Mechanics Hub Membership Site Tour

I not only post here but also at Mechanics Hub...an interactive site for mechanics and non mechanics to hang around and talk about machinery /equipment in all industries. I joined in 2009 and have enjoyed sharing information, videos and photos.

Mechanics Hub also has a forum, job board and industry news along with many other related links to some great information. If you click on the 'Blogs' link you will find my articles there on diesel engines, school buses and several other commercial transport related posts.

Mechanics Forum

I know from experience that finding good information online is extremely difficult. There are lots of forums and sites that want to sell auto parts etc. but not a lot of reliable information to answer mechanical questions. I see sites that offer "ask a mechanic" but that comes with a fee. The MH forum has categories for construction, highway, bus and coach, forestry and many more.

Great Information For Tech Schools

There are a lot of sites on the Internet and I haven't seen many better than MH for the simple reason that they deliver quality information. If you are looking for a Technical school in your area there is a link on the site for technical schools in Canada and the USA.

There are a lot of jobs available if you're willing to pack your bags. I would encourage anyone who wants to get into the commercial transport or heavy duty mechanic trade to have a look at the jobs board and see what's available. There you will see jobs all over the continent that pay very well. I an seeing a huge need for mechanics these days and there will be an even larger demand in the future so now is the time to get to school for your pre-apprenticeship course and start pulling wrenches!

See my Mechanics Hub Members Tour Video

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The Mechanic Red Seal Journey

Mechanic Red Seal Certification

The coveted Mechanic Red Seal is the culmination of a four year apprenticeship and on-the-job experience. I never forgot about the people I worked with who took the time to explain how systems worked and the best tools to use.

The stepping stones to achieving your Mechanic Red Seal will vary depending on fate and possibly luck in some cases. Above all don't stop trying and show your true colors to perspective employers. Stay in contact and don't allow them to forget your face.

Attitude is everything. Every year our shop accepts a commercial transport pre-apprentice for a one month practicum. Every one of these guys are energetic, respectful and humble. The college instructor hand picks these 20 something future mechanics and it's very easy to work with them sharing over 100 years of combined experience in our shop.

There is a difference when working in a fleet shop compared to a customer shop. However there's no rushing around making quick decisions for the sake of saving time and money for a customer. A fleet shop has spare units to hand out and when it comes to our school bus fleet we can not cut corners for the sake of time. Transporting children means special attention on safety.

There are so many mechanical fields available. When I apprenticed the commercial transport and heavy duty trades was combined. We covered trucks and earth moving equipment so the curriculum was very broad. Now those two areas are separate trades and specialized. Just having a journeyman ticket doesn't mean you qualify for everything available. There's mining, construction, trucking, automotive, logging and so on. Pick one and go for it with the most enthusiasm you can muster.  

Commercial Transport Mechanic In The Making

Every year we accept an applicant from the local college who has just completed a 10 month pre-apprenticeship class in the commercial transport program. Becoming a mechanic in this field takes a certain amount of enthusiasm and positive attitude.

Taking advice wisely and showing your humble side is an asset when just starting out. The mechanics in our shop are always willing to share their knowledge which is invaluable and will help recipients get a good base of knowledge possibly preventing mistakes down the road.

Experience is the best teacher in my mind and working with a great mentor will excel your knowledge ten fold. We gave Jason a thorough one month practicum filled with servicing, brake jobs, suspension and electrical repairs. He loved the hands on and commented that getting into the actual work was far better than sitting in the classroom. Not to take anything away from classroom learning but his comment is the general consensus with a lot of mechanics in the field who are in the trade to work and get greasy.

At the end of the month I was pleased with Jason's performance and he was happy with his experience in our shop. Interacting with experienced mechanics is a great way to get a feel for the commercial transport trade. Until next year I am looking forward to the next up and coming commercial transport mechanic who shows up at our door.

A Mechanic On Mechanics

My Mechanic's Thoughts On The Field Of Mechanics
I never thought that I'd be sitting here blogging about the mechanic's trade 35 years after getting into a Heavy Duty Mechanic Pre-Apprenticeship Course. Back then Heavy Duty Mechanics was an all around trade which involved all heavy equipment including class eight trucks, earth moving equipment and automotive vehicles.

Years later Commercial Transport serving the transport truck field came on board and HD Mechanics became an earth moving / Mining equipment trade. It was information overload back then with all this equipment combined into a 6 month course. No complaints,  it was a welcome handful of knowledge.

Realistically you wouldn't be able to hop around from a truck shop to a Mining site too easily because of the diversity in each industry. working on a P&H shovel is totally different compared to a Class 8 highway truck. I worked for Highland Valley Copper in Logan Lake for a few months (between jobs) and it was policy for new mechanics to start with the Shovel and Drill crew. I had copper mining experience during my apprenticeship but I felt like a newborn climbing up a drill mast on a graveyard shift.

The Mechanic trade is full of new experiences and I have stories I can tell, some are strange and quirky. For example:The GM diesel engine that ran backwards one day and the heat riser valve that trickled down to block the muffler causing grief and embarrassment (ate some hours on that one). But.....If you are human you WILL error.

I had a very nasty Journeyman during my second year apprenticeship and he had minimal time to teach me anything and thought apprentices were a waste of skin. Unfortunate but luckily he was the only low point of my career and until I became certified I had the pleasure of working with very honorable Journeyman.

I couldn't wait to become a Journeyman and teach others, it's rewarding to help others. You look at rich and powerful people who are avid philanthropists who state that giving back is the most satisfying gesture of all. It doesn't have to be cash or cars but sharing your knowledge is priceless.

 I still remember things I was taught that are still with me to this day so keep it in mind when someone asks you a question :)




Remember To Think Safety On The Job...Don't try this at home. These guys in the video below are testing out an air bag. After too many beers.....