Automotive schools?

[RACER D12]

I have no idea where to put this so mods feel free to move this thread.

Anyways I want to get into the automotive field of work. Specifically performance but im open to other stuff to make money. Im thinking about universal technical institute cause not only do they train you to work with a certain car company but they also do a performance course too. What schools would you guys suggest me looking into?

[Igovert500]

Um, just one suggestion comes to mind, I don't know if you have Spike TV, but on Sat + Sundays around 11am-1:30pm they have the 'Powerblock'. In between these car and bike shows, they have alot of commercials advertising such schools...hope that helps some.

[-Josh-]

Whatever you do, stay away from Wyotec, that school is a joke(further explanation available upon request)

In illinois we have a few but the two best that you can go to are Parkland College Automotive, and Southern Illinois has one of the top programs in the nation i believe.

Do some research and see what you have around your area, plus get a job at a dealer, you can get some good training and a good start there.

[drdisque]

Nashville Auto Diesel College is pretty much the best out there. UTI is really a cookie cutter education, NADC actually teaches you to think and solve interesting problems in interesting ways.

[fcdriver]

Yeah I have to agree NADA is about the best out there and they love to hound you untill you give in and sign up there (atleast they did me untill I told them I wasnt looking into making a living working on cars) you can also check the local school system for technical schools that have adult courses.

[10sec-Hopeful]

I have been trying to ask this for a very long time. I wasn't sure where to go to get into Automotives, but I'm just going to go to a university and get a bachelor's of science in Mechanical Technology. With this I can probably get an internship at like Toyota or Honda/Acura or something. This is the route I am going to go, but other than this, does anyone know of any schools in Oregon/Washington that offer courses in Automotive Technology? I basically want to be a mechanic, but if it could be for BMW or Toyota, I'm betting I could save up enough money to open up a shop with a buddy of mine (he is going to be getting a lot of money soon, and another friend is a chemical engineer making $130,000 a year).

Anyone think these are good plans? PLEASE give me input if you think I am heading down the wrong or right path. Thanks to any and ALL input, I will appreciate anything, as will the other people who plan on getting post-high school education in this field.

Thank you.

[RACER D12]

Well NADC sounds good but I dont want to do diesel. The UTI rep was telling us in school today about how they do manufacturer specific training. BMW, Audi, Mercedes, VW, Honda, Porsche, Toyota, Ford and the list goes on all sponsor this school. I mean their facilities looked really nice and the fact that you work on NEW cars from the companies afore mentioned sounded and looked cool to me. Also they just built a school in Boston so thats only a few hours from me. However distance dosnt matter to me as much. I just want to go to a good school so I can get on track to work in the proformance field or just work for a company like 10sec-hopeful said till I have enough to open my own tuning shop with my friend.

[95dxcivic]

I was thinking of either going to Universal Technical Institute or to get a degree in race car engineering or automotive engineering.

[drdisque]

you don't have to do Diesel if you go to NADC, they just offer Diesel, which alot of schools don't (Diesel is actually one of the fields where you can make the most money)

[10sec-Hopeful]

Ya, I've been looking a lot online, and I found that it is almost impossible to get a degree in "Automotive Technology" or "Automotive Engineering." The only engineering degree that seems worthwhile would be Mechanical Engineering, or you could get a degree in Engineering Technology. My best bet is that if you cannot afford a University education, go to UTI. Seems like the best bet, plus you can get PLENTY of internships at like 15 different companies (big names like BMW, Audi, Porsche...good luck, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota).

I'm going to go to a university and get a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering. My guidance counselors said this is the best bet, besides getting into UTI for people who want to strictly be "mechanics" or just work on cars. I don't want to be strictly a "performance mechanic" but an all-around mechanic. If you think that a university education would be a waste or too hard, definitely go to UTI. I'm going to take some courses at UTI even after I get my degree, seems like a good place.

[-Josh-]

Where i go we have Automotive technology, automotive management, Ford Asset, Auto Diesel, and Collision Repair.

[ac427cpe]

for what it sounds like you want to do, the most secure idea would be to try to go to Kettering. otherwise, a mechanical engineering degree with emphasis in automotive engineering from any other major engineering university.

[CassiesMan]

I back up the idea for Kettering. I have a good highschool buddy who goes there (is also in the same Fraternity I am), and he loves it. Its good because you get a full four year education, plus everything your looking for in your education plan. I think hes alrady got offers to go work for GM in their design department during thier break (the way the do their semesters is wierd).

Or you could take my route. Everything I learned about cars I've learned of AF.com and SC.net, lol. Scary thought, uh?

[i3o2Matt]

Originally Posted by drdisque

Nashville Auto Diesel College is pretty much the best out there. UTI is really a cookie cutter education, NADC actually teaches you to think and solve interesting problems in interesting ways.

haha that's pretty funny for you to mention that...my best friend is goin to college there...he just left today for it! he's goin into the auto body program and if you decide to go there...be on the lookout for a black saturn with a loud resonator on it...that would be him...hahaha (although i think its already too late to enroll for this year...i dont kno tho)