I understand the process to become a licensed journey person, but what exactly does it take to become an auto mechanic apprentice (auto service tech)?
I tried this before, as I knew it was the career I wanted. After 6 months+ I became frustrated with the lack of opportunity, so I went to college. Fast forward 4 years later, I'm looking again because I thought the industry had changed.
Over the last several months I have experienced something I cannot quite explain in regards to this previously stated trade. In my state, it is reported to be the most in-demand trade. The government has long provided enough incentives for businesses to actually profit somewhere between 20-50 cents for every dollar they invest in an apprentice.
In this time I have gone from garage to dealership, resume in hand and spoken to owners, service managers and the like explaining that I would like to become a first year/first period apprentice. The number one issue seems to be experience. Granted, I don't have any direct experience working as an auto mechanic but I do have experience in closely related areas as well as personal interest in the field.
I come across employers that want either one of 2 apprentices:
A 3rd-4th year apprentice (if not a licensed mechanic), no exceptions.
A 1st year apprentice with at least 2-3 years experience.
First off, how can someone progress to 3rd or 4th year if zero opportunities for a 1st year exist?
Secondly... if I had said experience, I wouldn't be a first year apprentice!
Could someone tell me what on earth I'm supposed to do differently? I am not above sweeping floors, hauling garbage and doing the dirtiest most unwanted jobs for months on end to get my foot in the door, but it seems like this also isn't enough.