Good points. No I dont expect the minimum wage worker to have extensive knowledge on every make and model of vehicle, or where the dipstick is to be honest. But they have little computers in front of them, if I tell them the make and the model, then why should I have to have this superficial conversation with them before they even touch a key on the computer to help me. Now i they go get my parts then as I'm paying, they could say, hey, I'm trying to learn here, where does that thing go and what does it do? Hell I would rattle on for hours to em. My point being that its useless for me to have to stand there and explain myself if there is no reason. Hell they probably really dont care what the part is.

Yes, I believe these places should look to hire young people with pretty good vocational knowledge. Theres all kinds of kinds in votec schools looking for afterschool jobs.

Yes, I carry around a big ol blinking neon sign that says "Im a mechanical engineer" It even has in small leters underneath it "emphasis in high speed aluminum machining and machine setup" its kinda extensive, but I think it gets the point across. I dont play the engineer card, hell most people dont even know what I do, so who cares. To be honest, I hate my job anyway, Id rather be farming, but that wasnt a option when I graduated highschool and everyone began to sue the tobacco companies. And too many regulations on grain. Engineering was the only thing I was good at.