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My wife and I are moving to STT or STX within the next 30 days..... It sure has taken a while to get everything together so we can leave...LOL! We can't wait. We are willing to try STX if I can land a Job there but we are planning for STT. Either Island is beautiful.
We have been in contact with a few really nice people in regards to apartment rentals and we feel finding a place to live will be the easiest part..... it just takes some money and determination. With that said, I need to move on to the EMPLOYMENT part..
I am a 40 year-old Mechanic by trade. I have extensive experience in welding/fabrication (with building monster trucks, dune buggies, safari jeeps, etc... to the extent of being on the speed channel here in the States). I have experience working on all makes and models of vehicles ranging from 70's model imports to the newer pickup trucks. Brakes, tune-ups, timing belts, timing chains, water pumps, engine rebuilds, gear changes, trouble shooting, diagnosis, etc.... I have my own tools but will only be shipping my basics.
I have also repaired many ATV's, VW Buggies, Go-Karts, and small industrial engines (I do side work for a couple Lawn Companies on a regular basis... I even made a service call for one yesterday!). I am currently learning a bit about Boat Engine Repair!
If anyone can tell me about the Job Market for a good honest mechanic, I would really appreciate it. If anyone knows what the going rate of pay is and if anyone has a few good job leads... that would be great as well.
Thanks,
JB
Posted : May 9, 2009 1:43 pm
Wish I could be more helpful, I think there should be work for you here no problem. One thing I want to say though is that I have 3 friends who were all mechanics who moved here from the states. None of them are currently mechanics...they all worked for dealer repair shops and just couldn't deal with the terrible management of the shops here (they all were highly credentialed and came from dealers int he states). It's a real shame because they are great mechanics which we need. Hopefully someone else here will be able to recommend a good shop to look for work with!
Because of the lack of good/honest service I've received on auto repair I've ended up learning a lot and doing a lot of work myself. Nothing really major but things like replacing broken window motor's and motor mounts...its rewarding but time consuming.
Sean
Posted : May 9, 2009 4:03 pm
On St. Thomas I've been really happy with the Toyota dealer as have my friends. I don't know if that's the same experience everyone has but there are other "shade tree" mechanics around that are good, at least a few are. If you have any experience with heavy equipment you might check with Island Roads or any companies that have backhoes, etc. that may be an option for you. I'm sure that type of equipment is always in need of repair constantly. Good luck to you!
Posted : May 9, 2009 5:10 pm
"...I am currently learning a bit about Boat Engine Repair..."
You might also consider generator repair.
Posted : May 9, 2009 5:12 pm
Topic starter
I hear ya. I pretty much have the Generator Repair down to a science. LOL!
JB
Posted : May 9, 2009 6:25 pm
Topic starter
I will check into that...
Thanks Trade
Posted : May 9, 2009 6:27 pm
I agree that good, honest mechanics (as well as ANY good, honest workers) will always be needed. I wonder if it might not be valuable to work for one of the dealerships until you can figure out where you want to fit in. You'll want to make sure you want to even stay before you go through all of the rigors of getting a business license and renting space... IMHO.
Posted : May 10, 2009 11:35 am
Topic starter
Very true. Thanks.
JB
Posted : May 10, 2009 11:55 am
I wouldn't rule out the welding either. There are a lot of fabrication shops here. Lots of fences and gates and railings.
Jay
Posted : May 10, 2009 2:03 pm
Topic starter
I will keep that in mind for sure. I can weld very well. Mig and Stick......
JB
Posted : May 10, 2009 3:35 pm
Sent you a PM!
Posted : May 11, 2009 10:38 am
Topic starter
Got it. Thanks.
JB
Posted : May 11, 2009 10:53 pm
You could talk to Mark at Hi Performance in TUTU. He was the best mechanic we found when we had a used car. He had a couple of "wrenches" working for him then.
On STT I have been happy with Community Motors. The service writer Ruth is as good as any I worked with in the states as a consumer as well as when I was in the car business.
The car rental companies is another place to look.
Sloop Jones
Posted : May 12, 2009 12:05 am
