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I’ve turned a wrench a little bit in my short time here on this earth, but I’d like to get better at it. I didn’t have a dad that worked on cars, but I seem to have a knack for it. I’d like to take some classes to get better at it, but I’m not sure where to start. I guess my question is how does a shade tree mechanic become a “professional” shade tree mechanic? I don’t need any certificates or anything like that, just a better idea of what I’m doing. Thanks in advance for your response.
Will
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Will,
I’m currently taking a “Distance Learning” course in auto technician course. I think it’s right up your alley, and very affordable.
The school is called Penn Foster, and if you supplement the course with YouTube, the sky is the limit.
You will also earn a diploma, along with some tools.
Check it out!
pennfoster.edu
Louisville Larry
You should check with your local community college. most offer auto repair programs. they usually have all the tools you will use in class and the class fees are normaly quite low. in my area alot of the high schools have adult classes at night for auto repair. you might want to also check to see if R.O.P ( regional occupational programs ) are offered in your area as these classes are usually free.
Hmmm… I’m really a hands on kind of guy, so online classes aren’t for me. I’ve actually looked into the course catalogue at a community college near here, and will contact the teacher of the class to get a better feel for things in their program. Heck, the half off of snap on tools would more than pay back the tuition I’d put into it– one more turn of my Husky ratchet may just put me over the edge. Plus I figure I’ve worked so hard to be able to make a living as a nurse, why not work twice that hard to enjoy turning a wrench. One of these days I’m going to quit learning stuff… Then they’ll put me in a hole! Thanks for the suggestions guys!
Will
I went to a local Technical school called rosedale technical institute. After 16 months of learning I came out with an Associates Degree, as an ASE master Tech, All my PA state inspection license plus as a PA certified repair emissions technician.
It may have been a bit expensive but in all honesty I am making it up in pay. I started working at the higher end of the pay scale.
At the school the teachers are first rate, very knowledgeable, and just really good people. Everyone at the school are there for one goal and that’s to make you one of the best technicians to enter the field.
If I was you I would at least look into your local area and see if anything like this is around, and all other options you may have. Then truthfully think about it good and hard before you make any decision. If this is something you really want then go for it.
Good luck!
STEP-1 So you want to practice being a mechanic. If you have access to a pull-a-part or u-pull-it or similar salvage yard, Take some tools, pay your entry fee and take something apart you are interested in. You also get the benefit of seeing how the different vehicles are designed and can make a decision on which type you might be interested in working on. Make a day of it.
STEP-2 Go on craigslist.org or find local listings of non-running cars with issues you might want to try to repair. Make sure you pick a car that is relatively new (nothing older than 1996), untouched (not taken apart) and no more that 500 to 600 dollars US. If it actually runs even better.
STEP-3 Make repairs using your developing skills and WEB sites such as this one. Take your time since it is actually your car you are working on. If you break it permanently and don’t want it any more, sell it for what you paid for it. If the repairs work well, sell it at a profit and repeat the process on another.
Good Luck.
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