customer may appreciate the work of a lady, it's hard to find an employer who will take a lady on board and give her opportunity to get out there and do the hard/intricate/skilled work. I know of several women in the automotive industry (not just mechanics) around our delivery area, and they've all been held back by their employers for years.

[Philthy]

well im at doing a apprenticeship and the only girl at my tafe doing mechanics started a car in reverse and it jumped back wards 10meters into a hoist and screwed the hoist and the car. and because of that.no. no i would't

Have you read that "Stupid things you have done while working on your car" thread? Everyone does stupid things, you are making a massive generalisation based not only on one person, but one event

[NORTI]

To me, it all depends on attitude - not gender. Some blokes can be ****wits, and working for an auto parts supplier, I meet a lot of women who are twits too.

Having said that, while a customer may appreciate the work of a lady, it's hard to find an employer who will take a lady on board and give her opportunity to get out there and do the hard/intricate/skilled work. I know of several women in the automotive industry (not just mechanics) around our delivery area, and they've all been held back by their employers for years.

Agreed, I have seen the same. Also some clients wont be as accepting as the guys who have posted here. Plenty of blokes still ignore me when I enter auto places, instead talking to whatever guy is standing next to me.