automotive schools/advice

[mtdxx]

anyone here working as a tech in the field?

Right now I am going to one of those 16 month 17,000 programs at a "reputable" school.

this equals out to about 2,250 a class.

I do not feel the education I am getting there is that outstanding.

The local community college is doing auto classes for 300-400 a class. I am considering switching if I like what I see when I drop in on one of their classes.

If I switch and do not get my fancy peice of paper saying I graduated from the "big bucks" school, but take my classes at the community college and get my inspection license and pass some ASE's do you think I will still be able to get a decent job at a dealership or anywhere.

All that really matters is the licenses, work experience and ASE's, not a certificate right?

[BullShifter]

The best education is hands-on, the classroom gives you all the basic. If you work for a dealership, most of them will send you to Honda school or BMW school or whatever.

Most dealers wont care were you went to school as long as you have some skill & willing to learn. At Honda they would always make bad comments about UTI students, they think they know it all until they actually have to do something.

Are you working for a dealership right now? If not you should start now.

[mtdxx]

nah not working for a dealership. I worked for firestone for a while, worst place I ever worked. I now work at an independent garage where I am getting a lot of hands on experience with stuff firestone would not have let me touch with a 50 foot pole. And everyone is really cool that I work with, so I am kind of hesitant to look for another job at this point.

That sounds good, I think I am leaning toward going to the community college if I see it is about the same as where I am going.

[BullShifter]

as long as your getting hands on experience, the only good thing about the dealer is that they may pay for your schooling.