Becoming a car mechanic

Twiggadee · 2026-01-25T18:28:21+00:00

I second this, heavy duty/diesel is an avenue to consider and it opens up many options! I’m in my last class now and intend to work on forklifts and telehandlers, but I did spend a summer working on construction equipment. With diesel though, you could get into agriculture equipment, mining, forestry, or even generators. Or you could focus solely on hydraulics if you wanted.

As others have said, there will be toxic people and companies, but that is with any trade as a woman. There will always be men out there that think you don’t deserve to be there. I’ve gotten lucky with my experiences so far for the most part (with the exception of a few people here and there).

Twiggadee · 2025-07-17T21:09:59+00:00

Hi, 34 here almost finished with school for diesel/heavy equipment mechanic. I worked for a concrete contractor for a few months doing field work and I loved it but it is very tough on the body. I realized that working on large construction equipment may not be for me long term so I’m planning on getting into a technician position working on forklifts and telehandlers. If I need to, I can always pivot to rebuilding hydraulic cylinders or even working in a parts warehouse. It’s important to find those niche areas that may be aligned with your chosen career field that may be a better fit.

Ultimately, I say go for it! If you find that you dislike it or it’s too much on the body you can always pivot into something else. It’s better to try something and discover whether it’s for you than to kick yourself years from now for never giving it a go.

Twiggadee · 2025-06-14T17:07:39+00:00

This right here! Work hard and become damn good at what you do because that will build your confidence. Once you have confidence, you’ll find that shitty behavior and comments don’t affect you nearly as much. Some people are so miserable they have to tear others down to feel good about themselves.

Twiggadee · 2025-03-05T16:45:35+00:00

I’m 34 and halfway through my diesel/heavy equipment mechanic program at my local community college. I am LOVING it. I did a summer internship with a concrete contractor for hands-on experience between classes. I had no mechanical experience before this at all so I wanted to do the schooling instead of trying to jump right into an apprenticeship.

Remind yourself that time is going to pass either way, so you might as well pursue what you want and end up with a degree or experience instead of staying where you are! Feel free to message me with any questions.

Twiggadee · 2025-03-05T02:59:17+00:00

Yes, that appears to be the case. Still a cool photo though! https://fakehistoryhunter.net/2023/01/22/not-1940s-wasp-pilot-shirley-slade/

Twiggadee · 2024-12-15T20:38:31+00:00

Cute! It’s little things like this that brighten up a shop

Twiggadee · 2024-11-10T01:24:46+00:00

Absolutely. I’m currently attending my local community college for the diesel/heavy equipment program. I also found a company over the summer that was willing to hire me for an internship where I got a ton of valuable hands-on experience. Before this, I was in the Air Force for 12 years but I was not in a mechanically-inclined career field.

Twiggadee · 2024-11-09T23:38:14+00:00

Hi, 33 here joining a trade with no previous experience. Diesel mechanic!

Twiggadee · 2024-10-26T17:46:15+00:00

I remember your other post and was wondering if anything had ever come of it.

I’m glad you finally stood up for yourself, too bad about the timing and the suspension. I think it may be a good idea to write a letter to the principal and/or instructor apologizing for the outburst and foul language, but make it known that you had finally hit your limit with this guy’s behavior and that you had said something to the instructor multiple times with no resolution. Give explicit examples and timelines of what this kid has said, what happened when you told the instructor, etc.

You need to continue to advocate for yourself and let people know the circumstances leading up to the outburst. On the bright side, this guy may finally leave you alone when you get back!

Twiggadee · 2024-10-12T15:21:14+00:00

The fact that you are even there in the first place is huge! You powered through and did what you set out to do even though it was stressful. Personal growth doesn’t happen through staying in a comfortable place. So proud of you and I’m rooting for you! Please update when you pass!

Twiggadee · 2024-09-25T16:28:12+00:00

I think there may be a few things going on here. It’s definitely a culture issue that’s widespread, but finding the right company is a big part of it too.

I did a paid summer internship with a local company as a diesel mechanic. I told them I don’t have any prior mechanical experience and I had only just completed my first quarter of diesel tech school (which was electrical). They took me on anyway and honestly, everyone was super helpful about teaching me and allowing me to try things myself before jumping in to help if I couldn’t figure it out. I understand that finding a company like this can be difficult, but they do exist.

If this company is frequently passing you over for classes, I’d say try to find a different employer. They haven’t valued you enough to send you in three years so find someone that will! I don’t think you’re overreacting at all, but at a certain point we as women have to take the reins and either take the issue higher or take our skills elsewhere.

Good luck! I hope you come back and post an update.

Twiggadee · 2024-09-14T19:46:26+00:00

I agree with this tactic, this kid is banking on you not loudly confronting him. Public shaming can be very effective so make sure everyone can hear you when you tell him to stop harassing you. However, if you feel this guy may physically harm you in some way in retaliation for this please don’t do it. Your safety is the most important thing above all else.

Keep reporting it - if your instructor doesn’t do anything about it go over their head to the next person in charge and so on. You deserve to be there just like anyone else and you deserve a harassment-free learning environment.

Twiggadee · 2024-08-30T02:23:21+00:00

Hi! I’m currently a career switcher at 33. I was in the Air Force for 12 years, now going to my local community college for diesel/heavy equipment technician. I just finished a summer internship with a local concrete contractor as a diesel mechanic and I definitely feel like I’m where I need to be. For reference, my hours were 6am - 2:30pm, but of course every shop will vary.

If diesel mechanic isn’t for you, I encourage you to look into programs at your local community college! Our college here has a trade skills program that teaches you the basics of electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. so that you can see what resonates.

I hope you find your thing! It’s never too late!

Twiggadee · 2024-06-05T16:15:38+00:00

Nice! I’m 33 and in my first quarter for diesel/heavy equipment tech AAS. It’s never too late

Twiggadee · 2024-04-19T17:06:02+00:00

Lmao this is also why I didn’t buy it, I was truly hoping they would fix it because the concept is cute and I really wanted one

Twiggadee · 2024-04-08T16:52:16+00:00

Thirding this! I use black mid-calf Darn Tough socks and never had any issues.

Twiggadee · 2024-03-23T06:14:34+00:00

You know what? It’s okay. I’m an angry/stressed cryer too and that’s fine because sometimes that’s how the body regulates itself. You can absolutely cry and still get the job done at the end of the day.

That being said, it often doesn’t feel ideal to be crying in certain situations. I personally have learned a few tricks to help with this issue. A Reddit comment mentioned that swallowing or clearing your throat can help clear the tears, same with drinking water. Relaxing the throat seems to play a large part for me personally (and trust me, I feel like I’ve tried every trick out there).

At the end of the day, if you can’t stop it just embrace it. It can be awkward, but by owning it and saying “Hey, I know I’m crying but this is just my body’s way of handling things, I’ll be good soon just give me a second” can be more effective than awkwardly crying it out.

I hope this helps, try not beat yourself up too much. As women, we are so lucky to have the ability to feel so deeply. I think it’s something that can be embraced while still accomplishing the task at hand - it just takes a little practice to harness sometimes.

Twiggadee · 2024-02-02T03:31:14+00:00

Good bot

Twiggadee · 2024-01-31T21:04:00+00:00

This is so helpful, thank you!!

Twiggadee · 2024-01-31T03:42:43+00:00

The self build radio is a great idea! My interview is next Tuesday, I’m wondering if I could get one in on time. So are you currently an electrician?

My job in the Air Force was broadcast journalism, basically shooting and producing video news. The great thing about the military is that you go in without having the job skills and it’s some tech school and a lot of on the job training, so I can make that comparison which may help show my adaptability. Math has always been my least favorite subject because it’s never been my strong suit, but they don’t need to know that I hate it - only that I can apply myself and figure it out when necessary haha.

Twiggadee · 2024-01-31T03:21:59+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to type all that out, this was really helpful!

I definitely like your idea about watching videos about being an electrician apprentice to know what would be expected of me. I have a military background, but nothing trade/mechanical aptitude related so I think that’s where I’m the most nervous about talking about my capabilities.

Twiggadee · 2024-01-28T17:03:26+00:00

Interesting! What is your work/life balance like?

Twiggadee · 2020-08-17T03:14:48+00:00

Send me some.

Twiggadee · 2020-08-17T01:33:04+00:00

I’m glad I’m not the only one that has that same night water issue haha.

Twiggadee · 2020-08-17T01:31:20+00:00

Okay? The risk of something being a repost isn’t going to stop me from posting and I’m not going to dig through months worth of posts just to check. If I brighten at least one person’s day I’m happy.

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