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Just wanted to hear your opinions on the job market as far as Auto Technicians and Collision & Repair Technicians. Since my wife wants to stay relatively close to family (and mine decided to ditch me and move to Okinawa), I'll probably be attending UTI in Charlotte. Three days worth of Separation classes last week, in preparation of me getting out of the Marines, and I'm pretty set on attending an Automotive school of some sort. The thing I'm worried though is the fact that they are Associate Degrees. With the GI Bill, I'd be able to go to school for roughly 3 years and still pay for an Associates in Automotive Tech and Collision and Repair Tech degrees. Was also thinkin about taking the BMW Elective and become a certified BMW Technician (which guarantees me a job at a BMW Dealership once I graduate).

I figure that working on cars is a big passion of mine (when I have time) and so I figured why not do it professionally? Just curious what you guys think of the economy and all that and how you think I'd fare (I don't really keep up with how the economy is nowadays.. so maybe someone on 2gn knows more about it and chimes in).

Anyway, October 18th is my Terminal date. I'll be on leave, and getting paid, for 46 days until my EAS. Can't wait... oh, how I can't wait. lol.

You should stay in...it's much better on the inside.

Which GI bill do you have? I would suggest using it to get a bachelors degree if at all possible. You could go into a major related to cars and then get your certifications on top of that while you are going to school. This will give you a few more options to see what you want to do after 4 years. I've seen quite a few of my friends go to mechanics trade schools and drop out because the passion isn't there when it's not their car.

rOniN wrote:You should stay in...it's much better on the inside.

Which GI bill do you have? I would suggest using it to get a bachelors degree if at all possible. You could go into a major related to cars and then get your certifications on top of that while you are going to school. This will give you a few more options to see what you want to do after 4 years. I've seen quite a few of my friends go to mechanics trade schools and drop out because the passion isn't there when it's not their car.

I understand what you're saying about staying in, but believe me. I'm not going to be persuaded otherwise. No offense, but the Marine Corps isn't for me. I'm not lowering myself down to Army, I can't swim so Navy is out, and the A.F. won't accept Marines who've done combat deployments until they've been out for a certain amount of time.

This school seems pretty promising as far as getting jobs after graduation. But that was my question as far as: Associates Degree = Bad? As opposed to a Bachelor's? Ya know?...

Anyway, I can see my passion extending out to other cars. I love working on the Neon, but I would love to mess with other cars that are more technologically advanced than mine. I've always had a passion with computers and electronics, and so with how cars are nowadays I think I would find interest in something in that area as well when it comes to Automotive.

I don't mean any offense to anyone re-enlisting, or "lifers", but the military isn't for me. I'm going to be claiming a good amount of disability for the problems that I have from being in and serving two combat deployments to Afghanistan.

Thanks for the input, rOniN

i don't personally know about UTI but i like Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis. But be warned it is hard to get used to people that don't wear their uniforms right, show up on time, or listen to instructors (think maybe it a military thing ).
as far as what is best BS or AS, i would look at the local job market on career connect or other sites and see what they want. a lot of dealerships here in indy want some kind of formal automotive training (AS, BS, or certificate doesn't seem to really matter). hell maybe even call a dealership and talk with the service manager and see what they look for in new entry level techs. you can even take training courses from chryslerllc.com because you are military for free (i'm doing it to look good not for real education, but it is good info).

sorry for the long post but there was a lot to address.

I was just playing about staying in...I knew you weren't planning on staying so I figured I would add a little semper yut.

I would still suggest using your GI bill for a 4 year degree and pick up certificates in the summer or something along those lines to become qualified as a mechanic. Having a 4 year degree will open a lot of doors, so if you decide after 5-10 years that you don't want to work on cars anymore, you could easily transfer into something else rather easily.

I would rather be overqualified that under-qualified.

stdlystdmufn wrote:i don't personally know about UTI but i like Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis. But be warned it is hard to get used to people that don't wear their uniforms right, show up on time, or listen to instructors (think maybe it a military thing ).
as far as what is best BS or AS, i would look at the local job market on career connect or other sites and see what they want. a lot of dealerships here in indy want some kind of formal automotive training (AS, BS, or certificate doesn't seem to really matter). hell maybe even call a dealership and talk with the service manager and see what they look for in new entry level techs. you can even take training courses from chryslerllc.com because you are military for free (i'm doing it to look good not for real education, but it is good info).

sorry for the long post but there was a lot to address.

No worries. It wasn't a long post to me. I'll have to talk to the Dodge/Chrysler dealership that's down the street from where my wife lives. See what they offer. Thanks for that

rOniN wrote:I was just playing about staying in...I knew you weren't planning on staying so I figured I would add a little semper yut.

I would still suggest using your GI bill for a 4 year degree and pick up certificates in the summer or something along those lines to become qualified as a mechanic. Having a 4 year degree will open a lot of doors, so if you decide after 5-10 years that you don't want to work on cars anymore, you could easily transfer into something else rather easily.

I would rather be overqualified that under-qualified.

Lol "semper yut"... I'm not going to lie, I'm going to miss it, but it's just not something I can handle much longer. Haha. I about went insane this last deployment. I wanted to go out on patrols so I could get shot at in hopes of getting wounded and taken home. Yea... it was that bad (mentally and physically...).

Anyway, I see what you're saying about pursuing a 4 year degree and then working on a Auto Tech certificate later. I'll have to look into that and see how that would work.

I have had students that transfered from UTI and WyoTech to my college which is University of Northwestern Ohio. We have a great high performance program and you can actually get an assocaites or bachelors degree here. I haven't looked at UTI recently but when i was looking into colleges 3 years ago i know that you couldn't even get a assocaites degree at UTi only a certificate of graduating. Sounds like a waste of money to me. I also heard from the other students that UTI and WyoTech is a bunch of classroom work and rarely shop work. I'm an Auto Technician, High Performance Motorsports, Alternative fuels technican, and commercial driving license assocaites degree at my college. We learn about a lot of different racing series in our High Performance degree. We learn about drag racing, circle track (both dirt and asphalt), road racing, and off-roading. I know you want to stay close to home and i'm not saying to not try it out for yourself but i sure hope it's gotten better in 3 years. We also have to wear shop shirts with our name on them and they must be tucked in, grade penalty for being late, no holes in clothes, must wear boots, safety glasses, no peircings while in class or jewelery.

Is it advisable (probably not for people with the GI bill, but for me) to go to a Community College to get an Auto Tech Associates degree where they ASE certify you? That's what I plan on doing next fall because you can get certified for a quarter of the price of those Urinary Tract Infection schools. Then again, it is a Community College.

UriahRR wrote:Is it advisable (probably not for people with the GI bill, but for me) to go to a Community College to get an Auto Tech Associates degree where they ASE certify you? That's what I plan on doing next fall because you can get certified for a quarter of the price of those Urinary Tract Infection schools. Then again, it is a Community College.

i was thinking about doing the same thing. funny you mentioned the urinary thing, every time i see UTI commercials i think Urinary Tract Infection

smallblockfreak wrote:I have had students that transfered from UTI and WyoTech to my college which is University of Northwestern Ohio. We have a great high performance program and you can actually get an assocaites or bachelors degree here. I haven't looked at UTI recently but when i was looking into colleges 3 years ago i know that you couldn't even get a assocaites degree at UTi only a certificate of graduating. Sounds like a waste of money to me. I also heard from the other students that UTI and WyoTech is a bunch of classroom work and rarely shop work. I'm an Auto Technician, High Performance Motorsports, Alternative fuels technican, and commercial driving license assocaites degree at my college. We learn about a lot of different racing series in our High Performance degree. We learn about drag racing, circle track (both dirt and asphalt), road racing, and off-roading. I know you want to stay close to home and i'm not saying to not try it out for yourself but i sure hope it's gotten better in 3 years. We also have to wear shop shirts with our name on them and they must be tucked in, grade penalty for being late, no holes in clothes, must wear boots, safety glasses, no peircings while in class or jewelery.

Yea, UTI and WyoTech were the big ones when I was taking my separation classes. Never heard of either until those classes.

Are you at Ohio Technical College? They mentioned that school during my classes as well.

Good thing I don't have piercings, don't wear raggy clothes, I have boots (my USMC ones lol), nor do I wear jewelry. Is it a lot of hands on work?

Alright, my 2 cents are as follows...
Being a graduate of UTI, i will say that the instructors are highly knowledgeable [most of them at least]. The schools support system for Military looks good, but trust me its not, i have many friends in military that had to dropout because of the schools inability to work with them. Its sad really, but that's how it is...its a business before its a school, its expensive , really expensive. They claim to prepare you for your ASE's but in actuality, from the ASE's i have taken, they miss a lot of important things...i wish i would have gone to a community college instead of going to UTI. Honestly. Although community college takes longer...theres a reason for that, they go in detail with every system in a car...not just 3 weeks per system. You get out with an AA at most colleges and its alot cheaper...

uti is not the best school you can go to. they are all about making money and if you miss too many days or fail you are out like 25k

Community college can give you the same if not better education for half the cost.

I graduated from UTI in 07, and I've been working in the field since 06. I just landed a job at Ford that I start next week, and if it weren't for UTI and all my other credentials and certs, I don't think I would have stood a chance. When you go to UTI, you are getting more than some knowledge and hands-on experience. You get to use their reputation and close ties with the manufacturers when it comes time to get a job. There are a lot more politics in the automotive industry than most people think, and having a foot up on the next guy is a huge advantage. Especially in a field so over-saturated with techs who simply can't hang. On the flip side, 50% of the kids who go to UTI fail, for reasons along the lines of what Chad mentioned; they find out that the job isn't for them, and that it is indeed more of a hobby than a career interest. Other people just don't have the talent and/or ability to master this trade. For me, turning wrenches and diagnostics are a huge passion. I enjoy learning, and applying theory to figure things out. I'm addicted to tools and equipment. I spend a lot of time reading and learning in my free time, because it's a hobby of mine as well, not just a job.

If you walk into a legitimate repair shop or dealership with a UTI diploma, I can all but guarantee that you will get a job over a guy with an associates in Auto Repair, all other things equal. UTI has the absolute newest equipment and information criteria. Their course study is based on information collected directly from the manufacturers. And contrary to what you may have heard, hands-on lab time accounts for more than half the time you spend in school. UTI claims as much as 70% in some courses. Obviously, there are some courses that spend more time on theory and operation, such as basic electronics, emissions, etc. A true technician knows how things work, not just how to change broken parts on them.

I have never heard of ANY school that offers ASE certification on site, and I strongly doubt this is true. The ASE program is fully independent of any institution.

Regarding the manufacturer specific programs, there is no guarantee that you will work for a dealer after completing these. UTI offers assistance in job placement, but like any real career, the employee applying has more to do with getting a job than any other factor, including education and background. Having said that, the chances of a quality graduate getting the job they want is pretty good, even with a mediocre resume and minimal field experience. Be prepared to start at the bottom though, wherever you go. Having a UTI education under your belt strongly affects the speed at which you move up, however, because you will grasp things at a much higher rate.

All in all, I'm happy I went to UTI. I held a decent job working on semi trucks and trailers for almost 4 years, despite my lack of diesel training and previous experience. I averaged $2 in raises per year there, and upon resigning I was one of the guys who can "do anything" at the shop. If it weren't for my education and natural ability, it might have taken twice as long to achieve that status.

Feel free to PM me with any other questions.

OB wrote:I have never heard of ANY school that offers ASE certification on site, and I strongly doubt this is true. The ASE program is fully independent of any institution.

Hhmmm, I believe my college does. Northampton Community College.

Another question, if you do just go through the Community College Auto classes and get ASE certified, what next? Should you follow up with more education or are you kind of set with what you've got?

i know my community college does ase certification program.

Are you guys sure they aren't just ASE preparation programs? I would think that UTI, who works directly with ASE for their testing setups, would offer direct certification if it were possible. I was under the impression that ASE wanted to keep their certifications at the highest level, beyond schooling. They also require time in the field for some certs, which isn't gained by going to a community college. I'm gonna do some research, you guys got me curious.

Uriah - There are zillions of training classes and programs that employers use to keep their techs up to date. You will never stop learning and the education side of this trade is ongoing.

OB wrote:They also require time in the field for some certs, which isn't gained by going to a community college.

Actually, you should check this out, man. My Community College actually sets you up with part time jobs at places so you can get the experience and then take the certification directly after 2 years when you graduate. a23dranger Ryan went to the same school, so he could have more insight on this.

I love learning.

... well, only about cars.

i am currently in Wyotech in PA and i would recommend it to anybody to see before going to UTI.

PM me if you want more info on Wyotech.

UriahRR wrote:

OB wrote:They also require time in the field for some certs, which isn't gained by going to a community college.

Actually, you should check this out, man. My Community College actually sets you up with part time jobs at places so you can get the experience and then take the certification directly after 2 years when you graduate. a23dranger Ryan went to the same school, so he could have more insight on this.

I love learning.

... well, only about cars.

Our local community school offers gm, chrysler and general auto training. once you have completed the courses they offer an ase certification testing. Now they do help a lil on finding a place to work but your mainly on your own. or least thats how it was when i went. Now how they are able to offer the ase testing is while going to school they have you working part time in a shop and over winter break, summer you work full time.. gaining you the experience need for taking the ase test.. Its not a bad program but i never finished.. due to changing jobs, school scheduling, life changes and most of all a disagreement with a teacher who to this day IS WRONG. Really turned me off from the program.. Id like to one day go back and finish the course but being in the auto body field its not 100% a needed thing right now.. Helps but not needed.. in the auto body field welding certs and I-car certs are what you need.. Which i have I car points.

Id still like to go to Wyotech.. Had freinds go tto the pa wyotech and to me.. seems more up my alley.. they have street rod and custom course, upholstery course, along with your autobody and auto tech courses.. Thats just me.

MAIN thing is.. go to the schools.. look a them. .talk to the teachers, students and get a feel for the place.. i lived in a diff county then the community college was in.. so i had to pay a lil more but the school was just a nicer place and had a better feel to me..