suggestion - apprenticeship scheme?

Mihai

Member
I have bought my first A2 (and first car) a couple of months ago. While I have always liked cars, and enjoyed driving whatever I could get my hands on ever since I had a license, my degree of mechanical knowledge pretty much stopped at checking the oil level and tyre pressure... That has changed a lot in the past two months, as a result of reading this forum, and interacting with the very knowledgable, kind and generous people here.

I can see that a lot of the pleasure of car ownership comes from understanding how your car works, and being able to take care of it properly. Unfortunately, living in London means paying a considerable bill for that, and it can be a minefield for unnecessary costs. And while there are absolutely excellent guides here for servicing and pretty much all things A2, that still wouldn't give enough confidence to someone who is let's say a beginner.

I have had this idea, and wanted to suggest and see if anyone else would find it worthwhile having a system whereby, whenever more experienced members perform their regular service, or any repair or replacement on their A2, new members could be notified and would be able to attend that, and help if suitable. I for one, would be more than willing to travel a reasonable distance and see anything from a regular service to changing of suspension, headlights, interior, detailing etc. The advantage for the experience member could be having a pair of helping hands (although I can see that also possibly being a disadvantage, so I guess it would depend case by case).

Anyway..that's what I thought about today. Would like to hear your thoughts about it!
 
What a great concept and excellent idea. The community spirit is great as you've already highlighted, so I'd wager there'll be a taker or two.

If this takes off we might be able to use the calendar to help track sessions, though numbers and safety arrangements would need to be agreed by the host in advance.

I'm pleased that you are enjoying your A2 and also the forum. Hope to meet you at a social in due course. All the best.
 
I’d be more than willing to help others learn how to look after their A2’s, but unfortunately I do almost all of my work at very unsociable hours to fit around family life.

I’m sure the idea may well work though because having an extra pair of hands can be very helpful sometimes e.g trying to bleed the brakes/clutch by yourself.

I can think of a couple of very competent DIY mechanics in London who would probably be willing to take you under their wing, but I won’t name names as that would be too presumptuous.

Good idea though
 
I've often thought of a network of members around the country happy to help other members who may have a breakdown while traveling. Not everyone considers AA/RAC type cover if they only do short local journeys but suddenly have to make a long distance trip at short notice...…..A pair of helping hands and somewhere to carry out repairs in a time of need could be a godsend....... Obviously not everyone has mechanical skills but the offer of a little time to a fellow member may go a long way...….
 
This is why the Germans do the Schraubertreffen "mechanics meet" on a regular basis. They're on number... fifty something? Every couple of months a group get together, there's a list of "wants to, can..., will bring with..." and then everyone's aware what's going on. These happen in a rental DIY workshop with lifts and then they can be used optimally with a bunch of people who have either done it or understand what needs to happen. There is discussion about "that will take x hours, should be started first", what time people will be there, and food is brought.
I don't know how possible this could be in the UK, I've been to a couple over in Germany and it's been very positive, interesting and fun.

- Bret
 
This is why the Germans do the Schraubertreffen "mechanics meet" on a regular basis. They're on number... fifty something? Every couple of months a group get together, there's a list of "wants to, can..., will bring with..." and then everyone's aware what's going on. These happen in a rental DIY workshop with lifts and then they can be used optimally with a bunch of people who have either done it or understand what needs to happen. There is discussion about "that will take x hours, should be started first", what time people will be there, and food is brought.
I don't know how possible this could be in the UK, I've been to a couple over in Germany and it's been very positive, interesting and fun.

- Bret
That sounds wonderfully German...haha! in that it seems both informal and yet super organised.

Is there a system of contributions? Presumably a handful of people end up doing the most work?
 
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That sounds wonderfully German!...in that it's both informal and yet super well organised.

Is there a system or contributions? Presumably a handful of people end up doing the most work?

I think a few would give direction but most of the work is normally doable by most people


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I'm Gloucestershire and would be happy to be included. I consider myself a competent DIY mechanic. There's not much I haven't or can't do it just takes me a bit longer than the pro's. I have a 4 post lift that can go to full height and VCDS.

Think I might be a bit more at ease helping someone with their own A2 rather than being watched......maybe I'm a but autistic??

Trevor
 
I'm Gloucestershire and would be happy to be included. I consider myself a competent DIY mechanic. There's not much I haven't or can't do it just takes me a bit longer than the pro's. I have a 4 post lift that can go to full height and VCDS.

Think I might be a bit more at ease helping someone with their own A2 rather than being watched......maybe I'm a but autistic??

Trevor

A four post lift, oh how I dream of such things.


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contributions? No, the expectation is that you are laying a hand on your own car, with help and guidance from others at the time. Then you also get an indication of the time you'll need and specialist tools are around - so for example the wheel bearing tool, VCDS or splined bits - and it's not a "bring and we'll do it for you". That's partly why Munich's version failed.
It is really nice to have someone who understands what you're trying to do, though, and has probably seen it done before or has done it. So when you hit a snag, you'll likely have some help who is in a position to help you make good decisions. There have been some issues with things taking way longer than expected - that's also why timings get pushed and certain lists get cut down ahead of time ("that's too much for one day, x alone will take four hours") but it also means people understand more and are "intelligent helpers". It's not rocket science, but it does require some understanding and a clear idea of what would be counterproductive and which corners can be cut safely. Like the one for me with the temperature sensor - he put a kink in the pipe while I removed the sensor - hey presto, 0.5l lost, not a complete drain.

- Bret
 
A four post lift, oh how I dream of such things.


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Ewrai, you are not far from me. If you want to have a good look under your car then PM me. I'm in Upleadon.

To the original post. One of the luxuries I have is a spare car therefor I tend not to rush things. One of my concerns over the apprenticeship idea is that I might feel under pressure to make progress more quickly thereby causing problems that otherwise might no occur. This is why I would prefer to assist someone with their own vehicle as then the pace is more up to them. I would be there to help and offer advice and might have the experience and equipment to get them out of a tricky spot if required.
 
Ewrai, you are not far from me. If you want to have a good look under your car then PM me. I'm in Upleadon.

To the original post. One of the luxuries I have is a spare car therefor I tend not to rush things. One of my concerns over the apprenticeship idea is that I might feel under pressure to make progress more quickly thereby causing problems that otherwise might no occur. This is why I would prefer to assist someone with their own vehicle as then the pace is more up to them. I would be there to help and offer advice and might have the experience and equipment to get them out of a tricky spot if required.

I just May take you up on that, but not in the short term as I have a lot on my plate.


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It’s a long way away for me, so I’m afraid count me out, but what a fantastic idea. Well done that man for the Original Post!
 
I'm Gloucestershire and would be happy to be included. I consider myself a competent DIY mechanic. There's not much I haven't or can't do it just takes me a bit longer than the pro's. I have a 4 post lift that can go to full height and VCDS.

Think I might be a bit more at ease helping someone with their own A2 rather than being watched......maybe I'm a but autistic??

Trevor
I can understand and absolutely relate to wanting to do some things in your own time and without the pressure of someone watching. Amazing that you have a 4 post lift and I may well ask for your help in the future, which you so kindly offered!

Still, if there are other members who don't mind nosey onlookers, I would be very happy if this takes off in some form, as I believe there's a lot of value to learning from watching/helping!
 
I've watched / helped (by helped I mean "pass me this, hold that") @depronman do various jobs on my car and you learn so much that way.

It obviously works too, I can tell you that there speaks a man who's pretty handy with all the tools himself :D I confess to having done much the same while @Bargepower mainly removed the engine & gearbox from my breaker back in the summer before it went up to @depronman.
 
I would also be happy to help in the Merseyside area, while I'm no expert i can do cambelt, waterpump changes, gearbox and clutch swaps, jdd etc.
Brakes and suspension works.
 
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