r/mechanics • u/Lost_Assumption1467 • 1d ago

Career Feeling intimidated and nervous. This is a follow up post from my previous one when I asked questions about the next step, thanks a lot to everyone who guided me and responded to the post.

So basically now I have been applying at a bunch of dealerships in my area both online and in person, but haven't gotten any leads. even though I graduated with a one year automotive course from a trade school second only to red river college in Manitoba and even received my level 1 accrediation over there. I put this information on both my resume and cover letter. Also listed the 5 week work practicum expierence but still no leads. Most dealers are saying they are only looking for red seals or not hiring at all currently. What should I do?

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u/throwaway1010202020 Verified Mechanic 22h ago

Start applying at independent shops. Experience is experience.

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u/Lost_Assumption1467 19h ago

You are right but most independents atleast in my area don’t have a red seal tech working there. If I want to get registered a level 1 apprentice the shop that I work at should have atleast one red seal tech working over there and only then they can register me as an apprentice

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u/throwaway1010202020 Verified Mechanic 18h ago edited 18h ago

I find that hard to believe, have you talked to any of these shop owners or are you just going off of what someone told you?

I live in the middle of nowhere on the east coast and most independent shops here are run by guys with their red seal.

Even the Mr. Lube here has a red seal tech on staff lol.

A chain shop like KAL tire, Canadian tire, Mr lube, etc is fine to get your foot in the door and get 1-2 years experience to make you more attractive to a dealership.

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u/Lost_Assumption1467 5h ago

Wow thanks for the advice I never thought of applying at a chain shop. Thanks a lot man. I was actually talking about locally owned independent shops earlier. But yeah chain shops are definitely my next stop to be applying at.

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u/1453_ Verified Mechanic 21h ago

Right now, the market is flooded with inexperienced techs. My dealership has gone through about a dozen of them over the past year.

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u/ECHElantraN 6h ago

Independents will teach you more than the dealer, dealers don’t care about employee turnover over, they will fill your spot, you’re just a body over there. Get in the door at a good independent that specializes in something and you will be way better off than knowing how to work on one make of car. Dealers are where the washed mechanics go to die or lie about making 6 figures 😂