I'm a older webdev shitter who is looking to switch to a mechanical trade.Even though they were primarily looking for people with previous work experience in similar fields I actually got invited to an interview for a paid apprenticeship and did well enough, now they want to invite me over again to check my basic manual skills before offering me a contract. (I didn't hide or lie about my background or anything.)Is there any source I can use to at least gain some very basic knowledge on tools and methods or way to get some practice in? Any tips to prepare for something like this?Am I about to embarrass myself while young mechanics get to laugh at me?
What sort of mechanical work anon ?It's hard to get high quality generalist instruction about trades, be more specific
>>3001756Ok that makes sense, just thought there was some nice baseline handyman stuff that could be useful and easier to get familiar with in a short amount of time. And because at least in their descriptions they included looking for people with any trade backgrounds (given examples were military, car mechanics but even electricians).>What sort of mechanical work anon ?Aircraft mechanic, but more specifically manufacturing, assembly and big repairs, not airport line maintenance if that makes a difference.
>>3001760Ok ok I seeAs far as baselines or anyway working with engines and metal, as in the things they'll probably ask you to do when they check your manual skills, I think My Mechanics and Watch Wes Work are good. They know what they are doing and tackle projects explaining very clearly what they are doing. Take a look at them on youtube. I don't know too much about aircraft machinery, though it is very interesting. Stig Aviation is a good channel to get to know just about everything you need before your job, I think
>>3001761Thank you anon I'll have a look that looks useful.I also ordered myself a copy of "Standard Aircraft Handbook for Mechanics and Technicians".Seems pretty well condensed and retard-proof at first glance, including explanations that seem obvious even to a craftlet like me and surprisingly practical in its contents. Pic related.
>>3001789Yeah that looks like a solid manual. While I was at it I found a documentary on heavy maintenance of aircraft, hope it helps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H45vSzyiXH4
Any updates anon ?
>>3001761holy bot4chan a dead
>>3001755How old? I'm retired USAF aircraft maintenance and loved it. I love the retirement even more since retiring after 26 years left me debt-free and job-optional which is glorious. You get excellent training (I enjoyed tech schools and variety so I was variously comm/nav, engines then merged with crew chief) and aircraft are far more enjoyable than the wheeled vehicle world. If no military option industrial maintenance and mechatronics are offered at community colleges if ya don't get hired right off. Those are fun and make you highly versatile.
I worked in an IT office for 15 years and was on the verge of suicide.Some people can sit, watch youtube all day, listen to old office ladies drone on about gossip and tv shows, but I couldn't do it.I thought I could, I THOUGHT I wanted to make money doing nothing.Turns out I was dead fucking wrong, those were some of the most miserable years of my life, completely wasted.To get my foot in the door learning mechanics, I quit my job in IT (this was back in 2018, so 8 years ago roughly)and got an entry level job working as a Golf Kart Mechanic.This was pure luck that I chose this job and it was one the perfect starting path.Golf Karts are like mini cars, and you can learn a tremendous amount about basic mechanics, as well as bodywork, by starting with them.There's fully battery powered Golf Karts, Lithium powered, Gas powered.One of the coolest things I got to work on and learn a ton from, was the very rare older 2 stroke Golf Kart that only a handful of times, came into the shop.After spending a few years cutting my teeth here, I was able to get a job assembling Composite Fiber Parts, building experimental aviation aircrafts. (very large unmanned drones, "airbus" competitors)They offered to train me to be an engineer or Quality Inspector but I turned it down.After 15+ years of meetings, staring at screens and filling out paperwork... I'm never going back.Instead, I've been cross training in their Welding and Tooling departments.Don't give up!
>>3004007How old were you when you did that, man?Completely unrelated, but I'm a 31 yo illustrator. Still going, but the future fills me with dread, desu. I'd like to think I have a way out, yknow...
>>3004057NTA but stillI'm an artist, after years of bullshitw struggles, the art life lmao, odd jobs to make ends meets I decided to get myself together and follow in my father's path, he spent a year and a half teaching me the basics of being a maintenance technician for lab equipment, and it suits me well. Turns out I'm more disciplined about it than I am about art making.The money is good if you're independant. You get to work on electrical, electronical and chemical stuff. Its fun but high stakes, so no fuckups allowed. Other than that I encourage you to move on and follow a more manual trade.>T. 29 years old
>>3004007So happy for you anon. Thats a real success story. Congrats
