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The difference between a mechanical engineer and a mechanic is the engineer knows the math. A mechanic can pick up everything about engineering on the job, except the math, and without the math he's crippled.

That's why to be an ME, a degree is a gatekeeper. To get a degree, you have to pass the math classes.

Yes, I know engineers who can't do the math, despite having a degree. I've never known a mechanic to learn the math on the job.



Actually that is the path an apprentice is supposed to take after they finished their apprenticeship should they want to progress.

Apprentice -> Technician -> Engineer

Or alternatively you can like myself start at the Technician level.

And yes I did correct the "proper engineers" maths on occasion their is a bridge in Saudi that I had to fix.




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