Can people with learning issues become technicians

[Chris]

Hi Eric, I was just wondering what you think about people with learning issues wanting to get into the automotive trade because, I really want to get into this trade and really enjoy learning about how cars work and fixing them, I have learning issues and was wondering if you think people like myself can accomplish it if they work hard enough?

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

I’ve had issues with reading and spelling my entire life. I believe you can accomplish just about anything you put your mind to. Good luck.

[W00DBar0n]

I have a few “learning disorders”, one being dyslexia. That one has made it tough over the years for learning by books, and using service manuals. You slowly can push past most learning issues if you don’t give up.

[Bill]

I became a tech so there is no reason you can’t.

[twiggy]

Your issue is not as important as you think. There are other attributes that are far more important that ensure success. Ambitition and creativity are two that come to mind. This is also true in engineering.

[Texarkana]

Well since I feel this thread relates to me on some level I’ll just come out and say it, I’m taking automotive courses while battling schizo-affective disorder. Psychotic episodes can be triggered by stress and I have extremely horrible short term memory. I’ve managed to get two B +’s my final grade first semester after my grandmother died and missed a week which happened to be on the most complicated section of the manual transmissions and brakes classes.

I also managed to make the merit list last semester despite my memory issues.

I honestly believe if I can do it then pretty much anyone can.

Just a word of advice before starting, research the program you will be taking. I was excited the first couple of semesters but the teachers won’t let less knowledgeable students work on live vehicles, so I have no clue if anything I put back together was actually functioning. I’d recommend a school like uti/wyotech as opposed to a community college.

[Chris]

I plan on improving on my current automotive knowledge by going to the local library and reading the most up to date books on auto repair. I just recently graduated from high school with a 77% average which is decent good enough to get me into college anyway; I am planning on returning to high school for one semester to take physics and grade 12 double credit auto. I took the grade 11 double credit auto last year but was unable to take the grade 12 or physics this past year because they were only offered during the first semester and with the way my timetable was set up there was no way for myself to take either. I have already researched about post secondary automotive programs and have already decided which college, I will attend. The college, I will be attending is Fanshawe college which is a community college but is the only college, I can afford to attend. This school has an awesome automotive program, I toured their shop and decided that’s where, I am going. They have new cars donated to them from the dealerships and have new diagnostic equipment. They also have an entire corner of the shop dedicated to engine repair and a whole room dedicated to diesel engines. Fanshawe offers an apprenticeship program through GM called GM ASEP but you must be sponsored with a GM dealership in order to take this. Along with that they also offer a. Co-op program and an 2 year associates degree program for people wanting to become automotive technicians. I just can’t decide between becoming an automotive or a diesel technician which one would you recommend?

[Bill]

If i was your age i would go for the diesel course if it’s Heavy Duty diesel.

If the smell of diesel fuel makes you sick then it’s the wrong deal to persue. The smell of diesel fumes gives me a headache and sometimes makes me wanna puke. I still work on some light diesel from time to time.

I believe that in the end the pay will be better and you will always have job security.

And yes Fanshawe is a great college. My daughter went there.

[W00DBar0n]

Diesel technician? One room? They are gonna teach you about the super diverse world of diesel in one room? They are gonna teach you about diesel engines and the many different jobs they do? Ships, small generators and ones capable of powering cities, diesel heating, garbage pumps, water systems, equipment, trucks, cars, trains, submarines, crushers, etc. That is what goes through my head when someone uses the term diesel technician.

[Chris]

I forgot to mention that they have a shop that is connected to the auto repair shop that has transport trucks and another that has farm equipment

[W00DBar0n]

[quote=”Chrisjp1994″ post=64025]I forgot to mention that they have a shop that is connected to the auto repair shop that has transport trucks and another that has farm equipment[/quote]
Since you’re from Ontario the transport trucks class would be On-Road Heavy Duty and the farm equipment class would be Off-Road Heavy Duty. (Same as Alberta)
BC would be Commercial Transport and Heavy Duty.

One shop seems a little small, the school i went to had 6 bays for CT/HD, 4 for Auto, 1 for small engine. 1 classroom for auto, 3 for CT/HD, and 1 for small engine.
Then when we were in the shop the apprentices got the class room, but there was 4 four CT/HD and 1 for Auto.

[Author]

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