How to Find Internships as an Aspiring Auto Mechanic
So, you’re passionate about working with cars, and you’ve decided to pursue a career as an auto mechanic. That’s a fantastic choice! Auto mechanics play an essential role in keeping the world’s vehicles running smoothly, and it’s a profession with endless learning opportunities.However, before you can dive into the world of auto repair, gaining hands-on experience is critical. One of the best ways to do that is through an internship. But how exactly do you find internships as an aspiring auto mechanic? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of finding internships that will help kick-start your career in auto repair.
Why Are Internships Important for Aspiring Auto Mechanics?
Internships are crucial for anyone entering the auto repair field because they provide invaluable hands-on experience that you simply can’t get from textbooks. They give you the chance to apply the knowledge you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Additionally, internships allow you to:
Gain Practical Skills: As an auto mechanic intern, you’ll be able to work directly with vehicles, learning how to diagnose and repair issues under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Build Professional Networks: Internships provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, which can lead to future job opportunities or mentorship.
Boost Your Resume: Having internship experience on your resume will make you more attractive to employers, increasing your chances of landing a full-time position in the future.
Understand Industry Expectations: Internships give you insight into how auto repair shops operate and what’s expected of mechanics in a professional environment.
Now, let’s dive into how to actually find those internships that will set you up for success.
- Start with Your School or Training Program
Many aspiring auto mechanics attend technical schools or community colleges that offer specialized training in auto repair. These schools often have relationships with local businesses, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and manufacturing companies, that are willing to offer internships to students.
How to Take Advantage of This:
Talk to your career counselor – Most technical programs have career counselors or advisors who can help you find internships. They may already have a list of partner shops looking for interns.
Attend job fairs – Some schools hold job fairs or industry networking events where employers looking to hire interns or employees come to meet students. Take advantage of these events to make connections with potential employers.
Take advantage of alumni networks – Many schools have alumni networks that can be a great resource for finding internships. Contact the school's alumni office or speak to instructors who may have connections to industry professionals.
- Visit Auto Repair Shops Directly
While many auto repair shops may advertise internships online, others prefer to work directly with students. If there's a local repair shop you admire or are interested in, don't hesitate to reach out and ask about internship opportunities.
How to do this:
Prepare a professional resume: Make sure you have an up-to-date resume that highlights any relevant training, certifications, or courses. Even if you don't have any hands-on experience yet, a well-written resume can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
Dress appropriately: While auto repair is a hands-on job, when applying for an internship, it's important to dress professionally. First impressions matter, so show that you're serious about the opportunity.
Talk to the manager or owner: Ask to speak to the shop's manager or owner. Express your interest in interning and ask about available opportunities. Be sure to mention how your skills and interests align with their job.
Follow up: After your visit, be sure to follow up with an email or phone call to express your gratitude for their time and reiterate your interest.
- Use Online Job Portals and Internship Websites
There are numerous online job boards and internship-specific websites where you can find opportunities. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor often post internships in auto repair. Additionally, some sites focus specifically on internships and entry-level jobs, such as:
Internships.com
WayUp
SimplyHired
How to find internships online:
Set alerts: On many job boards, you can set up alerts to notify you when an auto repair internship becomes available. This way, you won't miss out on any opportunities.
Tailor Your Search: When searching for internships, be sure to use relevant keywords like “auto mechanic internship,” “auto repair apprenticeship,” or “mechanic apprentice.” Narrow your search to focus specifically on internships.
Read Job Descriptions Carefully: Always read job descriptions carefully to make sure the internship aligns with your career goals. Some may require specific certifications or prior experience, while others may be more flexible.
- Reach Out to Dealerships
Auto dealerships, especially those with service departments, can be a great source of internship opportunities. Dealerships often need additional staff to help with routine maintenance and repair work for specific vehicle brands. Interning at a dealership can provide valuable experience, especially if you’re interested in specializing in a particular make or model.
How to approach dealers:
Research local dealerships: Look for local car dealers and visit their service departments to ask about internship openings. Large dealerships may offer internship programs designed specifically for aspiring mechanics.
Consider brand-specific training: Some dealerships, particularly those that represent luxury or high-end car brands, offer brand-specific mechanic training programs.
- Join Automotive Forums and Groups
There are numerous online forums and social media groups dedicated to auto mechanics. These platforms can be helpful for connecting with other professionals in the industry, asking questions, and finding internship opportunities.
How to Use Online Communities:
Facebook Groups: Join local or national automotive Facebook groups where mechanics and auto enthusiasts share advice and post job or internship openings.
Reddit: Subreddits like r/Mechanic or r/AutoRepair are great places to learn from experienced mechanics and discover internship opportunities.
Networking: Use these platforms to build your network and learn about potential internship openings from people in the industry.
- Consider Apprenticeships
If you’re struggling to find a traditional internship, consider applying for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are similar to internships but usually offer a more structured program with paid wages. Many apprenticeships also provide the opportunity to gain certification in specific areas of auto repair.
How to Pursue an Apprenticeship:
Look for Trade Unions: Many trade unions, such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), offer apprenticeship programs in auto repair. These programs can give you the hands-on experience you need to start your career.
Contact Auto Repair Companies: Larger auto repair businesses and dealerships may offer apprenticeship programs for aspiring mechanics. Reach out to inquire about these opportunities.
Conclusion
Finding an internship as an aspiring auto mechanic can be an exciting journey. By leveraging resources from your school, approaching auto repair shops directly, using online job boards, and connecting with industry professionals, you’ll be well on your way to landing that crucial internship. Remember, internships are about more than just gaining experience; they provide the foundation for your future career in auto repair.
Ready to get started on your internship search? Visit InstantCarFix for tips, resources, and guidance to help you navigate the world of auto repair internships and kick-start your career!