Mechanic Vocational Skills at Triangle Cross

When you want to find a Christian boarding school and ranch for boys, ages 10-17,  that also offers vocational experiences that can lead your loved one to a successful and productive career, please consider Triangle Cross Boys Ranch in rural Wyoming.

While enrolled at Triangle Cross Boys Ranch and School, your young boy or teen will explore many job options that fit his personality and gifts, learn new skills, and gain valuable work experience that can lead to his best career. Here’s an example of what your loved one may do after enrolling in our vocational skills at Triangle Cross Boys Ranch—become a Mechanic!

Who is a Mechanic? 

Mechanic works in various workplaces, depending on the focus of their skills and experience. You may work on aircraft, elevators, farm equipment, industrial machinery, motorcycles, cars, or radios. It all depends on your area of interest and work opportunities.

Farm equipment mechanics tend to be realistic individuals, which means they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Some of them are also conventional, meaning they’re conscientious and conservative. 1

A farm equipment mechanic is a highly skilled and trained technician who farmers and farm equipment dealers call in to perform repairs and regular maintenance on large and expensive pieces of machinery. As modern farms have grown, their need for complex machines capable of working hundreds of acres has also increased. No longer working with just a simple till, modern farmers employ multiple tractors, each equipped with up to four hundred horse-powered engines. Along with large tractors, there are other expensive, complex machines like irrigation systems, combines, hay balers, and many more. 1

Most farm equipment mechanics will work for a farm equipment dealer, mainly in a shop and on machines brought in for repair. During the planting and harvesting seasons, mechanics will be especially busy, and they may be called out to a farm for emergency repairs. A mechanic will begin by assessing a damaged piece of farm equipment, and then they will use their training and experience to discover the problem and take the necessary steps to repair the machine. 1

A farm equipment mechanic must have a thorough knowledge of the various machines used in the field, such as planters, tillers, spray equipment, tractors, and devices used to milk cows. They will need to be able to take apart and rebuild these machines, differentiate between working and nonworking parts, and know where to order the correct machine parts. 1

Farm equipment mechanics will also need to perform regular diagnostics on equipment to ensure that these expensive pieces of machinery are kept clean and well-oiled to last the farmer as long as possible. Mechanics may also be called to repair dents or scratches on the machines and other cosmetic concerns and service older models. 1

Many farm equipment mechanics are self-employed, working from their own garages or farms. Since some form of farming takes place in so many different locations in the world, there is potential for a career as a farm equipment mechanic anywhere they may want to live. 1

Mechanical mechanics maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Workers must follow safety precautions and use protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protectors. 1

Industrial machinery mechanics tend to be realistic individuals, which means they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Some are also investigative, intellectual, reflective, and curious. 1

Skills needed:

Mechanics need the following skills to be successful in the industry:

Communication: Mechanics need excellent communication skills to talk to customers about vehicle issues, repairs, and costs. For example, a customer may ask for recommendations about what’s best for their vehicle or ask questions about how repairs were completed.

Diagnostic and problem-solving: Mechanics must know how to use diagnostic skills to determine what’s wrong with a vehicle. They also need strong problem-solving skills to accurately determine the cause of an issue and the most effective way to fix it.

Attention to detail: Mechanics need attention to the point while on the job to make repairs with precision and accuracy.

Organization: Mechanics need strong organizational skills to complete projects on time, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and document repairs for future reference.

Physical ability: Mechanics need to be able to move around while interacting with vehicles physically. They often have to stand for long periods, squat, bend and twist to make repairs.

Administrative skills: In many cases, mechanics need organizational skills to schedule appointments, keep track of tools and equipment and answer phones.

Proficiency with tools and equipment: Mechanics need to know how to properly utilize tools and equipment so they can do their work with speed and confidence. 2

How to Learn Mechanics:

The time it takes to become a mechanic depends on the type of training you want to pursue. To work as a mechanic, you must earn a high school diploma or GED and enroll in a training program or ranch. Some mechanics complete vocational experiences in high school and can begin working in trainee positions right after graduation. In contrast, others may spend one or more years completing their training post-high school. It can take a mechanic two to five years to gain the education and skills necessary for success. 2

Most employers expect mechanics to earn at least one certification through The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) before working full-time. However, many mechanics make several certifications in various specialties as they advance in their professional careers. The ASE offers nine certificates:

• Automatic transmission/transaxle
• Brakes
• Engine Repair
• Heating and air conditioning
• Suspension and steering
• Light vehicle diesel engines
• Engine performance
• Electrical/electronic systems
• The manual drive train and axles

To earn an ASE certification, you need to complete at least two years of related experience to show you have in-depth knowledge of the necessary techniques and processes. Related education can serve as a substitute for one year of on-the-job training, and you can also complete specific ASE courses and practice tests to prepare. 2

Mechanics vocational benefits:

The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $44,050 in May 2020.

The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $50,590 in May 2020.

The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $66,440 in May 2020.

The median annual wage for avionics technicians was $67,840 in May 2020.

The median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was $54,920 in May 2020.

The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $39,020 in May 2020.

The median annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers was $88,540 in May 2020.

The median annual wage for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians was $53,370 in May 2020.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. Demand for mechanics varies by state, with some higher than the national average. The job outlook for mechanics also varies by industry, with some specialties being in higher demand than others. 2

There are a few typical specialties or areas of expertise you may want to explore to increase your employability, including:

Motorcycle mechanic

“Big rig” or diesel mechanic

Recreational vehicle (RV) mechanic

Farm equipment mechanic

Aircraft Mechanic

Heavy-duty mechanic (cranes, bulldozers, and boom lifts)

Boat mechanic

Small engine mechanic

Tire mechanic

Bicycle mechanic

Air conditioning mechanic

Where to Begin Learning Mechanic Skills

Triangle Cross Boys Ranch Vocational Experiences Program in rural WY helps young boys and teens take control of their lives and develop independence. Young men produce a wide variety of job skills in various industries, as well as build a foundation in general life skills. Our long-term residential ranch environment and western “Cowboy Culture” promote honesty, integrity, responsibility, and determination.

That’s why we offer young guys hands-on exposure to various vocational skills training such as agriculture management, crop irrigation, carpentry, welding, heavy equipment operations, mechanics, horsemanship/horse training, and animal husbandry.

Call to learn more about our vocational experiences for boys, ages 10-17, in Powell, Wyoming. We accept young men year-round. Call Triangle Cross Ranch, LLC today at (307) 645-3322.

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Sources:

1 https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/

2 https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-mechanic

3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/