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 A mechanic at asteam pump in anelectric power house, 1920, (from a photo study for theWorks Progress Administration (WPA)). | |
| Occupation | |
|---|---|
Occupation type | Skilled trades |
Activity sectors | Repairing |
| Description | |
Education required | Apprenticeship |
Related jobs | Repairperson |
Amechanic is askilled tradesperson who uses tools to build, maintain, orrepairmachinery,[1] especiallyengines. Formerly, the term meant any member of the handicraft trades, but by the early 20th century, it had come to mean one who works with machinery.[2]
Most mechanics specialize in a particular field, such as auto body mechanics, diesel mechanics,air conditioning andrefrigeration mechanics,auto mechanics,bicycle mechanics,boiler mechanics, race car mechanics, aircraft mechanics, and other areas. There are also mobile mechanics who work on heavy equipment that will come to you if there is an issue that must be resolved at the location of the machine.[3]
A mechanic is typicallycertified by atrade association or regional government power. Mechanics may be separated into two classes based on the type of machines they work on, heavyweight and lightweight. Heavyweight work is on larger machines orheavy equipment, such as tractors, construction equipment, and trailers, while lightweight work is on smaller items, such as automobiles.
Automotive mechanics have many trades within. Some may specialize in theelectrical diagnosis, while others may specialize in themechanical aspects. Other mechanical areas include:brakes andsteering, suspension, automatic or manualtransmission,engine repairs, auto body repairs, or diagnosing customer complaints.
Automotive mechanics require many years of training to become licensed. Countries like Canada have a governmental certification body that tests and maintains automotive mechanics' qualifications.[7] The United States of America uses an organization that is called ASE.[8] This organization provides independent testing of an automotive mechanic's skills with over 57 different tests that can be taken.
