Recently I posted a thread in this forum asking about how to get started working towards becoming an automotive mechanic. Thanks for the replies and pointing me in the right direction (getting work first).
I applied to a local company and got an interview that went well. It seems like the entry level position will be mine if I want it and if I prove my worth. The company seems genuinely interested in acquiring apprentices and having them stick around.
Here is my dilemma. The aspects of automotive mechanics that I have found interested me the most are all based around doing things to one's own consumer vehicle. I really like the idea of being able to fix and modify my own vehicle and the vehicle of those people I know. I like the idea of learning a trade that I can remain interested in on my own time and have practical application for in my own life outside of work. The job I interviewed for was for a place that deals mostly with heavy duty mechanics. It seems like this company spends a lot of time rebuilding/reconditioning parts for heavy trucks and agricultural equipment. It seems like the company also installs these parts into heavy trucks or other machines.
What I don't fully understand is will working in the heavy duty mechanic trade still provide me with the skills and knowledge to be able to work on light vehicles/cars? Is the licensing different for a heavy duty mechanic? Are the educational classes different? Can a heavy duty mechanic move to working on non-heavy duty vehicles if they are so inclined?
The company suggested I would have a choice based on my preference for working at a bench fixing/rebuilding parts or working under the trucks (they pointed out that working under the trucks was much more messy).
I don't want to waste this companies time or my own. Thanks for any opinions on this dilemma.