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cygnus21
New User
Jan 28, 2013, 11:20 PM
Post #1 of 14
(1985 views)
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Hello all. I have been lurking around here for the past couple of weeks and I need some advice. I want to get into a program to become a mechanic. I have two options local to me. There is a Toyota specific program, and a generic program at the local tech school. i'm not sure which one to take.
The Toyota program teaches all the basics plus Toyota specific information as well, It also has a paid internship component working in a dealership during the program.
Where as the generic program teaches the general auto knowledge. With hands on as well.
The reason I am not sure what I want to do, is that I am not sure if I want to work at a dealership after school or see about getting on at an independent garage somewhere after school.
Both programs are at the same school which has a good reputation in the area.
I respect everyone here a lot and would appreciate any insight you all can provide to help me make a decision.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 29, 2013, 4:17 AM
Post #2 of 14
(1949 views)
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You're probably going to get varying answers here because there is a lot of personal preference to the decision. Working at a dealership has it's benefits but it also has drawbacks. Job opportunities would be much more plentiful in the generic market but a lot more costly to keep up with.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 29, 2013, 4:44 AM
Post #3 of 14
(1944 views)
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If you go dealership you'll be getting pushed into flat rate right after graduation and it will be hard to make any money at all. You would also only be getting trained on only one product line of cars and the diagnostic procedures and design of those engineers. A much broader knowledge base comes from the independent shops, but as HT pointed out your tool investment will be higher.
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cygnus21
New User
Jan 29, 2013, 4:23 PM
Post #4 of 14
(1918 views)
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What do you guys feel would be the benefits and drawbacks to both. Besides the flat rate pay from the dealers, and the larger equipment and tool costs of going independent.
In the end I don't think the program would make too much difference if I wanted to go the independent route for work, and I might be able to get a dealer to help me get my tool set started in exchange for working there for a set period of time after school. So I have been leaning that direction for school.
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 29, 2013, 4:38 PM
Post #5 of 14
(1917 views)
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Check with local government also to see if they have a shop. You won't get rich, but usually have better benefits.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 29, 2013, 5:08 PM
Post #6 of 14
(1912 views)
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Only being trained in one brand is an obvious disadvantage. How many Toyota dealers are in commuting distance from your house. Not all dealers are nice places to work and if you have 2 bad ones in your area, what is left for you to work at. If you get a good working knowledge of all makes and models, the opportunities are endless.
A top notch, multi-make technician will never be without a job.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 29, 2013, 5:44 PM
Post #9 of 14
(1896 views)
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I'm on my way there. It is definitely receding....LOL
Just some advice.... toupees and mechanics don't mix.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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cygnus21
New User
Jan 29, 2013, 6:14 PM
Post #10 of 14
(1887 views)
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hehe. I'm mostly bald anyway so that's not an issue for me.
Thanks for the answers. I am definitely liking the Idea of working in an independent shop after school
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 29, 2013, 6:19 PM
Post #11 of 14
(1880 views)
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Knowledge is power. The more that you can absorb and put to use, the more valuable you will be.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 30, 2013, 1:33 PM
Post #12 of 14
(1832 views)
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Comb overs and ball caps the mark of a successful tech.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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cygnus21
New User
Jan 30, 2013, 10:08 PM
Post #13 of 14
(1808 views)
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crap. Do you know what class they teach the comb over in? or is it one of those things you learn on the first job?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 31, 2013, 4:29 AM
Post #14 of 14
(1793 views)
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Donald Trump holds that class regularly but he charges $50K per hour.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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