HGV mechanic..

scooby18

hows a goin lads, im currently stuck in a position between car mechanics and HGVs and i was just wondering if you could give me some information about the job.? Such as how much more paid are HGV mechanics than car mechanics.? Can i also work on cars if i was a HGV mechanic.? any general information about the job, Id really appreciate if you could get back on to me...please...thanks..

Are you after being offered an apprenticeship in both?
HGV are mainly diesels, years back they got paid a bit more, dunno about now. HGVs can be cnutish to work on, doing the brakes on all those wheels is less than fun.

scooby18

no unfortunately i havent been that lucky, just want to get an idea and iv heard that the HGV was a better option because they get paid more, work less, easier to work on etc... just lookin for personal opinion really... thanks

Plug

Slidey can fill you in on this, he's a HGV mechanic. It all depends where you work, if you work in some cramped garage out the back arse end of nowhere vs a BMW main dealer in Dublin they will be a difference in pay. Some say trucks are easier to work on because they are bigger and things are easily accessible.

I'd let whatever you are interested in be the driving force primarily then the issue will be trying to sort the apprenticeship. Realistically if you love cars but have no interest in diesel and trucks etc the HGV route would probably not be for you. Don't let money or wages be the guiding light, if you are happy in your job you will drive on and reap the benefit, perhaps open your own place or happily do a few nixers every 2nd Saturday etc. If aren't too interested it just becomes a 100% slog and ordeal

Slidey

scooby18 wrote: »

no unfortunately i havent been that lucky, just want to get an idea and iv heard that the HGV was a better option because they get paid more, work less, easier to work on etc... just lookin for personal opinion really... thanks

They do generally tend to get paid more. There is a reason for that, the work is a lot heavier. I had a hernia at 22 from dragging around truck hubs. We used to just take of the bearing nut and pull 2 truck wheels drum and hub all in the one.

Personally I would rather work on a truck. They normally are easier to work on and not as cramped.

However, the commercial vehicle industry is fcuked. Very little is moving at the minute and it may get worse.

If you have a choice, pick a brand that is involved in distribution work. Scania/Volvo etc.

Mercedes or Renault agencies are good because you also get to know most of the theory of light goods vehicles at the same time.

RoverJames wrote: »

I'd let whatever you are interested in be the driving force primarily then the issue will be trying to sort the apprenticeship. Realistically if you love cars but have no interest in diesel and trucks etc the HGV route would probably not be for you. Don't let money or wages be the guiding light, if you are happy in your job you will drive on and reap the benefit, perhaps open your own place or happily do a few nixers every 2nd Saturday etc. If aren't too interested it just becomes a 100% slog and ordeal

Also this ^

If you don't have a bit of an interest in trucks you will find it tough going.

scooby18

thanks rover james for the advice...i am interested in both trucks and cars but id preferbly like to head down the truck route not because there better paid or anything just personal choice...

thanks slidey, i will take that into account, iv been told by a couple of people to go down the truck route... i also like the fact that there easier to work on (even though probably alot heavier in some cases) and u can also work on cars as iv been told by a few people..

would you know of any HGV garages looking for a new apprentice slidey..?

thanks again lads for the info...

Plug

scooby18 wrote: »

thanks rover james for the advice...i am interested in both trucks and cars but id preferbly like to head down the truck route not because there better paid or anything just personal choice...

thanks slidey, i will take that into account, iv been told by a couple of people to go down the truck route... i also like the fact that there easier to work on (even though probably alot heavier in some cases) and u can also work on cars as iv been told by a few people..

would you know of any HGV garages looking for a new apprentice slidey..?

thanks again lads for the info...

Were not far off the summer and that tends to be garages quite times, keep trying but remember you may have a better chance come September. Trust me if you keep looking you will get one!

scooby18

i just missed out by a couple of days getting an apprenticeship in a garage that just opened down in cork, they took on 3 or 4 new apprentices... i was kicking myself.. im goin to ring and call around to a few garages and hope for the best, never no i mite get lucky..thanks plug...

Plug

scooby18 wrote: »

i just missed out by a couple of days getting an apprenticeship in a garage that just opened down in cork, they took on 3 or 4 new apprentices... i was kicking myself.. im goin to ring and call around to a few garages and hope for the best, never no i mite get lucky..thanks plug...

Don't waste your time ringing anyone. Personally call in and look for the service manager or owner. No one else. Then tell them what you want.

Slidey

Exactly what Plug says.

My opinion only mind, but don't go in with your hair all gelled, smelling of aftershave while wearing bright white trainers and a hoody..

These guys will be looking for a worker, not a date!

scooby18

ya i called to a garage and he said he will pass on the message to the service manager and he will ring back monday but he never did so i rang them back and im still waiting for a call back once again... personally i prefer to call into them and have a chat face to face and no messing over the phone... but im restricted to a few HGV garages down in cork, but if i have to i will get up that bit earlier and travell if i have to...

thanks again lads...