Is it worth becoming a mechanic in 2023?

[MasterOfReality]

I used to love living in camps but as I get older I can’t stand them. Noisy pricks always slamming doors, dragging their chair around the room, yakking away on the phone, tv up loud etc etc.

Last 12 month contract I had, scored a house in town with a meal pass to the mess. Perfect.

Seen more than a few guys marched off site for contraband and blowing numbers. I remember the guy who came back from his days off and failed the drug test haha. One way ticket out.

 

[Mickcc]

Life is what you make the Choice is yours there are many roads to the left to the right where
you go can not be made by us the road is maybe choice and it`s up to you Good luck in what to decide

 

[VS 5.0]

Heavy diesel will get you into the mines if that's what you want, definitely where the money is for a mechanic, there are a few courses/tickets beginning to appear in regard to electric vehicles too. Starting to see some underground electric jumbo's, LV's and normets roll in over the last few years. Trucks and loaders won't be too far off.
Should mention that i am a heavy diesel mechanic, been fifo on and off for almost 20 years, having the right roster is the most important thing to me.

The diesel techs in our business are starting down the EV path.

We have a couple of small assessment EV machines (loader and excavator) on site.

Bigger EVs are coming.

Site infrastructure for EVs is gonna be a big thing to deal with.

 

[Anthony .]

A business owner mechanical business is a tough gig to start making a buck....Had a few mates that were top mechanics that nearly lost everything because they went into business for themselves...

So just be very wary if you're considering that area....

Thanks VC. Definitely not considering that path

 

[LeighC]

You can get a decent wage in the mines but most of it comes from doing a lot of hours & some can find it fairly lonely.
Heavy Diesel helps but there is some light vehicle work. You need a basic automotive mechanic ticket first.
Specialising in diesel & hydraulics will get you in the door.
Good opportunity to save also because it is tiring & not much time to muck up.
I did it for a few years & loved it.
Cheers - Leigh

 

[Anthony .]

What is the average age/ number of years diesel mechanics work for in the mines? When do most move into a another career due to the strain from the job, etc.
I have heard it is great to get into when relatively young as most young people will probably not have as many commitments as they will later on in life?

 

[Mickcc]

What ever you do follower your heart because that is where you will go
don`t look at others your ideas are yours alone again good luck life is short you will
have to do something go back to to Tafe maybe they have an answer

 

[keith reed]

What is the average age/ number of years diesel mechanics work for in the mines? When do most move into a another career due to the strain from the job, etc.
I have heard it is great to get into when relatively young as most young people will probably not have as many commitments as they will later on in life?

It depends on the individual. If you can handle the isolation and boredom go for it I was still working in the mines in my sixties. Most are a lot younger than that though there were still a lot of middle aged people who had been doing it for years. You only go there for the money nothing else.

If you are in a relationship that isn't that good forget it. Not ideal for those with children either with mum and the kids only seeing you once a fortnight for a few days. The ones I worked were either 10 on 4 off or 11 on and 3 off.

 

[VS 5.0]

My sister works FIFO in the Pilbara.

7 on 7 off as a truck driver (dump, water cart etc) and more recently as a driver trainer.

Pulling in $120k pa.

 

[keith reed]

I used to love living in camps but as I get older I can’t stand them. Noisy pricks always slamming doors, dragging their chair around the room, yakking away on the phone, tv up loud etc etc.

Last 12 month contract I had, scored a house in town with a meal pass to the mess. Perfect.

Seen more than a few guys marched off site for contraband and blowing numbers. I remember the guy who came back from his days off and failed the drug test haha. One way ticket out.

When I was at Blackwater the first three days were induction. On the third day they drug tested us. One person failed so he was gone. At least he got three days pay so it wasn't all for nothing for him.