Sorry, you need exerience.......

[The Monk 50]

Well I'm pretty much looking for opinions, words of wisdom and advice.

As some of you are aware, I've just qualified as a level 3 mechanic.... top spec training basically.

In the past month, I've responded to 34 ads on the net AND been into several garages/dealerships.

Not one has offered me a trial to show my abilities or even an interview because I don't have atleast 3 - 5 years previous experience in a garage.

You need a job to get experience but you need lots of experience to get a job.

I've just wasted 2 years of my life training in level 2 and 3 vehicle maintanence and repair and struggled for money and to live all the way through. Now it's all over and I'm qualified, no one wants to hire me or give me a chance to prove my worth.

So, short of trying to beat some sense into managers to allow people a chance, what should I do?

I've registered with recruitment agencies and online job finders, but 2 months have gone without any job applications.

Yes, I'm fully aware that idiots that start apprentiships and muppets with college training but no common sense cost employers money for mistakes.

Any suggestions gals and boys?

[H13VYY 0]

Even though the recession is apparently had it's worst impact, the lag effect is still taking it's course hence the unemployment level.

If i was you..i would try and find some private work..i.e. juat getting the word around through mates, wifes mates, local paper etc.

I wouldn't bother applying for jobs everywhere just yet as your most likely to get refused and then you probably won't get an opprtunity apply there for a certain amount of time.

[The Monk 50]

Private work is an alternative I was thinking of.

I did do a few jobs here and there while training. Mostly on new brakes/discs and a few other things also a few timing belts too.

But these were people being stingy with money. Took me 3 hours to change a cambelt on a pug307.... she only paid me £30.

Plus, it's an offence not to inform HM customs and rev about additional income. I'd also need a van lol. Plus there is no garantee of work.

[bungy 2]

Join up.

[rodney 17]

I popped a PM over to you. I hope it helps

Good luck and keep the faith...

[Phat VR6 3]

here what your saying about people been stingy with money. get some quotes first. then tell them how much you will do it for.

They can take it or leave it.. it will be there loss, Also and this sounds silly but never be keen to do work for some reason people wont trust you as much.

Now i have no interest in working on car i keep getting offered job for good money as well, where as before when i wanted to do it and id say stuff like ill do that for you + cheep price and it rarely happened, unless they new abit about it and could tell it was a really good deal.

As far as getting a job i never got anywhere buy applying over the phone or job center, Find your local garages and go strate to them, walk in the back door have a mooch around, chat with the mechanics hold the odd spanner so interest in the jobs taking place, so them that you know what your talking about, talk about some good diagnostic work you've done or ask him some advice on a problem so you can talk tec, he will get to see what your like and how good you are quicker than reading a cv or a phone call

Then ask if they have any jobs going, speak to the boss. he will ask you for a CV drop it in by hand have another mooch.

Few days/ week later follow it up, go back in there, nag the boss ask him about giving you some work Tell him you will do a week for free as a trial

Do this with as many local garages you can, also play them off against each other, got a job interview here but i like your garage better ect

Your going to have to put up with low pay for a while first most lightly, until you can prove yourself ect.

Hope this helps. I got a job this way although didn't keep it for long. and a fair few interviews, Also got offered a job few days ago when i went to pikey some brake pipe fittings lol

Tell us how you get on and good luck (

[Ben Seabrook 4]

I know what you mean Chris as I am going to be in this boat shortly when I qualify - am working with my dad but want to get some more work elsewhere and am dreading the whole application thing especially when you get to my age !!

Anyway good luck with it mate and don't give up :)

[Phat VR6 3]

how rude. try and hook a brother up and no thanks. I must be a complete cock end lol, ill pm if i find any job going because i don't think your that far away

[The Monk 50]

No you're not mate. I really appreciate it. My mum has gone poorly again and I've been in and out of hospital with her. I have had a few moments to speak on here, not much though.

Thanks for the advice Bodge. I'll keep that in mind when I go to a garage next mate.

Hope you get yourself sorted too Ben.

Thanks all. (l)

Hugs and kisses :-p

lol.