Starting Out

[torque]

Hello all. I just stumbled on this website through a google search and really like what I’ve read so far. I’m sure this is something discussed time and again, but I was looking for a little help. Is there any companies that will hire someone with little to no experience and train them, and if so what qualifications would one have to have to be considered for this type of training? I’m getting older now (30) and really want to pursue this as a career choice, but am concerned that I’ve possibly waited too long to make a decent living doing it. Finding a shop to get in and get to work would certainly help. I am coming from a limited machinists background working on punch presses and an even more limited construction background.

Am thinking about taking a course on automotive technology from a local tech college but it’s like $13k. In the mean time I was hoping to get a job at some shop and possibly even do these at home courses like the one from http://www.scitraining.com (Stratford Career Institute) the course is like $10 down and $36 per month after that for a total of around $800. Are these home courses worth it or would you recommend just trying to get in the door for hands on, and work towards the tech college? Thanks for any advise and tips, all is appreciated.

EDIT: Just wanted to add that I’m located in South Carolina if that helps with shop/company/dealership suggestions. Thanks again.

Topic

[Jason White]

If this is what you really want to do, then go for it, but there are post here about advise on getting started.

I’m going to start by saying that going to tech college before going into the industry is a waste because you won’t learn much from it that way. You want to go once in the business because you will learn more from your training, due to this being a very hands on type career.

Go to a dealership. Might be harder to get in the door, but going to a quick lube or even most independent shops is a waste of time as far as a career goes. Show a dealer you really want to work and want this to be a career. Sometimes someone fresh hasn’t learned any bad habbits yet. Learn everything you can from veterans. Why I saw going to a dealership is because they can get you the best training. Specialize in one brand, then if you wish, move onto others. They are all the same when it comes down to it, but the details are different. Trying to master on all of them isn’t going to happen.

You will probably start as an oil changer, or lube tech, also known as express. Learn to do this, and do it well, be better than the other guys. Don’t worry about speed at first, just do your job right. A hack oil changer is going to be a really bad tech. A guy they don’t have to worry about (did he tighten that drain plugs, are those lug nuts torqued) is key. You may even have to start as a porter, but don’t take offense to that, it’s just a way to teach you the way things move.

Stay positive, stay dirty, but make sure the customer’s cars aren’t.

[Mike]

Dealerships are still just franchises. There is no such thing as a car brand that will or will not hire somebody with no experience and train them.

You do not need school to become a tech. You need to learn a lot, but you can do it on your own if you have the interest/drive to do so. Very few dealers/shops require or care that you went to whatever tech school, even if it’s UTI or something. There are so many people trying to be tech who just don’t get it, most employers have figured out that credentials are worthless. There are some ‘by the book’ operations that cling to the idea that they must employ techs who are “accredited”, but they are few and far between. That includes being ASE certified. ASE certification is not a bad thing, but working in 5 dealerships over 12 years and interviewing with countless others I didn’t choose to work for, only one place truly cared about ASE certification.

What you need is a school textbook. Search Amazon for “Automotive Technology” to get the idea of what to buy. Study the book until you have a bunch of specific questions about various systems the book covers buy doesn’t answer. Then obtain and study books or YouTube videos that offer in-depth coverage of specific things that answers your specific questions.

Investing in your education as though your are in school and taking it equally as seriously is what you need to do. The main difference between DIY and going to tech school is that tech school plans it all out for you, gives you a curriculum.. You have access to all the books you need without school, And you can make your own curriculum if you’re smart enough to be a successful tech.

Let me know if this piques your interest, and I’ll go on. It’s late and I have to get to sleep.

[torque]

Thanks for the responses and advise. It’s definitely interesting and I’m all ears if you’d like to share more. I found a book on amazon and will purchase it as soon as I can, but it’s $150 so will be a little while. I guess I’ll check out a few local dealerships to see if anyone would be willing to give me a shot. I do have an old automotive course that was a family members that I’ve been reading, but it’s from 1987 lol. I figured if nothing else I’ll know a little extra about older model cars. Thanks again for the advise and encouragement and I’m interested and open to any more information. Have a good one.

This is the book I found. http://www.amazon.com/Automotive-Technology-Principles-Diagnosis-Service/dp/0133994619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461799802&sr=8-1&keywords=automotive+technology I hate that it costs so much, but I imagine it will be worth it.

[kevin]

personally when i was trying to get hired on as apprentice…nobody would even look at me..I am CAN. some places are very much “by the book”.

they said i needed to go to mechanic for pre-employment course to make sure i want to do this or what…i went to school i was aware of what is what…and nobody had to hold my hands all day everyday.

I was sort of in the crowd of getting it…i had seen kids at pre-employment just horsing around with no real direction or motivation.
any farmer can learn fix whatever mechanical stuff. just wait…in future more electronics and more complicated crap to come…like european 6-8 lines of CAN bus…some more.

good luck to you. hopely your experience would be positive…only you can make it what works for you.

[Author]

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