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We make the rubber that goes on the tires that get put onto cars. Automotive mechanics are the people responsible for making sure those tires are properly installed and taken care of. But they also do so much more than that. These specialized technicians provide critical services that help us keep our world moving (literally) every single day.

According to Forbes, 91.7% of US households had at least one vehicle in 2022, and a total of 278,870,463 vehicles were registered to drivers. But as critical as cars are for getting to work, school, and other day-to-day tasks, the majority of Americans are not able to fix many issues that may arise with their cars by themselves.

This is where auto mechanics come in. These skilled tradespeople provide the essential service of keeping our vehicles in good condition to stay on the road.

History of Automotive Service

When cars first came onto the market, routine care and repairs were largely left up to the owners since there was not yet an established industry for vehicle service. However, because they were so new, most people did not have the proper knowledge and skills to perform necessary maintenance, and only the wealthy were able to afford finding and hiring car makers and drivers who could do it for them. As more and more of these individuals were able to earn an income for performing vehicle service, it soon morphed into an established and valuable trade.

After several decades, cars became more standardized and less expensive, and therefore more common, leading dealerships and private businesses to offer more accessible and affordable mechanic services. Since then, vehicles have become increasingly complex, now requiring even higher levels of knowledge about new technologies and industry standards.

The Role of Auto Mechanics

Automotive mechanics have advanced knowledge of vehicle parts and operations, as well as how to evaluate, maintain, and repair them. Using a variety of specialized tools and techniques, they perform service tasks on cars, trucks, and other vehicles to fix any issues and keep them in prime operating condition. They may work in a variety of settings, such as independent repair shops, dealerships, or commercial automotive service centers, and specialize in a range of areas to work on different parts and types of vehicles.

What Auto Mechanics Do

The jobs of auto mechanics can vary depending on the kinds of vehicles they work on, as well as the type of shop. Some of their most common responsibilities include:

1. Inspections: Whether part of routine maintenance or diagnosing an issue when a car comes in for service, mechanics are responsible for looking over the different parts of a car to identify any potential problems. This may include evaluating the condition of the engine and other mechanical components as well as the computer and other electronic systems.

2. Routine Maintenance: To keep vehicles in optimal condition and stay ahead of any potential issues, mechanics conduct routine maintenance such as rotating tires, changing oil, lubricating parts, filling up fluids, and swapping out filters.

3. Repairs: When issues arise, mechanics are in charge of fixing vehicle systems as necessary based on their evaluation and developed work plans. This may include replacing or repairing parts such as brake pads, sensors, bearings, hoses, or just about any other components.

4. Customer Relations: When customers bring their cars in for service, mechanics must be able to effectively explain their findings and suggestions for optimal solutions, including time and cost estimates. They should also keep detailed records of the work that was completed for future reference.

5. Updates: As the industry continues to develop, mechanics need to stay abreast of new technologies, repair techniques, and safety regulations. They should continue learning throughout their career so they have adequate skills to work with newer vehicles and perform their jobs more efficiently.

Becoming an Auto Mechanic

The first and most important qualification for becoming an auto mechanic is having an interest and at least some background knowledge of cars. The professional learning process then typically involves:

1. Basic Education: To begin training as an auto mechanic, it is generally required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong math, science, and reasoning skills, as well as previously spending time in auto shops tend to be helpful when starting out.

2. Trade-Specific Education: Because of the complexity of working with cars, additional coursework is typically required, which can be completed in a variety of settings such as trade schools, community colleges, or even the military. These classes typically teach topics such as mathematics, electronics, and auto repair.

3. Apprenticeship: In addition to classroom learning, hands-on training is crucial for gaining experience with the necessary tools and techniques under an experienced mechanic. Apprenticeships are often available in connection with educational programs or even dealerships.

4. Certification: To begin working as a professional mechanic, certification from the National Institution for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is required. Entry-level certification is earned by passing an exam covering eight main areas, including breaks, engine repair, and all major systems.  

5. Additional Qualifications: After becoming a certified professional, mechanics can go on to earn additional certifications in specialized areas such as air conditioning, diesel engines, or electric vehicles. There are also options to learn and grow into other related jobs such as auto body technician, aircraft mechanic, or heavy machinery mechanic.

With the necessity of automotives to operate in our modern society, mechanics are essential to the maintenance of our entire transportation system. As vehicles continue to become more complex and require advanced knowledge to maintain, the services of these tradespeople will become even more valuable.

To learn about other jobs in the blue-collar family, check out these articles about plumbers, electricians, and welders.

For more articles From the Plant, check out our blog.

Have you ever stared at your ceiling and thought you saw a silly face or maybe even a lopsided ice cream cone? While those vague images might not have been created intentionally, they were the work of a plasterer. In addition to adding decorative textures to our walls, these skilled tradespeople are responsible for sealing them for proper functionality – features no house or building would be complete without.

The art of plastering has existed as long as humans have needed permanent protective shelters. Early builders used earthen materials like clay, sand, and straw that were applied to walls and hardened by the sun. Today, plasterers use a wide variety of materials and techniques to strengthen and enhance the walls of our homes—a critical job that requires a combination of technical and artistic skills.

History of Plastering

Some of the earliest examples of plastering date back to around 7500 BC, when the walls and floors of dwellings were made from mud and marble. In the centuries following, it is believed that ancient Egyptians began using lime and gypsum to coat their pyramids, palaces, and tombs, which can still be seen today. Then, as Greek and Roman societies further developed the practice, more decorative applications arose, such as creating sculptures and architectural features.

As time went on, plaster continued to prove useful as both an essential building material and an artistic medium. Native American societies utilized dense clay to create structures that were highly energy-efficient and climate-controlled, and many European castles and cathedrals were adorned with ornamental plaster ceilings. Over the past several centuries, plastering has evolved along with science and technology, leading to the creation of advanced tools and machinery that streamline mixing and application processes, as well as new ingredients and formulations that enhance durability and appearance.

The Role of Plasterers

Within the process of constructing new walls and ceilings, plasterers are responsible for adding the finishing touches before painting begins. Generally, they mix and apply a layer of plaster to seal the walls, protecting them from atmospheric effects like moisture and providing added functionality like fire and soundproofing. They are also responsible for creating the final texture of walls, which can have a decorative effect on the finished product.

What Plasterers Do

While their jobs may seem pretty straightforward, being a successful plasterer involves utilizing significant technical expertise and creativity. Their work generally involves:

1. Surface Preparation: Plasterers must meticulously prepare surfaces to ensure they are clean and have the proper texture to receive the plaster. This may include leveling out uneven walls, removing rough particles, or even scratching up ceilings if they are too smooth.

2. Mixing Plaster: Depending on the desired result, plasterers will mix a specific combination of water and a dry powder such as cement, gypsum, or lime to form a spreadable paste. Applying knowledge of different material properties is critical for proper adhesion and texture.

3. Applying Plaster: Plasterers’ main job is to apply plaster to interior walls and ceilings or exterior walls to seal them. They typically use equipment such as trowels, brushes, and sprayers to create a finished look and protect the walls from the elements.

4. Decorative Finishes: While some projects require smooth finishes, adding intricate patterns or textures with plaster can enhance the visual appeal of interiors. Plasterers can create intricate designs, such as crown moldings and cornices using specialized tools and techniques.

5. Repair and Restoration: In addition to new constructions, plasterers may also repair aging and broken plaster walls and fixtures. This may include filling holes or cracks in walls, restoring decorative molding, or adding new finishing coats for protection.

Becoming a Plasterer

The main requirements for becoming a plasterer generally involve basic competencies in reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as physical stamina and artistic skills. Some of the typical steps to becoming a plasterer include:

1. Education: In addition to math and English, taking shop or building-related classes in high school will create a strong foundation for an aspiring plasterer. While not always necessary, earning an associate’s degree in construction or plastering at a college or vocational school can also be beneficial.

2. Apprenticeship: The most critical learnings take place during an apprenticeship, where they work alongside an experienced plasterer and become familiar with crucial skills like mixing plaster, applying plaster, and mounting plasterboard. Apprenticeships typically last two to four years and involve a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on work.

3. Certification: Some locations may require certification to legally practice as a professional plasterer. This generally involves taking a course through an organization such as The National Plastering Industry Association (NPIA) and passing a skills test.

4. Specialization: To diversify their market, plasterers often choose to specialize in areas like solid plastering, drywall finishing, or ornamental detailing. This allows them to use different techniques and materials and work on a greater variety of projects, such as historic restorations and others with special requirements.

5. Continuous Learning: Staying abreast of new materials, techniques, and safety protocols is crucial, especially when it comes to working on new builds. Professional plasterers should continue to develop their knowledge and skills, which may be accomplished by reading trade publications, attending workshops, and networking with others in the industry.

Plastering is a fusion of craftsmanship and tradition that has shaped the architectural landscape for centuries. It has maintained its importance in the construction trade and continues to be reminiscent of its roots, using similar tools, techniques, and materials to protect and decorate the structures we live in every day.

To learn about other jobs in the blue-collar family, check out these articles about plumbers, electricians, and welders.

For more articles From the Plant, check out our blog.

A trade indispensable to the creation of our homes, businesses, and towns, carpentry is a profession that has provided the foundation for our daily living spaces for millennia. Carpenters are skilled craftsmen who frame our houses, make our furniture, and restore our buildings, using their expertise to construct and maintain the essential structures all around us.

The term “carpenter” originates from the Latin “carpentarius”, meaning wagon or carriage-maker – an individual highly skilled at complex woodworking and construction. As we define them today, carpenters build much more than wagons, but the basis of their craft is the same, as they are the experts in creating and repairing structures and objects we use on a daily basis, especially those traditionally made from wood.

History of Carpentry

Seemingly one of the oldest trades in existence, carpentry has been an essential skill since around 8000 BCE, when humans first began establishing communities and needed to build more permanent shelters. Over the next several thousand years, the craft continued to evolve, seeing the introduction of more specialized tools and techniques and the ability to work with additional types of wood. Ancient Egyptian and Greek societies were especially adept at creating precise, complex structures such as ships, pyramids, and temples.

One of the most significant eras of advancement for carpentry started during the Industrial Revolution, when nails and other fasteners started to be mass-produced instead of hand-made, and tools such as saws, planers, and steam engines greatly increased speed and efficiency. Today, carpenters have access to even more sophisticated equipment such as power tools, heavy-duty machines, and computer software that have expanded their capabilities for design and construction using a wide variety of materials.

The Role of Carpenters

The main jobs of carpenters involve constructing, repairing, and installing different kinds of structures that are typically made from wood but sometimes other materials. Carpenters can be involved in a variety of projects during the construction of new buildings and renovations from installing frameworks like walls and floors, performing finishing work like baseboards and varnishes, and fitting interiors like cupboards and doors. They may also perform jobs in other settings, such as transportation infrastructure, film and theatrical sets, and furniture construction.

What Carpenters Do

The tasks undertaken by carpenters effectively combine functionality with artistry. They measure, cut, shape, and assemble wood with precision, transforming it into structures that form the backbone of our infrastructure. Some of their typical jobs include:

1. Framing: Carpenters are responsible for constructing the skeletal structure of buildings, which often includes laying out flooring, putting up walls, and installing roofing.

2. Finishing: Once the main structure of a building is complete, carpenters then add the final touches, like trim, staircases, and doors.

3. Cabinetry: In addition to fitting permanent elements into a home, carpenters sometimes also craft furniture such as tables, chairs, and cabinets, especially when they need to adhere to specific dimensions.

4. Restoration: Many carpenters not only have knowledge of how to construct structures, but also how to fix them, allowing them to repair items such as broken window frames, crumbling walls, or worn-out flooring, or breathe new life into old, run-down buildings.

5. Consulting: Carpenters can use their expertise to give advice to clients on how to best complete a construction project, which may involve designing items, interpreting blueprints, or evaluating processes for optimal efficiency.

Becoming a Carpenter

Learning the carpentry trade requires little formal education but involves a strong commitment to hands-on training. Here is a common path taken by aspiring carpenters:

1. Education: Most apprenticeships require at least a high school diploma or GED. While continued formal education isn’t mandatory, pursuing vocational programs and trade-specific classes teaches important techniques and terminology.

2. Apprenticeship: The majority of necessary skills are obtained during an apprenticeship, which is typically offered by commercial and industrial employers or construction unions and lasts three to four years. Learning the ropes under the guidance of seasoned carpenters provides practical insights into the craft.

3. Skill Development: After earning journeyman status following the completion of an apprenticeship, many carpenters continue to gain experience through additional training and education. This may include learning about advanced mathematics, blueprint reading, and framing.

4. Certification and Licensure: Earning certifications, such as those offered by carpentry associations, can enhance credibility and job prospects. Some states also require contracting licenses to work on larger-scale projects and to become master carpenters.

5. Specialization: To set themselves apart, some carpenters choose a niche, such as residential, commercial, or industrial carpentry. They may also further refine their expertise in skills such as in renovation, infrastructure, or cabinetry for additional marketability and improved reputation.

The enduring nature of the carpentry trade is a testament to the everlasting value the craft has provided to society as a whole. Over thousands of years, carpenters have, quite literally, built the foundations of our living spaces – from homes and businesses to other critical infrastructure we use everyday. It is a profession that will continue to evolve with the needs of humans and a job that will be essential for the inevitable future.

To learn about other jobs in the blue-collar family, check out these articles about plumbers, electricians, and welders.

For more articles From the Plant, check out our blog.