We talk to a real mechanic about what it really takes to work on real cars

This is Tam, he’s the real-deal, a worked-from-the-bottom mechanic. He’s been running his own shop for 17 years, and he wants you to have a rare opportunity to see the underside of some exotic cars.

There are a lot of ways to work with cars. Some of them are tougher than others.

Without access to 'significant funds' for example, it’s pretty hard to become a racing driver, but one of the most popular ways to get up close with cars is to work in a garage.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a mechanic but don’t know where to start, asking a real mechanic some questions might be a good idea. But not everybody knows one, and workshops can seem a little unapproachable. We get that. So instead, we asked Tam some of the big questions for you, and he’s got an upcoming event at a Western Sydney TAFE (that we toured while chatting) that you might want to attend if you're keen to know more.

OS: Word has it you’re hosting a pretty neat event in a week or two, tell us what it’s about.

Tam: Running my own shop and working as a teacher at the TAFE in the past I’ve noticed that we’ve been getting less students and less apprentices of late. I wanted to give back to the industry by raising some awareness of the mechanic’s trade and show off where this industry can take you. I've teamed up with the TAFE and a local dealership, Prestige Motor Haus, to put some exotic cars on a hoist for everyone to see. To my knowledge, it's the first time in NSW anyone's organised an event like this.

We chatted while touring the Wetherill Park TAFE's facility which is a slick, open plan work-space.

OS: It would have taken a lot to put this event together, what do you think people will gain from attending?

Tam: I think what people will take from this event is that there are lots of pathways to becoming a mechanic, and without organising an event like this it can be hard for people to see where to begin or where it can take you. My story and my pathway is just one, but there are lots of opportunities available now thanks to high demand.

OS: You’ve owned your own shop for 17 years, you’ve worked with both TAFE and the Motor Traffic Authority. For someone considering a career as a mechanic, where would you tell them to start? Would it be best going straight into a TAFE course, or should you sign up as an apprentice first?

Tam: The first thing I would suggest is to find someone that’ll give you work experience. Actually working on the floor is the quickest way to know whether this industry will be for you. Don’t waste time jumping from job to job or course to course. The industry is dirty, physically taxing and often you'll be working in hot or cold weather. Get some experience at the bottom and you’ll figure out whether it’s really for you.

These regular cars students work on will be replaced with more exotic vehicles on the night.

OS: What does it take to go to the next level up? Maybe for someone who is about to become, or already is, an apprentice - what does it take to work up the ranks, have your own shop or work on the more ‘prestige’ cars?

Tam: It’s simple, work hard, do even the worst parts of the job and ask as many questions as you can. It doesn’t matter if you’re working on a supercar or a regular old Corolla, give 100%. Also: Never give up. If you're comitted, that’s probably the most important part. It’s hard work starting at the bottom and I’ve seen a lot of younger guys give up when they hit obstacles.

Tam's advice? Don't limit yourself, work on heavy and light vehicles where you can, and always skill-up.

OS: On that topic of giving up, what’s the #1 reason you see aspiring young mechanics walk out the door?

Tam: I've asked some guys who have quit - generally they get bored doing the same things. If you want to work on different cars, be more valuable, and work your way onto the more exotic vehicles, you need to skill-up.

In my experience it’s massively valuable to be qualified not only as a mechanic but also an auto electrician. You can also diversify your skills by working on not just light vehicles, but also heavy vehicles so keep an eye out for those kinds of opportunities.

Get qualified to do multiple types of inspection for the RMS, too - pink slip, blue slip, whatever. There are always plenty of new things to add to your skill-set to be more valuable.

TAFE's facility has engines of all shapes, age and sizes. It's a long shot from the greasy garages of old.

OS: So, the best way to stay interested and stay in the game once you've started is to skill-up?

Tam: Yes. It’s all about the demand. Times have changed since I started, technology on cars is moving fast and if you’re not constantly keeping up, you’ll fall behind. The industry is like a pyramid, and the best guys, who work at the best workshops, on the most interesting cars have the most qualifications and the most in-demand skills. The guys at the bottom - the guys who get bored - don’t bother to evolve and it’s hard to make a living that way.

OS: Can you start out by working on your own car? Would you recommend that to keen young would-be apprentices?

Tam: I wouldn’t really recommend that, not unsupervised. Cars are so complicated now, especially when it comes to safety. A lot of people turn to Google and YouTube to learn now, but that can be risky, you’ll learn bad habits or shortcuts or something that’s simply incorrect.

If you’re still in school and you’re keen to see if the industry is for you, find a garage that’ll let you do some work experience, even if it’s on the weekend. You’ll start out doing menial tasks, sweeping the floor and such, but watch, learn, and ask as many questions as you can. I can’t stress enough that you won’t be doing the best stuff right away.

We spotted everything from go-karts to Mack and Volvo trucks, students are encouraged to 'cross-skill' and learn other parts of the trade.

OS: If someone came to your garage asking for that kind of entry-level experience what would you say to them?

Tam: If they’re just starting out from school I’d tell them to come along once or twice a week, get hands-on with everything they can, they’ll work out quickly if this is for them. Don’t waste your time applying for courses unless your willing to get that dirty, physically difficult entry-level experience.

A lone motorcycle hides in the corner.

If you’re keen to see or learn more about becoming a mechanic and you’re based in Sydney, Tam’s upcoming event will be held on the 14^th of November. Some exotic vehicles will be hoisted up and you’ll be given a rare opportunity to see the underside of cars like a Ferrari 458, an Audi R8 and a Lamborghini Gallardo. It’s held at Wetherill Park TAFE, where you'll also get an opportunity to see their learning facilities. If you're keen to attend shoot them a message at their official Facebook page to learn more.

Are you learning to be a mechanic? Tell us your story, or share some tips for beginners in the comments.