This ensures that mechanics and service technicians keep up with changing technology. The most important work possessions of mechanics are their hand tools. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics typically buy their own hand tools, and many experienced mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in them. Experienced mechanics may advance to field service jobs, where they have a greater opportunity to tackle problems independently and earn additional pay. Mechanics with leadership ability may become shop supervisors or service managers.
Some mechanics open their own repair shops or invest in a franchise.
This is due more to a lack of qualified entrants into the occupation than growth in available jobs. Persons without formal training are expected to encounter growing difficulty entering this occupation. Employment of mobile heavy equipment mechanics is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. Increasing numbers of mechanics will be required to support growth in the construction industry, equipment dealers, and rental and leasing companies. As equipment becomes more complex, repairs increasingly must be made by specially trained mechanics.