Motorcycle mechanic Apprenticeship

[DarrenSV650S]

Has anyone done a motorcycle mechanic apprenticeship? I'm doing an electrical apprenticeship just now in my final year. But I don't really think its for me. I'd quite like a job to do with bikes and this seems perfect as I'll also learn about bike engines.
I'm not sure if I am too old though (21). But it could be an advantage in the employers eyes because I have had plenty of experience in a working environment and I'm not straight out of school.
Just looking for some info from people who have done this or who are mechanics. Do you think there is any chance of getting a job?

[Wideboy]

do they do motorcycle apprenticeships separate to cars? as for being to old one of the blokes i work with started his a 23, it justs costs more to put you through college etc i think

[yorkie_chris]

Do you really need an apprenticeship to do the work?

[rictus01]

not sure about the benefits of what I consider "to much" academic stuff, but formal work practises are worh their weight in gold, you can alway tell those who have been properly trained in the way they work.

Good luck with this, hope it works out for you.

Cheers Mark.

[yorkie_chris]

Never had any experience of how the acedemic training works, but IMO the only way to learn how to do a job is to do it. They can't train you for every situation you can possibly come across.

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by Wideboy

do they do motorcycle apprenticeships separate to cars?

I don't know to be honest. But I was thinking a bike garage could take me on and train me up

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Do you really need an apprenticeship to do the work?

I don't know a lot about engines tbh. I suppose it doesn't need to be a formal apprenticeship but I definitely need some training

[yorkie_chris]

I'd be careful about it.

I started off with the cars knowing a lot of theory, knowing how engines and the rest work and how to work on it, but thats nothing to do with what you need.
Been playing around with cars for a while now, working on them over last year paid for the SV while I was at uni, and after that experience the last thing I want to do is work on cars! Scratting round under motors covered in oil and muck is no fun, it's cold, it's hard, it plays hell with your chest.
Good DIY and little job on the side for cash, but full time doesn't appeal to me at all.

Your opinion may vary, but try it before you commit to a long and expensive apprenticeship.

All IMO

Chris

[rictus01]

Likewise 2 years of rotating 8 hour shifts, fixing rovers and Bedfords was anything but fun, looked at it as a career but money isn't brillient either, Oh and you'll become the mechanic for the whole family & freinds crowd as well.

Most garages only do the replacement parts thing these days and not so much "fixing" stuff, alot can be learned by watching the old boys, they know stuff that's not taught anymore.

although good work practise and proper tool handling make any job a lot easier.

Cheers Mark.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by rictus01

Most garages only do the replacement parts thing these days and not so much "fixing" stuff, alot can be learned by watching the old boys, they know stuff that's not taught anymore.

Indeed, throwaway culture, fuel injection and kwik fit has killed off "mechanics" and made them all "fitters"

When you've to fix something on a budget its great fun, lets you be a bit creative

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

I'd be careful about it.

I started off with the cars knowing a lot of theory, knowing how engines and the rest work and how to work on it, but thats nothing to do with what you need.
Been playing around with cars for a while now, working on them over last year paid for the SV while I was at uni, and after that experience the last thing I want to do is work on cars! Scratting round under motors covered in oil and muck is no fun, it's cold, it's hard, it plays hell with your chest.
Good DIY and little job on the side for cash, but full time doesn't appeal to me at all.

Your opinion may vary, but try it before you commit to a long and expensive apprenticeship.

All IMO

Chris

I know what you mean. I was wanted to be an electrician but the reality is not what I expected. Crawling in dusty attics and on top of ducting. Working in the freezing cold with metal trunking and tray when your hands are numb with cold.
But at least with bikes it is something I am interested in. And at the end of the day I will be able to work on my own bike and know what I am doing.

Originally Posted by rictus01

you'll become the mechanic for the whole family & freinds crowd as well.

Yeh I am now the sparky for all the family and friends.

Originally Posted by rictus01

Most garages only do the replacement parts thing these days and not so much "fixing" stuff, alot can be learned by watching the old boys, they know stuff that's not taught anymore.

Yeh I'd have to try and find a good old fashioned place where they knew what they were doing and did things right. Not these cowboys you get that rip you off