How to become a bike mechanic?

A bike mechanic once told me that being a mechanic is a bit like being a gynacologist. Seems like a great job but in actual fact most of the equipment you are working on is old and past its best.

It's bit better than that. As you can get the hose out, clean the muck off then get straight down to business.

But surely being a mechanic one has to realise, the majority of work won't be on top end equipment.