Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > How do I become a 'motorcycle technician' - Serious job question

[domski]

Right then, seeing as I'm an out of work loser, I've had lots of time to think about what I want to do.

Every bloody job requires a list of qualifications and certificates these days (I know bike mechanics do too) and I'd be near retirement by the time I could afford to get any!!

What's annoying is that there isn't a job I couldn't do - but just don't have the paperwork (Maybe I couldn't do topless modelling...) So, I've thought about which jobs I would get satisfaction from, as opposed to a 6 figure salary like TP :P

Despite the fact I go on about having mechanics to fix my bikes, that's not strictly true - it was only Louigi coz it was his bike.

OK, maybe AK as well, but that was his bike too.

...and possibly Chass, but yadda yadda yadda...

I'm actually not retarded with a spanner, and could never afford to take my bikes to the shop, so I'm self taught and half alright.

So, with that in mind, are there any specific qualifications I need, or is it just a case of finding a dealer daft enough to give me a job as a trainee or something?

Any advice appreciated (useful that is)

[Scooter916]

Dom
You need to register with Remit, www.remit.co.uk And then find a dealer to take you on. Not sure on the age qualification tho.
It aint easy, BMW have just started running tech courses too, so that could be an option and i would immagine the pay would be better, The pay aint great mate, you do it for the love of bikes not the wages. Well my mechanic does cos i pay him ferk all.
If you need any contacts at remit gimmie a shout
Glyn

[bradders]

cant you do this sort of thing at college? become qualified then apply for a job...

[Scooter916]

Originally posted by bradders
cant you do this sort of thing at college? become qualified then apply for a job...

Baradders its not that easy, We tried this with our apprentice, he has to travel to crawley once a month for his block release, We tried to get him in a closer college but there are so few interested in motorcycles its not financialy viable for them to run the courses. One or two do run tech courses that encompass a little bike work but they had no bikes for the students to play with...... A little pointless me thinks, he could learn more from the tinternet if he got off the porn sites.
Personally I would rather employ an eager would be mechanic who can demonstrate his skills without qualifications than someone who has just finnished a course and has a piece of paper.( and think they know it all)
My 2 penneth

[Edited on 21-1-2006 by Scooter916]

[domski]

Originally posted by Scooter916

Baradders its not that easy, We tried this with our apprentice, he has to travel to crawley once a month for his block release, We tried to get him in a closer college but there are so few interested in motorcycles its not financialy viable for them to run the courses. One or two do run tech courses that encompass a little bike work but they had no bikes for the students to play with...... A little pointless me thinks, he could learn more from the tinternet if he got off the porn sites.
Personally I would rather employ an eager would be mechanic who can demonstrate his skills without qualifications than someone who has just finnished a course and has a piece of paper.( and think they know it all)
My 2 penneth

[Edited on 21-1-2006 by Scooter916]

I think I really like Glyn

I do agree with you though, the world has gone certificate and course crazy since I left school in '92

[Scooter916]

Transferable skills seems to be in at the moment, Always worth a blag anyway.
Glyn

[domski]

Originally posted by Scooter916
Transferable skills seems to be in at the moment

Where do I get those from?

[phil_h]

Originally posted by Scooter916

Baradders its not that easy, We tried this with our apprentice, he has to travel to crawley once a month for his block release, We tried to get him in a closer college but there are so few interested in motorcycles its not financialy viable for them to run the courses. One or two do run tech courses that encompass a little bike work but they had no bikes for the students to play with...... A little pointless me thinks, he could learn more from the tinternet if he got off the porn sites.
Personally I would rather employ an eager would be mechanic who can demonstrate his skills without qualifications than someone who has just finnished a course and has a piece of paper.( and think they know it all)
My 2 penneth

[Edited on 21-1-2006 by Scooter916]

What a state of affairs if crawley college in sussex is the best option for someone from oop norf.
My mate derek (ex norton racer) has been teaching there recently, and some of the courses they run for the, shall we say, more legally-challenged people, have tried his patience a bit !

Dom, I would suggest you spread the word in person at all your local garages and bike shops rather than here.
Try and call in some favours from old friends to get a foot in the door somewhere, as once you have had some experience somewhere (anywhere) the next step is easier.

[Scooter916]

Originally posted by domski

Where do I get those from?

Well I Got some, Maybe i could Transfer them to you....Thats how it works i fink.

[domski]

Originally posted by Scooter916

Well I Got some, Maybe i could Transfer them to you....Thats how it works i fink.

Are they in PDF format, and can I download em?