Ag Mechanics

[motepoc]

I have been a mechanic ever since I graduated from high school. I went into the service (USAF) and went to the Aerospace Ground Equipment Repairman (mechanic) School. Learned how to work on all the equipment they used to support the aircraft, generators (ac, dc), air compressors, hydraulic units, turbine driven starting equipment, light units, and any other equipment they used to perform maintenance on the aircraft. Did that for 4 years. Got out of the service, went to work for a textile plant, made mechanic 4 months in, had to go to their school for 3 years. Was OTJ training. Was in that job for 15 years, went into computer maintenance was there for 13 years, went into the planning/scheduling job for the maintenance people for 5 years. That whole time, and to the present, I do all, or most of my own maintenance on cars, garden equipment, home and computers myself. All my jobs since the AF have payed the higher end pay for non salaried employees. No matter what they build they will always need someone to repair/maintain it, so it is a great profession. The pay will always be based on knowledge, performance and how long you have been a mechanic. IMHO

 

[Trac-Tech]

The worlds your oyster!!!! If you do this, work hard and dont worry too much about the starting salary, then the way skilled staff shortages are all over the western world, when you are in your early to mid twenties, you will be able to command what you like. At fourteen, this seems a long way away, but it will go in the blink of an eye.
When I did my apprenticeship, I had no idea that I would have traveled the world with my job and all still working for the same company since I left school. The ag industry is not that big, but the amount of good people is also not that big. Best to get your appreticeship with a franchised dealer and work from there. Importers and manufacturers will notice you if need be.
I wish you all the best with this decision. But remember one thing, make sure what ever you decide to do, have fun doing it!!!!! This will help your aptitude immensley.

 

[TrippleT]

I would suggest that you get a good technical education in your area. Don't worry to much about the starting salary. However, I can tell you that there are at least two aspects to mechanics. One is learn the theory, then gain the on hands experience. DO get the theory.
It sounds a little low to me the 6 to 10 dollar starting salary. Another thing is I don't like to give a man 40 to 50 % of what I earn by working on commission for just working under another man's roof.
I am talking about a long term thing here. Yes, for a few years it is fine.
I worked for the state here as a mechanic technician for almost 25 years and worked for dealers, and independent shops, and for a John Deere dealer, as well.
If you can get into a shop such as a state, or county, you will get good benefits, vacation, sick leave, insurance, and things of that nature as a rule.
Just a few thoughts on the subject. But remember, that it takes really about 4 years to make a GOOD mechanic, and about two more to specialize. It doesn't come easy. GOOD LUCK STUDY HARD it is a never ending school.

 

[Trac-Tech]

I dont know about the local state side of it at your end, but I agree whole heartedly with everything TripleT says. At the end of the day, it will be what ever your personal ambition drives you to make it become for you.
I am from NZ and have been transfered to Aus in my job. Due to the mining boom here soaking up skilled staff, I have had to recruit two mechanics from NZ to fill positions here. No amount of advertising worked and approaching people only pushed thier current salaries up so thier bosses could keep them. I have contacts in the UK, France & Italy in the Ag industry and the issue is exactly the same there. Mechanics here in general in the ag sector are earning between $AU20.00 ~ 30.00/hr. In NZ it is slightly higher, but the dollar is not as strong. But it is all relative to where you live.
Work hard and enjoy, as I said, the world is your oyster.

 

[billbill1]

You need to be able to afford the lifestyle that you want (of course) but being happy with what you are going to spend your life doing is also very important. If you love what you do, it won't seem so much like work. Be the best you can be at whatever you do, someone will notice your hard work and good things will happen. Having time to do the things you enjoy is also important (hunting, fishing, tractoring, chasing girls, you get the point) All work and no play will make Lanse a very dull boy.

 

[DavesTractor]

Lanse,
Very good advice you are getting. Another suggestion is to make sure you also study the basics. Don't think that English and Chemistry aren't important because you are going down the technical path. One day you might not work for somebody, you might just own Lanse's Tractor Shop! You will need good communication skills, computer skills, some knowledge of accounting, people skills, etc., all of these on top of your technical skills. Get a good job and work hard, climb the ladder a bit...then get your own ladder!

 

[Bird]

Lanse,
Very good advice you are getting. Another suggestion is to make sure you also study the basics. Don't think that English and Chemistry aren't important because you are going down the technical path. One day you might not work for somebody, you might just own Lanse's Tractor Shop! You will need good communication skills, computer skills, some knowledge of accounting, people skills, etc., all of these on top of your technical skills. Get a good job and work hard, climb the ladder a bit...then get your own ladder!

Very good advice. I have a grandson who thinks he wants to be an automobile mechanic, so that's what he's studying in junior college at this time and working for a Ford dealership, but the program does require some of those basics, too.

 

[art]

Many of the trades are lacking good qualified people for the amount of work that there is for them.
Isn't minimum wage over six dollars now?

Depnding on the type of shop that you get into has a lot to do with your wages. If good and fast then a flat rate pay base will reward you weekly for your efforts.