Considering becoming mechanic, didn't know where else to...

WFNelson · Post by **WFNelson** » 09 Apr 2010, 23:24

Didn't know where else to go for advice on this.
Anybody heard of Porter and Chester Institute? They're in CT and MA.
I'm looking to go there for automotive technology.
I just visited one of their opertions in Watertown CT.
I didn't get to see a class, but I made a date to do that a week from today.
Half the time is in a classroom, and half the time is in the shop.
I'm interested to see just how often I'd be able to get my hands dirty.
So I did meet with an administrator there, and I asked him a bunch of questions, and I liked all the answers.
What should I ask him/others when I visit again? They are accredited the the ACCSC and the ASE. Whatever those are.
The whole program is either 12 or 18 months, depending on which time of day you go. Cost = 28,000 smackers.
Thanks for the input!

P.S. Sorry if you guys don't like the line breaks,
I always thought it made the text easier to read.

bright · Post by **bright** » 09 Apr 2010, 23:52

I know that Community Colleges are great places to start. You earn your Associates degree while learning to work on cars as a profession. My local CC has a complete Votech program that is accredited and also has an extensive internship that gives you a lot of face time with local shops. You can also choose to specialize.

I think the advantage of the CC is that you earn your Associates, which is a handy degree to have. It'll help in general business, and give you an advantage if you want to return to a traditional 4 year Uni.

Also, the cost for the program is very affordable, grants are readily available, and student loans are also accessible.

PS
A grant is a financial gift that doesn't need to be paid back. The current administration has dramatically increased access to the Pell grant program.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 10 Apr 2010, 08:16

If you check on Criagslist, etc you will see many postings for mechanics wanted so it is not a bad path. The ASE certifications are a joke IMHO but they do give you something to walk in the door with.

The downside is that many of the shops will pay you not for real time but for book time. That can be good or it can be bad. If you are quick and clever you can do very well but that one stuck bolt (there is always one bolt that gives you grief) can eat your lunch.

The worst thing that can happen is that you can fix your own cars.

...Lee

WFNelson · Post by **WFNelson** » 10 Apr 2010, 09:23

Why is ASE certification a joke? Which certification(s) are better?
I'll be checking out the local comm. colleges.

bright · Post by **bright** » 10 Apr 2010, 16:05

I looked at your signature phrase. I'm not sure if it was meant to be funny, but looking at the engine should tell you within seconds if the car was equipped with a turbo.

I would first ask you to join a car club, any car club and see what it is like to do basic work. You'll quickly see what it takes to do the hum-drum day in day out work.

Having a basic knowledge before you enter a CC or other facility is essential. Ozark Lee was correct in saying that the worse that could happen is you end up working on your own car. But it is an extremely expensive way to become a hobbyist.

WFNelson · Post by **WFNelson** » 10 Apr 2010, 16:18

Well I do have an above-average (that is, above the average American citizen) knowledge of cars. I replaced my rear brake pads. I've just never had experience with turboness, so I wasn't sure how to tell if a car has one. I can imagine it would be more difficult for a person with no knowledge of a turbo to tell whether they have one if they don't have it than if they do. I've always been good with my hands, am mechanically inclined, etc.

bright · Post by **bright** » 10 Apr 2010, 17:25

No offense was meant. I just think it would be a very good idea to have a large knowledge base and strong, proven desire to spend countless hours working underneath, on top, and within cars. It's a vexing hobby. And to be honest, I've met enough mechanics who drive horrendous cars because they last thing they want to do after work is spend their free time working on more cars.

Same thing with chefs. I had one friend whose diet was becoming mostly cornflakes because it was so easy to make
(cereal + milk = meal.) She was excellent at what she did, and cooked for European heads of states, religious leaders, United Nations. She's done it all, and after decades can really do without the intense work.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 11 Apr 2010, 06:56

WFNelson wrote:Why is ASE certification a joke? Which certification(s) are better?
I'll be checking out the local comm. colleges.

This all gets into a larger issue about education.

I grew up poor so the only way I could keep transportation was to figure out how to fix my own cars. I never had any formal training on auto repair but I have had a ton of time with a wrench in my hand. My biggest problem now is that I am 50 years old and my eyes won't let me see what I need to see up close without stacking two pairs of reading glasses on my head .

I have read the on-line primers for the SAE exams and they are a no brainier for an average backyard mechanic. I have no doubt that I could get certified on every level of the SAE exams without ever setting foot in a classroom but in my case there is no reason to pay the fees to get "certified".

I did go through engineering school at the University of Missouri, it didn't teach me a damned thing other than how to think and how to figure out what questions would be on an exam. I graduated with a 3.9875 GPA but I have used absolutely nothing, short of some trig and vector analysis, in my professional career.

Education can't ever hurt you but certifications and diplomas really mean nothing beyond being door openers, It is all about results once you get into the "real world".

...Lee

bright · Post by **bright** » 11 Apr 2010, 17:40

We're going way off subject, but what did you do for a career?

I too started life my professional life and ended up elsewhere. I started life as a biochemist (BA,MA) and didn't use much of it at all. I'm in social work now.

And I agree that school teaches you a set of skills. There is the knowledge, which is important. But I think that the most important thing is how to think about a problem. Sounds like you've got it.

Our initial poster (is that the correct spelling?) doesn't seem to know the how just yet. That's why a CC might be the best choice. It also allows for the most options when he wants to switch trades.

No offense is meant to anyone at any point.

evegreen · Post by **evegreen** » 14 Apr 2010, 10:22

After being on this site and learning tons about my car I would suggest going to your local BOCES program if you have one, if you like Volvo's, stick around here while working on your own car.