On my way to become a mech.

[be3p067]

I start my intro class at ATC in Coconut Creek FL in a week or so. Just wondering what you guys think about going to school instead of just getting into the trade and working your way up. If you were in my situation what would you do?

Advice, opinions, etc. is all welcome.

[wed3k]

it would really depend on the schooling and how well they teach the stuff. you'd rather work on school cars and fuck up rather than customer car's. that way you wont have customers and bosses breathing down your neck.

[deevergote]

From what I've heard, school gives you a bit of a start... but it's still drastically different once you get out in the real world.

The biggest advantage of school is that you learn the RIGHT way to do things from the start. Just working your way up in a shop can lead to lots of bad habits (whcih you'll probably pick up anyway... but at least you'll know the right ways first!)

I'd probably choose school. Just remember that even if you're awesome in school, you're still a noob in the real world. When you finally get a job, don't act like you know everything... or you'll get laughed at.

[tn_accords]

i agree with deev. i was in the field and now going to school and things are different. just listen and try and get more hands on than classwork. Know the diagnosis parts real good because that is what you are going to be doing instead of just replacing parts... anybody can replace parts but to know what part to put on and doing it right the first time without the customer coming back is what makes you good.

[Night Wolf]

I say just get into the ASEs.

[JaK FRoSTWhiTE]

I say just get into the ASEs.

Why?
So you can get all the BS jobs at work?
I say just lay low and get all the Gravy jobs like brake jobs, alignments, timing belts

[Night Wolf]

Why?
So you can get all the BS jobs at work?
I say just lay low and get all the Gravy jobs like brake jobs, alignments, timing belts

lol is that the secrete?

[JaK FRoSTWhiTE]

lol is that the secrete?

lol

Nah but seriously, its good to get your certifications.

[93F22A6]

My shop teacher told me something about when you start. Not sure if this is what he said or not, my memory can suck at times. Basically do everything by the book and no short cuts. Keep work place clean. That and work effiecent, my shop teacher said he logged over 80 hrs in a week.

[wed3k]

get into diagnostics and the electronics. cars nowadays have over 70 computers and even knowing your basic wiring diagram can help with OBD1 cars.

here's a secret, you can test the components without even taking the component out. just back probe the wire at the connector and ground. you'll also be testing the wiring at the same time *wink* *wink*

[be3p067]

I can read a basic wiring diagram. I just think it's a pain in the ass to follow a diagram when some wires run the length of the car for little to no reason.

The program is called T-Ten and the only time I'm in the class room full time is the first month or two, then it's an internship at a dealer for exp.