Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?

Local mechanic donates auto shop to help train ex-offenders

I am a felon with four burglary charges on my record, two class 2 felonies, and 2 class 3. I live in the southwest and have been out of prison for almost 2 yrs. I am on probation for another year.

I was convicted in May of 2011. Since I have been out, I have attended and graduated from a. automotive institute with a diploma in diesel mechanic. I graduated almost 3 months ago and can't get a company to call me back or even give me a chance. Even my school does not give me job leads like they have all of the guys I graduated with. I'm sure it is because of my record.

I just want to ask you a question. With my record do you think any companies with good benefits ever give me a chance? I feel like I have wasted my time and the last year of my life attending school.

If you have any advice, I would appreciate it.

Thank you, sincerely,

Bobby

Can I Get a Job as a Mechanic with a Criminal Record?

Hello Bobby,

It seems that you are waiting for a job to come to you. That probably won't happen. I tell all of my students that finding a job is hard work. Finding a job with a criminal record is harder work. Ex-offenders and felons face tougher challenges the job seekers without records.

One option would be to contact trucking companies in your area to see if they service their own trucks. Because you don't have much hands-on experience you should apply as a mechanic's helper. This means starting at the bottom, but you will gain valuable experience working with veteran mechanics. Often when you want something it means paying some dues. Try applying at smaller independent companies. This will also work at garages that service diesel trucks. You can get a list of trucking companies and garages in your area from your local phone directory. Another option is applying to national automotive service chains such as Pep Boys also as a helper. In both cases I suggest you be totally honest about your past if questioned.

You may also find lists of open positions in your area at your local One-stop Career Center. The center will also have other resources that can prepare you for a successful job search such as resume writing and interview preparation. You can find your local One-stop Career Center at the link below.

http://www.servicelocator.org

Best of luck to you