Some marine engine shops advertise that they have a “Master Mechanic” on staff. What does that mean?
There is no such registered trade as “Master Mechanic” in Canada, and I have never heard of there being one in the US either, although it is possible it is used in some states. The term “Master Mechanic” was sometimes used before World War II in mines in northern Canada to designate a heavy duty mechanic who also was trained as an electrician. It is sometimes used these days by sales staff to imply that an older mechanic is very experienced… often because he / she actually has no formal training or certification and doesn’t want to be called a journeyman mechanic, since journeyman implies formal training and certification. The next time someone tells you they’re a “master mechanic”, ask to see the certification papers and license which uses the words “master” and proves they’re one!
