A field mechanic is a person who will repair, maintain, or even build machinery either on site or in a shop. In order to become a field mechanic, you will need to graduate high school or complete an equivalent qualification. From there, you can take several different paths to become a field mechanic, tough you will need to do some research into the various mechanic positions to find the one that suits your abilities and education level. Some positions will require you to have a college degree, while others may simply require you to undergo job training.
Several industries and job fields will hire field mechanics to service various types of machinery, so the specific job description can vary significantly. Once you figure out which industry is best for you, it will be important to research which qualifications you will need to obtain in order to get a job. Some more complex positions will require you to get a college degree in engineering or other related fields in order to become a field mechanic; in other instances, you may be able to get on-the-job training or take part in an apprenticeship program to learn the skills you will need to become a field mechanic.
If you enroll in a college degree program, be sure that degree program will prepare you adequately for the job you intend to pursue. The best way to figure out which degree is best for you is to interview a current field mechanic to find out how he or she pursued a career in the field. If this is not possible, you can look at job listings online or in a newspaper and take note of the qualifications the employer is seeking. A career counselor, high school guidance counselor, or college academic advisor may also be able to make recommendations that will help you become a field mechanic.
Be sure to research the various certifications and licenses you will need to earn as well. These can sometimes be earned while you earn a college degree or take part in an internship, but in other instances, you will need to complete your formal training before you can get licensed. It is also likely that you will need to renew various licenses and certificates periodically throughout your career after you become a field mechanic. Prepare for such certification exams by taking part in job training or classroom sessions that will cover topics you will need to know to pass the exams.
