is taking a 2 year ase approved automotive tech program a waste of time and money?

Question

i'm thinking about taking a 2 year automotive program at the local votech school, but i'm concerned that i won't be able to make a decent living at it anyone got any suggestions on what i should do? i've also though about diesel tech as well.

Answer 1

No knowledge or training is a waste of time. Is it cost effective? That's a better question. Consider the job market where you live? Is there a need for such? Will you require furthering your education to keep your job? Are you willing to move to get a job in another location? Automotive technology is constantly changing. You'll be studying in that field for the rest of your career. If you enjoy it, you can earn a living at it. You'll probably never become independently wealthy as a technician. But you will be doing something you enjoy. That is a great plus. Diesel is a good one also. My uncle does that. He mostly works on tractors, but does other diesels as well. Sometimes he works on other engines. Unless your job requires the question, "Do you want fries with that", you'll always be learning.

Answer 2

You'll get out of school exactly what you put into it.... I taught automotive in technical schools and there were three kinds of students. Type 1 is just spending the college money his folks set aside for him while he continues to live at home. Any corner that can be cut will be cut and any day he can get off from school he'll take. This kid is still in "High School Mode" so he's going to try to beat the system not realizing that the "System" he's trying to beat is HIM. He'll get a job in the industry and stay at entry level until he quits and tells everyone what a crummy job being a mechanic is. Type 2 is a "know it all". He'll read Hot Rod and Car Craft in class, wander off from lab and work on his ride. He'll spend an entire lab day installing a stereo in his car rather than working on diagnosing electrical problems like he was assigned to. His instructors are expected to tell him what's wrong with his car so he can fix it since learning is secondary to fixing his car. Technical School is a VERY expensive repair shop. This is another one who will get nothing out of school and will find a job doing something else or stay at the lower level of earners in the trade Type 3 is the student. She comes in with the attitude that she's there to listen, do and learn. She'll be the only one in class when there's 6" of snow on the ground and will show up EVERY DAY prepared to work. This is her JOB and she's going to do it to the best of her ability. She'll ask a million questions and stay late if necessary to get a lab assignment done, then will stick around to clean up afterward because that's the right thing to do. It's very likely that one of her Instructors will steer her toward a job in the industry even before graduation because there is a huge need for people like her who want to work and learn. She'll make a great living in the business and if the industry is lucky become an Instructor. I would absolutely take the Diesel Classes as well, the more you know the more you'll earn. Choose the Type you want to be and you'll answer your own question.

Answer 3

Atomotive Service Excelent is good to get under your belt I would always agree to get the most certifications as you can. It looks great on your resume and it makes you more valuable as an employee.

Answer 4

Why don't you put your money where your mouth is and sign up to the US army....... what...NO! thought as much. You can talk the talk but your not prepared to walk the walk......