My time as a Ford Master Tech is at an end

Top_Ghia · 23-10-2017, 10:17 PM

I’ve been a mechanic for 16 years now and I’ve spent the last 7 years at 2 Ford dealerships. In that time I became a Master Tech. It’s a qualification that really means little to your career but actually makes a big difference to how much the dealership gets paid by Ford. Being a master tech basically just means you’ve done all of Ford online and classroom training.
I’ve really enjoyed my time fixing Fords. But I will say my passion for Ford certainly died when Broadmeadows closed.
I always tried to learn as much as I could about the latest models and technologies that were coming out. But this didn’t always help as it’s hard to predict what will play up and what won’t.
Today as one of my last jobs I had the privilege of pulling the supercharger off an FPV to fix a small coolant leak. I took my time and made sure it was done right.
Working on nice FPV cars was always a highlight. I always tried to go the extra mile with these cars as I felt the owners really had paid for that extra attention to detail. Being around for the GT-F was pretty cool. It actually felt like a special car. Driving them was a real buzz.
Why am I leaving? Money is why. The pay is rubbish and I’m tired off. I can earn far more working at a private workshop. Dealerships view mechanics as bottom dwellers. But I actually view myself as a professional and need to make the most of my career.
In just the last 2 years the dealership I’m at has also changed a lot. I’m the last guy on the floor with any real experience. It’s now full of kids and young guys who don’t give a toss. Most struggle to change a globe without breaking something and I don’t think any of them actually know what the workshop manual is.
Management seems quite happy to let all the good guys walk and just employ another kid on $15/hr. Good luck with that.
So thank you to the many loyal Ford fans out there. It’s been real.

4vxc · 23-10-2017, 10:37 PM

you sound like the exact type of guy a good private workshop will value,
hard to find.

Top_Ghia · 23-10-2017, 10:51 PM

Great mechanics leave the industry. The best mechanic I know just left the industry.
Poor mechanics become service advisors.
The worst mechanic becomes the service manager.

Franco Cozzo · 23-10-2017, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Great mechanics leave the industry. The best mechanic I know just left the industry.
Poor mechanics become service advisors.
The worst mechanic becomes the service manager.

We had a saying:

Quote:

so useless he couldn't hold a screwdriver, so they promoted him to manager!

stock1991 · 23-10-2017, 11:03 PM

I hope Top Ghia will still hang around to remember all the stuff we never knew. thanks for your service

Byro · 23-10-2017, 11:07 PM

What you have just discribed is why I have avoided Dealerships for years. I worked in a Dealership as a mechanic 10+ years ago and there was no such thing a mechanic over 30 years old. Average age of mechanics at the Mazda dealer I was at, would have been early 20's

I did become a service advisor though....

Top_Ghia · 23-10-2017, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stock1991

I hope Top Ghia will still hang around to remember all the stuff we never knew. thanks for your service

Have you ever read through the posts and seen how many people on here just bash Ford dealer mechanics? Hardly a friendly place for us. The only place that respects dealer mechanics less is dealerships.

stock1991 · 23-10-2017, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byro

What you have just discribed is why I have avoided Dealerships for years. I worked in a Dealership as a mechanic 10+ years ago and there was no such thing a mechanic over 30 years old. Average age of mechanics at the Mazda dealer I was at, would have been early 20's

I did become a service advisor though....

it is true and it is wrong, the sales people make the money. you are encouraged to rip people off. Meanwhile the people actually performing the necessary tasks are screwed and forced to cut corners by enforced deadlines. none of it makes any sense

stock1991 · 23-10-2017, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Have you ever read through the posts and seen how many people on here just bash Ford dealer mechanics? Hardly a friendly place for us. The only place that respects dealer mechanics less is dealerships.

brother if it makes you feel better, I understand

CoupeKing · 23-10-2017, 11:22 PM

Ever looked into starting and running your own business? Certain people will pay a little extra if they know they can trust your work.

.:4:. · 23-10-2017, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

I’ve been a mechanic for 16 years now and I’ve spent the last 7 years at 2 Ford dealerships. In that time I became a Master Tech. It’s a qualification that really means little to your career but actually makes a big difference to how much the dealership gets paid by Ford. Being a master tech basically just means you’ve done all of Ford online and classroom training.
I’ve really enjoyed my time fixing Fords. But I will say my passion for Ford certainly died when Broadmeadows closed.
I always tried to learn as much as I could about the latest models and technologies that were coming out. But this didn’t always help as it’s hard to predict what will play up and what won’t.
Today as one of my last jobs I had the privilege of pulling the supercharger off an FPV to fix a small coolant leak. I took my time and made sure it was done right.
Working on nice FPV cars was always a highlight. I always tried to go the extra mile with these cars as I felt the owners really had paid for that extra attention to detail. Being around for the GT-F was pretty cool. It actually felt like a special car. Driving them was a real buzz.
Why am I leaving? Money is why. The pay is rubbish and I’m tired off. I can earn far more working at a private workshop. Dealerships view mechanics as bottom dwellers. But I actually view myself as a professional and need to make the most of my career.
In just the last 2 years the dealership I’m at has also changed a lot. I’m the last guy on the floor with any real experience. It’s now full of kids and young guys who don’t give a toss. Most struggle to change a globe without breaking something and I don’t think any of them actually know what the workshop manual is.
Management seems quite happy to let all the good guys walk and just employ another kid on $15/hr. Good luck with that.
So thank you to the many loyal Ford fans out there. It’s been real.

I can understand why you would jump ship. Pay not being up to par for the systems your trained in in and all the rest. Not discounting the labour to physically do the work. Mate I pay for a house in Sydney so 15 is not feesable. I also have a ford and anything more then an oil change is above me so its probably more towards your game. I don't know what "they" charge but I do the work that's my game.

Top_Ghia · 23-10-2017, 11:51 PM

People see their service bills and hourly rate and assume mechanics must be making good money. But the gap between what what the Tech gets and what the customer is paying is too great. Most dealerships are charging around $120-140 an hour. Most qualified mechanics are on around $25 an hour. Some a little more some less. A few may be on $30 but that is rare from my experience.
So for professional adult guys who maybe want to support a family it’s tough to hang around. For kids living at home it’s not a bad place to get a start.
I was fortunate to work in dealerships that were pretty good. The current one really doesn’t try to sell all the extra rubbish that is common in the industry.
The problem with dealerships the structure. There’s just too many people in the middle who don’t actually contribute to making any money but they all earn more than the guys on the floor.

My problem is I actually enjoy the work.

.:4:. · 23-10-2017, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

People see their service bills and hourly rate and assume mechanics must be making good money. But the gap between what what the Tech gets and what the customer is paying is too great. Most dealerships are charging around $120-140 an hour. Most qualified mechanics are on around $25 an hour. Some a little more some less. A few may be on $30 but that is rare from my experience.
So for professional adult guys who maybe want to support a family it’s tough to hang around. For kids living at home it’s not a bad place to get a start.
I was fortunate to work in dealerships that were pretty good. The current one really doesn’t try to sell all the extra rubbish that is common in the industry.
The problem with dealerships the structure. There’s just too many people in the middle who don’t actually contribute to making any money but they all earn more than the guys on the floor.

My problem is I actually enjoy the work.

30 minimum.

stock1991 · 23-10-2017, 11:57 PM

mechanics should be making good money. same as nurses and doctors should make the money, not the hospital (admin)

CoupeKing · 24-10-2017, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

My problem is I actually enjoy the work.

That's not a problem, it's called a passion. The problem is who you surround yourself with.

Top_Ghia · 24-10-2017, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stock1991

mechanics should be making good money. same as nurses and doctors should make the money, not the hospital (admin)

I should have been a plumber or sparky. A good chippy was pulling $50/hr 10 years ago.

stock1991 · 24-10-2017, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

I should have been a plumber or sparky. A good chippy was pulling $50/hr 10 years ago.

specialised engine rebuilder , 1000 dollars a week work for yrself

Top_Ghia · 24-10-2017, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stock1991

specialised engine rebuilder , 1000 dollars a week work for yrself

$1000 a week is poor wage for a qualified tradesmen today. Many tradies earn that in 2 days.

Denni · 24-10-2017, 12:36 AM

Say what you will, there was a time when skills were protected by trade unions.

stock1991 · 24-10-2017, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

$1000 a week is poor wage for a qualified tradesmen today. Many tradies earn that in 2 days.

yep ..

stock1991 · 24-10-2017, 12:50 AM

in these days of computers and everyone has forscan you still need a workshop. more than the workshop you need the expertise so an alternative to the dealer , has to be a cheaper but alternative option to the dealer can be dealer chargers 100 an hour you charge 75 an hour

Sabantien · 24-10-2017, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Have you ever read through the posts and seen how many people on here just bash Ford dealer mechanics? Hardly a friendly place for us. The only place that respects dealer mechanics less is dealerships.

Can't argue that, but remember, most of us have only had those young kids who don't give a toss. The ones you bashed in your post.

My only real issue with the dealership was how much they overcharge. They didn't make up any issues, but they did quote more than twice as much as I ended up paying elsewhere to fix something.

Having a job you love and are passionate about is a pretty rare thing. I hope you have a better paying gig lined up, with some great bosses and workmates. And if they turn out to be no better than the dealership, at least you'll be paid more to put up with it.

sixman · 24-10-2017, 10:40 AM

Hey, I saw Joe at CMS was looking for an experienced mechanic. Not sure where u r located?
The top tuning houses are always looking for good people.

Good luck!

Franco Cozzo · 24-10-2017, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoupeKing

Ever looked into starting and running your own business? Certain people will pay a little extra if they know they can trust your work.

The overheads aren't worth it unless you want to run mobile but you're limited in what you can carry and do.

The industry is a joke, poor working conditions and poor wages to match.

Tassie f100 · 24-10-2017, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stock1991

specialised engine rebuilder , 1000 dollars a week work for yrself

Yeah $30/hr. As stated in another post trades with much less responsibilty $50/ hr 10 years ago. Now plumbers and sparkys get charged out at $100/ hr +.Not much rocket science required for either domestic plumbers or sparkys in comparison to a mechanic who risks several lives if the job isn't done correctly

24-10-2017, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Today as one of my last jobs I had the privilege of pulling the supercharger off an FPV to fix a small coolant leak. I took my time and made sure it was done right.
Working on nice FPV cars was always a highlight. I always tried to go the extra mile with these cars as I felt the owners really had paid for that extra attention to detail.

I don't mean any disrespect whatsoever as you seem very passionate about your work, but this is why I feel a bit suspicious of mechanics.
It's just my personal opinion and again, no disrespect at all, but doesn't every customer deserve their mechanic to make sure the job is done right?

I'd always worried that my car wouldn't be treated properly because it wasn't a fancy car or in the best condition, but it disheartens me to hear a mechanic actually confirm that their best work is only reserved for cars where the owner "had paid for that extra attention to detail" due to the cost of the vehicle.

There are a lot of people who value their car even if it's not worth a lot of money and trying to find a mechanic who'll still 'do the job right' is really hard, it's not a point that they advertise.

Either way, all the best. I am sure you'll find a place that values your skills and pays you accordingly.

**GasoLane** · 24-10-2017, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

In just the last 2 years the dealership I’m at has also changed a lot. I’m the last guy on the floor with any real experience.
It’s now full of kids and young guys who don’t give a toss. Most struggle to change a globe without breaking something and I don’t think any of them actually know what the workshop manual is.
Management seems quite happy to let all the good guys walk and just employ another kid on $15/hr. Good luck with that.

This is probably who the bashing is primarily aimed at.

When you start at you new venture post it up here, I'm sure that there will more than a couple of members who would like to see someone as dedicated as you working on their cars.

Top_Ghia · 24-10-2017, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leesa

I don't mean any disrespect whatsoever as you seem very passionate about your work, but this is why I feel a bit suspicious of mechanics.

It's just my personal opinion and again, no disrespect at all, but doesn't every customer deserve their mechanic to make sure the job is done right?

I'd always worried that my car wouldn't be treated properly because it wasn't a fancy car or in the best condition, but it disheartens me to hear a mechanic actually confirm that their best work is only reserved for cars where the owner "had paid for that extra attention to detail" due to the cost of the vehicle.

There are a lot of people who value their car even if it's not worth a lot of money and trying to find a mechanic who'll still 'do the job right' is really hard, it's not a point that they advertise.

Either way, all the best. I am sure you'll find a place that values your skills and pays you accordingly.

That’s fine. If you want your kc laser or filthy AU falcon fussed over better let someone know and get the white gloves out.

NTF6 · 24-10-2017, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Yeah $30/hr. As stated in another post trades with much less responsibilty $50/ hr 10 years ago. Now plumbers and sparkys get charged out at $100/ hr +.Not much rocket science required for either domestic plumbers or sparkys in comparison to a mechanic who risks several lives if the job isn't done correctly

Umm, plumber gets it wrong and your ****ter won't flush, sparky gets it wrong and your house burns down, probably with you in it!

cobramania · 24-10-2017, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Now plumbers and sparkys get charged out at $100/ hr +.Not much rocket science required for either domestic plumbers or sparkys in comparison to a mechanic who risks several lives if the job isn't done correctly

Says ye of little knowledge.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but while plumbers & sparkys get charged out at over $100 per hour, most of that is for business expenses.
Can't say about plumbers, but sparkys in NSW generally will get between $30-$40 per hour before tax in the hand (if you work for someone), a bit more if you work for yourself & want to pay yourself a little bit more.

As for the "not much rocket science required" comment, you do realise how dangerous electricity is don't you?
What most people don't know is, a sparky is responsible for any work they do (installation or repair) for life, & can be charged with manslaughter & jailed should anyone be electrocuted from their work not being done correctly.

A death by electricity is always investigated by multiple authorities, & if the trail leads back to an electrician, they'll be called up to explain why they shouldn't be held responsible for the death, if it's found the installation/repair was faulty.

When was the last time you heard, a road fatality was a result of faulty/poor mechanics workmanship & they were charged &/or convicted with the death?