Becoming a Mobile Mechanic: The Advantages, and How to Get Started
It can often seem like university is the only path forward into a successful career; however, even graduates are struggling to find work in today’s market. Meanwhile, vocational roles and positions are in higher demand than ever, presenting a unique opportunity to create a career out of a hobby. This is especially true for mechanics and automotive engineers, where a unique gap in the market has opened up in the form of mobile mechanic services.
A Gap in the Market
Mobile mechanics are becoming an increasingly popular choice today, for a number of key reasons. Convenience is a major factor, as organising a slot at a professional garage between work and lifestyle obligations becomes increasingly difficult for the modern household. With more people working from home than ever before, it becomes easier for many workers to have the mechanic come to them than to book time for a garage visit.
It is also true that many are still shielding from coronavirus, even after the lifting of restrictions at the beginning of the month. For these people, visiting a garage is a risk not worth taking – but a mobile mechanic represents a safe way to have a car serviced or repaired. All told, mobile mechanics are seeing record demand – representing a lucrative market for new freelancers in search of a career path or USP.
How to Become a Mobile Mechanic
Skills and Experience
In order to work as a mechanic, you will need to have in-depth understanding of vehicle repair. As a self-employed trader likely working alone, you will need to have comprehensive knowledge within your specialty in order to provide a valuable service. You do not need a qualification in order to trade as a mechanic, but having one can assure customers of your skills.
Insurance and Logistics
In order to trade safely as a mechanic, there are some logistical and legal considerations you will need to take into account. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, you will need mobile mechanic insurance in order to protect your clients’ vehicles and your equipment – more on which later. You will also need a centre of operations, where you can safely store your van and any spare parts between jobs.
Tools and Equipment
As a mobile mechanic, you will need a comprehensive range of tools to hand, as well as some specialized equipment. Aside from the standard socket and screwdriver sets, you will need high-powered cordless power tools to stand in for the pneumatic equipment like impact drivers that are standard to garages.
The Benefits of Freelancing
The normal career path for someone with an interest in automotive engineering is to start with an apprenticeship at a service garage, and progress to salaried work and eventual garage management.
But becoming a mobile mechanic enables you to work to your strengths as a freelancer, outside of a conventional work structure – which confers its own unique benefits. The biggest benefit to freelancing is that you can choose your own clients and hours, enabling you to work to your own schedule.
Becoming a Mobile Mechanic: The Advantages, and How to Get Started
It can often seem like university is the only path forward into a successful career; however, even graduates are struggling to find work in today’s market. Meanwhile, vocational roles and positions are in higher demand than ever, presenting a unique opportunity to create a career out of a hobby. This is especially true for mechanics and automotive engineers, where a unique gap in the market has opened up in the form of mobile mechanic services.
A Gap in the Market
Mobile mechanics are becoming an increasingly popular choice today, for a number of key reasons. Convenience is a major factor, as organising a slot at a professional garage between work and lifestyle obligations becomes increasingly difficult for the modern household. With more people working from home than ever before, it becomes easier for many workers to have the mechanic come to them than to book time for a garage visit.
It is also true that many are still shielding from coronavirus, even after the lifting of restrictions at the beginning of the month. For these people, visiting a garage is a risk not worth taking – but a mobile mechanic represents a safe way to have a car serviced or repaired. All told, mobile mechanics are seeing record demand – representing a lucrative market for new freelancers in search of a career path or USP.
How to Become a Mobile Mechanic
Skills and Experience
In order to work as a mechanic, you will need to have in-depth understanding of vehicle repair. As a self-employed trader likely working alone, you will need to have comprehensive knowledge within your specialty in order to provide a valuable service. You do not need a qualification in order to trade as a mechanic, but having one can assure customers of your skills.
Insurance and Logistics
In order to trade safely as a mechanic, there are some logistical and legal considerations you will need to take into account. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, you will need mobile mechanic insurance in order to protect your clients’ vehicles and your equipment – more on which later. You will also need a centre of operations, where you can safely store your van and any spare parts between jobs.
Tools and Equipment
As a mobile mechanic, you will need a comprehensive range of tools to hand, as well as some specialized equipment. Aside from the standard socket and screwdriver sets, you will need high-powered cordless power tools to stand in for the pneumatic equipment like impact drivers that are standard to garages.
The Benefits of Freelancing
The normal career path for someone with an interest in automotive engineering is to start with an apprenticeship at a service garage, and progress to salaried work and eventual garage management.
But becoming a mobile mechanic enables you to work to your strengths as a freelancer, outside of a conventional work structure – which confers its own unique benefits. The biggest benefit to freelancing is that you can choose your own clients and hours, enabling you to work to your own schedule.
