Experienced mechanic looking for work
Discussion
Mobil mechanic with 25 years experience looking to move to France a.s.a.p.
Does any one know of any English speaking garages in any regions of France?
Most of my experience is with German cars but I can fix and repair anything
mechanical,including motor bikes!
I can speak basic French ,want to learn.
Any info gratefully recieved.
Would being a mobil mechanic work in France with van and tools.Ta John.
Does any one know of any English speaking garages in any regions of France?
Most of my experience is with German cars but I can fix and repair anything
mechanical,including motor bikes!
I can speak basic French ,want to learn.
Any info gratefully recieved.
Would being a mobil mechanic work in France with van and tools.Ta John.
First of all I wish you luck, but I have got to say, that I think that you would find it very difficult to make a successful enterprise here - unless things are radically different; outside rural France.
The enterprise culture does not really exist, I think that most French people expect to have their car serviced at the local franchise, unless they know someone who will do it "cash in hand", but a Brit is not likely to be trusted to that extent. I think a French person with similar aspirations to you would probably want to go and work in the UK to get on.
Perhaps working for another Brit who has already established a business working on ex-pat's German cars might work, but to quickly establish such a client base would be very difficult.
French business are extremely reluctant to employ anyone, as getting rid of them, if they are useless, is so very difficult - Social security costs for independents are ridiculous and although the new administration would like to improve things, the established unions and civil servants still have a stranglehold on what might / can happen.
The lifestyle here in France is as good as you probably believe and is based around the needs of family, friends, and community. Breaking into this for an outsider would need exemplary social and language skills.
On the other hand I have seen people become very successful down in Southern Spain, but the economy down there at the moment is in tatters.
The enterprise culture does not really exist, I think that most French people expect to have their car serviced at the local franchise, unless they know someone who will do it "cash in hand", but a Brit is not likely to be trusted to that extent. I think a French person with similar aspirations to you would probably want to go and work in the UK to get on.
Perhaps working for another Brit who has already established a business working on ex-pat's German cars might work, but to quickly establish such a client base would be very difficult.
French business are extremely reluctant to employ anyone, as getting rid of them, if they are useless, is so very difficult - Social security costs for independents are ridiculous and although the new administration would like to improve things, the established unions and civil servants still have a stranglehold on what might / can happen.
The lifestyle here in France is as good as you probably believe and is based around the needs of family, friends, and community. Breaking into this for an outsider would need exemplary social and language skills.
On the other hand I have seen people become very successful down in Southern Spain, but the economy down there at the moment is in tatters.
You may find a niche catering for the Brits if you moved to an area that is heavily populated with them, I used to work on Citroens and Renaults so seem to get roped in when visiting, I would agree the French will be hard work and it will take time to earn ther trust, they are also not as fussy as UK car owners so rattles squeaks and occasional leaks are not a reason to take a car to a garage, bit like there houses!
I have also found its quite hard to get parts if you go down the pattern route, even when you find a company it can take days for them to get the wrong part.
I have also found its quite hard to get parts if you go down the pattern route, even when you find a company it can take days for them to get the wrong part.
RDJohn is spot on - however try to find someone like yourself when needed is near impossible. The real question you need an answer to is "can I find enough work to make a living?" and how much will it cost me to set up on my own if I'm to pay tax in France and hence be able to use the social system here?" (mainly health cover/carte vital).
There is a market for your skills but it is tough - plus you are unlikely to get employment in France with a french business unless you have some french certificates to show you have reached a required level of proficiency that they recognise (although in real terms the french with these certs are sometimes crap at their chosen proffesion!!).
Not trying to rain on your parade but being realistic..... Again, good luck with it and persevere, as the lifestyle is superb here once you are integrated.
There is a market for your skills but it is tough - plus you are unlikely to get employment in France with a french business unless you have some french certificates to show you have reached a required level of proficiency that they recognise (although in real terms the french with these certs are sometimes crap at their chosen proffesion!!).
Not trying to rain on your parade but being realistic..... Again, good luck with it and persevere, as the lifestyle is superb here once you are integrated.
There is an English run garage in Valbonne/Opio, Cote D'Azur - you can ask if they are looking for an extra person. There's also an UK guy who owns his garage near Anitbes (do not know his name or location). I also know a guy who works for a French garage, but his French is perfect.
If you want to set up business in France its totally possible, but expect a huge amount of paperwork (you won't understand) and 50% total tax on profits. People around here (ie expats including non english expats) are always looking for an HONEST garage. Word of mouth soon spreads, so it is quite possible to set up a business, just don't expect to get rich from it..
If you want to set up business in France its totally possible, but expect a huge amount of paperwork (you won't understand) and 50% total tax on profits. People around here (ie expats including non english expats) are always looking for an HONEST garage. Word of mouth soon spreads, so it is quite possible to set up a business, just don't expect to get rich from it..
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