My name is Mateo Alvarez, I'm 32 years old, I'm married to Dwarf and father of Valentina, 5 years old. Until last year, I worked as a sales assistant at an appliance store. It was a hectic time, with being on my feet all day, alternating between stockroom and counter, with tight deadlines and little control over my schedule. The salary covered the basic bills, but any unforeseen event—a doctor's appointment, a repair—would throw off my plans. I lived with the feeling that all it took was one bad streak for everything to go wrong.

That tide came. The store underwent a “restructuring,” and half the staff was laid off. I was on the list. I left with a folder of documents in my hand and a world of bills on my mind. The following weeks were tough: I worked odd jobs as a delivery driver and a freight assistant, while Ana tried to increase her clientele as a manicurist. Even adding everything up, the money didn't add up. That's when I decided there was no point in just looking for “more of the same.” I needed change direction.

One night, scrolling through my phone, I saw a post about free courses in the area of IT SupportI've always loved technology: I was the family's handyman, setting up Wi-Fi, installing antivirus software, and saving "missing" files. I'd never considered it as a career. I did some research and found online 100% training paths, with certification, short classes, and practical material. The best part: no monthly fee.

I signed up right there. The trail started from scratch: computer assembly and maintenance, home networks, notions of operating systems, security and user supportFlexibility won me over. I could study when the house was already quiet, without having to waste time commuting.

To avoid getting lost, I made a simple plan: two hours a day from Monday to Friday and four hours on Saturdays to review and do practical exercises. I wrote down small goals: one lesson a day, one exercise a day. I also borrowed an old computer to serve as a laboratory—opening it, wiping it, formatting it, reinstalling it, breaking it, and fixing it. With each success, my confidence grew.

There were days when I'd come home exhausted from work, Valentina wanted to play, and Ana needed help with dinner. I almost gave up twice. What kept me going were three commitments I made to myself:

Within a month, I already understood TCP/IP, DNS, routers, user creation and permissions, and I had a support script to avoid getting stuck in front of the "user." I joined forums, asked questions, answered, and exchanged ideas. I went from the "I don't know if I can do it" bubble to "Let me try."

Two months into the course, a vacancy appeared. paid internship in Service Desk. I applied with trepidation. In the interview, I asked for a practical assessment: "Can you describe a problem to me?" The evaluator mentioned a computer without internet. I went through the steps: checking cables, modem LEDs, ipconfig, DNS, drivers, test on another cable/port, reboot. He smiled: "Good thinking. Let's move on."

I passed. It wasn't my dream salary, but it was within the area, with a chance of being hired. I continued studying. After three and a half months, I completed the track and received my certificate. I updated my resume and professional profile, listing the course, the home lab, and the topics I mastered. During my internship, I started documenting everything: how to reset a password, map a printer, open well-described tickets, and write simple tutorials for recurring questions.

Five months after my “day zero”, an internal vacancy opened up for Junior Support TechnicianThe practical test required setting up a home network, installing a corporate antivirus program, documenting the steps, and calmly assisting a “user.” I passed and effective.

The new salary, combined with benefits, brought predictabilityMore than the money, the feeling of progress and having a career with a future was what touched me—and my family—the most. Ana said I slept peacefully again. Valentina was proud when I explained that "Daddy fixes computer problems." With organization, we managed to:

There is prejudice against what is free. For me, the course was the entrance door. What influenced my hiring was not just the certificate, but the combination Between practice, documentation, and posture. A free course is fuel; you are the engine. If you apply, share, and improve a little each week, the results will come.

Looking back now, I understand that losing my old job hurt, but it pushed me toward a path I already wanted—I just needed courage and direction. If you're reading this on your break, on the bus, or after a long day, I understand. Start small. One class today, another tomorrow. Within a month, you'll already see changes. Within a few months, you could be applying for jobs in a new field.

Just like Mateo's story in technology, you can transform your life with mechanics too.
To become a mechanic, you must meet some basic requirements, such as knowledge in the field and physical fitness to perform this role.

Many companies hire people who have only completed high school for this role. However, in some cases, courses may be required. Learn more in our article on the subject.

And if you want to learn more about professions that hire people quickly, check out our article on bricklayer vacancies. We can help you find an opportunity in the field.