at 7 we was pulling apart and putting together flathead V8 carbs... at 14/15 we was pulling apart Model A 4-bangers...and overhauling them!When i was a kid living in the sticks of rural Yukon i learned my mechanic skills by listening and watching those older than me.
I built my first "dune buggy" with my Dad at 13
I rebuilt the engine on my own at 14, by that time i had seen dozens of VW engines torn apart and rebuilt by then, i was the parts washer and light holder if i was in the shop while grown ups were working.
In the winter it was Ski-doo engines that occupied my free time.We kept Tiltson carb kits in our coat pockets and replaced them in the bush many times
Went to high school in the big city 125 miles from home, took mechanic's 11 and 12. Was easy credits as by that time there wasn't a lot on a vehicle that i hadn't worked on.
had a good teacher! my Pop was a certified A&P, master gunsmith!