kimichar's journey

I’ve been helping my son, who just graduated with a degree in auto mechanics, navigate the job market. He’s 22 and has applied to numerous entry-level positions, like oil and lube techs, but keeps hitting a wall. Every time he applies, he hears the same frustrating response: "Sorry, we need someone with 2 years of experience." It’s disheartening because these jobs are labeled as entry-level, which should mean they don’t require prior experience. How is he supposed to gain experience if no one is willing to hire him? Most of the shops he’s looking at are franchises that only accept applications through their corporate websites, which makes it even harder to connect with potential employers. I’ve read that some companies list entry-level jobs but still expect applicants to have some background, which feels misleading. I’ve suggested he reach out to smaller, independent garages to see if they would be open to him doing an internship, even if it’s unpaid, to gain some hands-on experience. It’s a tough situation, and he’s feeling pretty lost and frustrated. I just want to help him get his foot in the door.