Changing careers

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a mechanic

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I do not want any electrical installation or code question answered.

Is it possible for someone, in their forties, to change careers and become an electrician?

The truth is that I am not an electrician in the sense that you think of. I am however considered a master electrical specialist in my current career. I am a factory trained Master automotive mechanic. I am currently trained in 2 car lines, 1 import and 1 domestic, all electrical and computer diagnostic based training.

As a youth I was an apprentice electrician however due to the recession in the early 80?s, I became a mechanic because it beat starving. I currently need to change careers. I loved doing electrical work then and still do.

As my opening question posed, do you think it is possible to change careers in middle age? Would you entertain hiring a middle-aged apprentice? Any advice on preparing to make the change?
 
Sure, I know plenty of electricians who started their careers later in life.

As long as you are physically able, and can stand a likely pay cut from what you are doing now, and can stand going back into the classroom for 4 more years at night (you would have to if you lived in my area), then sure, go for it. :)
 
another option for you, mechanic, would be heavy equipment. Depending on where you're at, there are options there. I know my former boss changed careers later in life and is still doing electrical.

One problem that I forsee is the night classes such as Peter pointed out. Another one, and I don't want to scare you in to not changing, but usually the low guy gets cut first, I know because it happened to me. What you have to do is set yourself apart. Already having an electrical background will do that.

I wish you the best of luck if you decide to make the change and let us know how it goes!
 
Sure I was 40 when I got in my apprentice program. Best thing I ever done. Single dad, two small kids, my wife pass away.
 
Ask yourself three questions:
(1) How old will you be in ten years, if you begin a career change now?
(2) How old will you be in ten years, if you don't begin a career change now?
(3) Is this something you would enjoy doing?
 
I think the biggest issue you may find is dealing with a probable cut in pay. For most people your age that is a difficult thing to do. I wish you luck and no- I would not have trouble hiring someone that age that wants to learn and doesn't mind putting in a days work.
 
Thank you for your replies.

I am not scared of education, presently I take between 30 and 50 courses a year, some web based but most are in class training at centers around the country, some as long as a week at a time. It is a fallacy that mechanics are dumb and find learning difficult. It takes a high level of intelligence and education to diagnose and repair today?s automobiles.

I need to change careers due to chemical intolerance from years of exposure. To answer Charlie B, I will be much closer to death in ten years if I do not change careers.

The pay cut is not as much an issue because I am virtually debt free. My total debt including mortgage is less than most used car loans.

As I see it, my biggest disadvantage is that I am currently at the top of my field and garner and command a great deal of respect. Being reduced to rookie status will be the greatest blow to my ego. Knowing it however makes it easier to be humble.

Are journeyman and master certificates recognized, respected and transferable between states or are they pretty much state specific?

Is there alternate credit advancement available for reducing the length of an apprenticeship?
 
I think you have to check the state regulations. Typically an apprentice takes a minimum of four years (8000 hours) - but I did just read today on the NH website, that there is a way it can be done within 4000 hours.

I think I'd be concerned about your chemical exposure, and it sounds like your financial state will allow you to take the cut in pay, that you will undoubtabley have to take until you get back up to JW.

Good luck!

Let us all know what you decide. One thing you'll find with the guys on this website, is they are full of help and support. I've personally learned so much from the guys on this site, and it's actually helped me get back in to the trade, after being our for 10 years.
 
there is a lot more to being a valuable employee than just knowing all the code rules. you could be worth more than an "apprentice" if you are self starting, knowledgeable enough to know when you need to look up or ask for an answer, organized, etc. plus, some of your previous experience might go towards sitting for the journeyman's or masters exam when you are ready, depending on your location. go for it.
 
a mechanic said:
Is it possible for someone, in their forties, to change careers and become an electrician?

As my opening question posed, do you think it is possible to change careers in middle age? Would you entertain hiring a middle-aged apprentice? Any advice on preparing to make the change?
Click to expand...

Of course it is possible.
But unless you really want to be in the nuts and bolts end of electrical I'd suggest a different approach by looking into a different end of the industry.

Control work.
It pays better and has very little grunt work associated with it.
And your diagnostic work background is a great start.

Good luck.
 
a mechanic,
I'm not trying to discourage you - but are you sure you really want to go from top dog to beneath whale turd status.... Humping ladders, pipe and other assorted crap all over the place(sometimes outdoors in freeezing weather for 8+ hours a day) at the whim of some 20-something who just "topped-out" and is suffering from a severe case of megalomania?


I just wondering if it would be more beneficial (financially and mentally) for you to say...buy a gas station with service bays and remain being the top dog at something you actually have a firm knowledge of...and hopefully a love of doing?
 
celtic said:
a mechanic,
I'm not trying to discourage you - but are you sure you really want to go from top dog to beneath whale turd status.... Humping ladders, pipe and other assorted crap all over the place(sometimes outdoors in freeezing weather for 8+ hours a day) at the whim of some 20-something who just "topped-out" and is suffering from a severe case of megalomania?


I just wondering if it would be more beneficial (financially and mentally) for you to say...buy a gas station with service bays and remain being the top dog at something you actually have a firm knowledge of...and hopefully a love of doing?
Click to expand...

Funny you mentioned that, I have a buddy, that was a mechanic for the last 20 years, in March of last year be invested in a service station no pumps just service bays, they just had another grand opening to show off the new additions to the business, he said his income is 4 times what it was and expects it to be better this comming year.
 
thought about teaching? I have a friend who retired as a teacher in auto electroincs for a tech school. He then went on to do private teaching and does semianrs for the State of Illinois on state emmissions.
 
BryanMD said:
Of course it is possible.
Control work.
It pays better and has very little grunt work associated with it.
And your diagnostic work background is a great start.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Control work is always something I've been interested in. What would be the best way for someone to break into this part of it?

Thanks,
Bryan
 
GilbeSpark said:
Control work is always something I've been interested in. What would be the best way for someone to break into this part of it?

Thanks,
Bryan
Click to expand...

Yes, please expand. I think you are correct that my diagnostic background would apply. So what is "Control work" and how does one go about breaking in?

Thanks
 
a mechanic said:
Yes, please expand. I think you are correct that my diagnostic background would apply. So what is "Control work" and how does one go about breaking in?
Click to expand...

I just sent a pm to the other Bryan.

google "plc training" an go from there on the tech aspect.
I'm sure a few here have better specific information on it than I can offer.

As to breaking in to it... get a job with someone who is already doing it.
 
I was an auto mechanic for 10 years before starting over as an electrician. I don't miss cars much. One thing that will help is your dignostic ability. Another is people that are mechanicly inclined, spend time to learn on their own, and have the right attitude do well. You don't need that much in tools.

One negitive is an apprentace is more valuable doing grunt work. It could mean going in hot attics, wet crawel spaces, moving heavy material & equipment, digging, cleaning up, etc. Just try and learn / move up or on fast.

Another carear option might be a service writer or manager.
 
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