Posted: 3/13/2007 11:57:19 PM EDT
| I have recently decided to make a career change and start doing something I love to do. I need some input from some auto/diesel techicians on this board. I am thinking of going to some type of trade school be become a certified diesel/heavy equipment mechanic and eventually become a business owner. What I want to know is if there potential to move up in this field and become more advanced as a technician? Are there various qualifications/certifications that can make someone more skilled and in demand within the this field? Is a 2-year technical degree the route to take? |
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Certifications are all well and good , I've got a ton . Including a "Tech Of The Year " in 2002 . I also have a couple of engineering degrees I picked up over the years . Education is rarely a bad thing , and I recently sold my auto repair business after 10 years . So I have a little knowledge of the field . A two year tech school is a good start as are ASE and other certs that show that you have some dedication to your trade .... But they don't replace actual tallent . I chose the word tallent over skill because I've seen enough people who had the learned skills but never really excel at the application . They make a living but typically stagnate at the journeyman level till their late 30's early 40's . At which point the years start to take their toll . Then they are faced with a career change , or diminished income if they stay . Don't get me wrong . It isn't a bad field . It just a demanding one because the physical demands are only exceeded by mental ones . Vehicle technology is a never ending curve that you can't get behind in . Two years back and your lost , five years behind and you're dead . Me ... I stayed in it because I love what I do . There is a satisfaction in being able to solve complex problems after others have given up on them . If you can reach that point . It's no longer about the money . |
Either you are mechanically inclined or your not no amount of school can make you a tech. I own a shop and have seen more so called ASE master techs that are complete morons. ASE is a joke mitchell as well as others make cheat books, I could teach a monkey to pass an ASE test. I have never been to a auto school in my life my dad was a tech and I learned very young. I had a talent for it, On the other hand my brother is lucky to be able to change his oil. My point is once again some people have it some don't. I am a ASE master tech yet I never studied I simply took the tests and when taking them I think what kind of moron could not pass this. I have worked with many techs and had some employees that would buy the cheat books so they could pass them and they all sucked as techs. School is a good thing if once again you have the talent for it. If you don't there is no amount of school that can help you. I have learned as a shop owner and tech for 20 yrs. either your mechanically inclined or your not. Since I do not know you or your mechanical ability I can not say how well you will do. Cars are getting very sophisticated and you have to also understand computer controlled electronics more than ever. Best of luck. |
| Thank you very much for the replies... I am in one of those situations where I have always been very mechanically inclined but never acted on it. I went to college and got a degree (in something very non-mechanical) because I thought it would be marketable which was a mistake from the beginning. I wake up every day dreading to go to work. Anyway, I always find myself on my back under a truck or car on the weekends doing repairs on mine or my friends vehicles or just routine maintenance. I guess I am a little hesitant to jump straight into another career without knowing everything about it. |
A) Generally one gets what one pays for. B) NASCAR is filled with NADC grads. That should mean something as they're result orientated, IMO. C) They have damn near a 100% grad placement rate, last I heard. |