Thanks for watching everyone. I am working hard to get that full audio out for you guys. I think you are going to love love love the full conversation!
THIS WAS SOOO GOOD!!!! AH, I LOVED IT!!!! And as someone who never went to (automotive) school and literally worked my way up from sweeping floors.... I may have to make a response video! 😅
Really I Wanted To Be a Auto Mechanic Since i was Like 7. I'm over 50 Now.I went to Tech School Before Electronic Fuel Injection was Main stream. Then I was a Army Mechanic For 6 yrs.( A really good one). I took some Diesel Classes while in the army. When i got out I did a year as a Transmission R&R Guy. Then I got a Job at a Small shop. My Boss' Friend & Mentor Taught me so much. Now I own my own shop. I say i did Both. Tech School & on the job. But over 30 years Later. Your Learning Everyday. If Not, You need to Go Flip Burgers
Spent my teenage to young adult years partying and getting into trouble, dropping out of architectural drafting at technical college, working a few dead end jobs driving forklifts, picking and packing for a distribution company, delivering pamphlets etc. During that time, I always had a knack of fixing cars, my mates would bring their junky cars to me to get them running right or to fix up things that had broken. I ended up wanting to be a mechanic but being at a stage where I was seen as too old to be considered for an apprenticeship as a mechanic (usually late teens ie school leavers get considered in this country as apprentices as legislation allows businesses to pay them less during the term of their apprenticeship). One night I was having a beer at the pub and got talking to a fella who owned a workshop, over the course of a week I went and visited his workshop and fixed a few cars for cash, he put me on as a full time employee and that was the start of my "mature age" apprenticeship. I stayed a few years there until the business went through a rough patch and jumped ship to a Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Volkswagen dealership and ended up having a couple of really brilliant mentors and becoming the 2IC for the VW commercial vehicle service in Western Australia at the time. I served out the rest of my apprenticeship there. From there I ended up working for a MTU Detroit Diesel Australia as a diesel tech, testing, commissioning, trouble shooting and repairing engines as diverse as 2 litre single cylinder air cooled water pump diesels, to prime movers motors, power generation, rail, commercial workboats, fast ferries with multiple 20 cylinder engines at 8 litres per cylinder and compound sequential turbocharging all across the Asia Pacific region, from outback Australia to the Southern Ocean. The experience I acquired led me to many different jobs such as maintenance project scheduling and management for naval vessels and doing failure analysis on heavy diesel equipment. Nowdays, I am back at an automotive workshop, doing modification, repairs and maintenance to everyday and classic cars (a lot less stress!). Anyway, becoming an auto mechanic doesn't have to stop at working on cars and mechanical aptitude and a bit of drive can take you places you would never ever dreamt of.
i started in autobody as a kid sweeping floors and went to a trade school through my highschool years and went straight in to a dealership for 3 years but they did not have a body shop in high school but i wanted that job we did body work in the welding shop and the mechanic shop and i learnd alot from some good guys that know the job inside out then i stepped away from it for awhile to build houses and renovations then i got in to a restoration shop and did that for over 10 years and dont regret eny of it
Thanks for that. I've wasted alot of time drinking and drugging and bouncing around from one job to another. Now that i have my shit together and know this is what I want to do, I can keep pushing foward. My path might not look like the kids' outta high school going straight to tech school and into the dealership....it's my path alone and it is what you make it. I hope to find opportunities like you have....I can, if I keep on learning and growing everyday. So much more to learn.
Wow I identify so many with Bogi's story! Growing up I loved classic beetles because herbie was how I realized that cars are cool as a kid. I didn't learn anything mechanical from my parents because my mom knew nothing and although my dad knew a little bit, he was always busy with work. Straight out of high school I went to a big university and I started out going into psychology because I love learning how things work and brains are interesting. I dropped out after a year because I realized that psychology was not for me and without that drive my grades were not great. After dropping out I had to seriously think about what I wanted to do in life. So I thought back to high school when I was in stage crew with how I absolutely loved working with my hands and the problem solving involved in building sets. Then I figured that I could do that with cars and decided to go to tech school. My dad asked me so many times "are you sure you want to do this?" and that just made me more driven to prove that I can. I remember the moment in tech school when I proved to myself that I really enjoyed this work was when I took apart a manual transmission and put it back together mostly on my own because the others in my group were hardly there. It was so fun to do and to figure out along the way how to get a feel for how things went together. I felt the same way when the professor would bug a car with an issue and then tell me to diagnose the issue. Before getting the foundation of tech school it was so difficult to get a job in the industry since I had no experience and I'm sure being a girl didn't help either. Everywhere I've worked in the industry I've had guy coworkers who did not go through tech school when I was turned away so many times even from parts stores. At my current job I was hired as a lube tech but on my first day I walked in they asked if I wanted an apprentice position instead due to my experience.
I love the video guys! I actually went to school for Auto body and refinishing, and wanted to be a painter and I loved painting and worked my butt off to be a great painter went to shops and almost all shops only wanted 1 painter. I ended up getting a job as a service writer for a chain shop. Worked my way up to become a store manager, suddenly I showed up to work one day and said they were changing programs and no longer needed me as a manager but if I wanted to keep my job I had to become a tech. came to work the next day with a toolbox and busted butt ended up making more money as a tech than in management left shady chain shop to go to a real honest repair shop and owner treated me like family and made amazing money! So my bit of advise to people wanting to get started in an auto field. 1- Do not go into major debt buying tools ! 2 - Take every opportunity to educate yourself. ASE's or even classes put on by the parts stores 3 - You will have bad days and weeks where you make little money but show up every day with a positive attitude because your next vehicle might be the one to get you out of your "rut"
As a tech my goal was to be up front and honest with my customers. My integrity means more to me than a pay check any day. I remember working for one Honda dealership that did not allow the techs to talk to the customer because of their shady practices, this in part is why I believe the general public does not trust autoshops. We as techs need to be honest with our customers and give them the absolute best we possibly can , after all, they are the ones who pay us to maintain their rides.
I really love your videos. I'm in tech school now. Thanks to ChrisFix for for showing how to fix some stuff, and thanks to you and ETCG for giving me a lot of helpful information!
I love watching you all make videos about the automotive Industry I am a tech right now with a few Ase and love my job and will one day here soon will open my own shop. I’m glad to see every bit of info you all put out to the world to let people know about automotive
Speaking of going for a career and not a job I would tell any tech looking to start out to get into city or county as soon as possible, sometime there needs to be work experience attached even if you pass testing and sometimes not. The number one thing is do not go the dealership route and look at being a master tech as your long term goal, in the end it is a waste of time and you’ll realize you only had a job not a career. Let’s break it down as things a career should have. Family medical coverage, most dealers now do not and will only partially cover yourself 401k matching, most dealer groups have cut this or completely stopped it all together Stable pay so you can plan your budgeting, most dealer are flat rate with always fluctuating warranty labor times or running “service specials” which then means they cut the labor time. In a career the more experience you have the more money you make. In dealerships this may seem the case because of your pay on paper but in reality because of flat rate and your master tech level you will get all the “crap” work to diag which while it is more exciting then just flushes and brakes all day (so mind numbingly boring after a few years) the interesting diag work does not pay. So don’t fall into the dealer trap and work up to master tech and then get near your 40’s and realize you’ve spent tons in tools, training and experience but make very little at the end of it all and wonder how you going to retire if ever and what you are going to do in another 10 years when you really start slowing down cause your now in your 50’s. I got lucky and got out mid 30’s and now at the county and only regrets are I miss being at the forefront of the technology (dealer techs always see it first especially if on brands like MB), but biggest regret is not getting out sooner. Then amount of money I have saved the last 3 years vs the 12 at dealerships is just crazy in comparison. Auto techs are probably the most underpaid trade I can think of.
Im 30 and just left the dealer. I will not return to a full flat rate dealership only to make $50 a week more than a lube tech working more hrs and flagging less.
jon c yup, no reason to stay at stealerships as a master tech. With how much tech is in cars today your skills as a master tech easily transfer into other fields that pay a lot more with better benefits.
I have to agree with you 100%. I worked at several different Infiniti/Nissan dealerships and not a single one I was able to be successful. Each and every one has such shit management. Trust me, it's not my work ethic either. I accept to when my habits are bad but I won't in this case. I busted my ass working hard to show management that I have potential. But every shop I ever worked at stepped all over me. Not to mention I got tired of dealing of all the bullshit from service managers, advisors and even customers. I now work for the city of NY and it's been the best thing that's ever happened to me. Took me 4 years of bouncing around shops to finally find a job that I can call a career and settle in. If I had to give my advice on new coming mechanics, I'd say go with government, local, state or city jobs as your main goal but don't hesitate to look into fleets. Fleets are much better than these bullshit ass dealerships. I wish I could've put more time into actually learning to become better. Instead of trying to become more hands on. We all have our regrets and wish we could've done things different, but that's life and you live and learn.
I agree with you 100%, I spent all of my 20's after going to Wyotech straight out of high school and getting my ASE certs having to bounce between crappy job after crappy job (bear in mind this was back in the 2000's-early 2010's). I tried 3 independent shops and a dealership, none of which wanted to pay a fair wage or have good benefits/retirement. I was lucky enough to land a county job as a mechanic for a police fleet at age 29 and will never look back. If I have kids one day I will make sure they stay away from this career. To all you starting out and willing to commit, it will be an uphill battle but there are a few good jobs out there. Just don't settle with a job that's taking advantage of you and keep your eye out for local government jobs.
@@richardsalaverria9363 Oh nice you work for a police fleet too? I work for the NYPD as an entry level position. I'm 25 and I been on the job for a little over a year now. The auto mechanic test for the city is coming out in December. If I pass I can be put on wait list to get promoted. May take some time but hey, the city offers amazing fucking benefits. I been so happy since I been out the dealership game. Although I am really not sure I want to stay in NYC all my life, I do want to move and work for another police fleet. I just don't know how to go about it. Any advice?
Yes it’s a career but with crappy benefits and eventually you get trapped and physically it gets tough cause just like cars wear, your body wears too. Wonder why these 3 mechanics have you tube channels??
Mechanics are way under paid. They are the ones who fix and identify bad engineering. No wonder they have to cut corners when it comes to warranty work.
The problem is the Engineers are rushed and forced by the Product Managers and Contracting Commercial teams to get the design into production. The engineer is working under hard constraints that aren’t taught in college. 60% to 70% design is good enough as long as safety isn’t impacted. No engineer has a sinister desire to make systems more difficult to work on or reduce safety factor robustness. The Chief Engineer usually is not the best engineer but the rather best big picture communicator with the other bosses. He is usually the guy to blame for cultivating the culture and engineering decisions. He ‘can’ push back to the other segment leads, but will usually do what’s best for the company and most cost effective. Why are PMs and Commercial under the gun? They don’t care about corner cutting - they make bigger bonuses the faster they can get shit out the door into production and into sales. They don’t need to deal with the complaints. And if they do a bad job?? No big deal to them, they might lose their job, but they’ve already made a big enough stash, bigger than that of the guys actually doing the design, production, and quality assurance work. Unfortunately that’s it in a nutshell.
For me I never went to a trade school. I started working on cars as a teenager. Then right out of High School I went and got a job working on cars. 10 years later I went to school to get a license to do emissions testing. Now it's been 27 years since High School and I'm still working on cars.
The Transit Industry has been good to me. Been a Tech for 21 years and I have a roof over my head. Plus other opportunities came to me such as instructing for the same Community College I went to where I received my degrees. I have also started my own Training and Diagnostic Business. Also when I was done with school I had zero debt. I paid as I went. Whether its Auto or the HD Industry you can make a good living, you just have to work for it and give yourself the best chance for other opportunities down the line. Have a good evening everyone.🙂
Took the last 2 years to get into the trades. Started out delivering construction materials and ended up being a plumbing labourer.. its taken me longer but I have a sense of pride in getting here without any former pre employment!
I work in the auto body industry. We have a huge need for new techs. When I started I was always the young kid in the shop now 19 years later I'm still the youngest. The field is tough but if you want to excel and be an exceptional tech it is very rewarding.
Awesome keep up the great work i watch all your videos and tv shows.. A lot of today's youth is confused with what they want to do in life or they want to just make lots of money without investing on themselves or focusing on 1 path. And hence why they bounce around from job to job on a path that leads to nowhere.... I did this and even though I finished tech school in 98 I did not put my automotive degree to use until 2013 when I resigned from Sears and I started working for myself as a mobile mechanic out of the back of my 1995 Chrysler Town & Country minivan loaded with my tool boxes and baby car seats. Then a 1 year later I started renting a single bay garage with no lifts was working out of that. Until recently like 2 days ago I just moved into a 2 bay garage still no lifts in the same building, but more space. I hindsight i wonder if I would of started and kept one path and concentrated on automotive I would have a full commercial shop by now. This is still my dream. Now that am I older more focused on where I want be and I finally growing little by little. I won't stop until I get my full commercial shop in my little town of East Greenville PA. All of you guys always inspire me. Thank you....
I am also a woman, and literally said this exact thing to a few people lately "No, I have to go to school first so that I will be taken seriously...". I am however learning A LOT in the meantime working on my own vehicle with a very tight budget. (06 Pacifica w/ 275k....good stuff)
Bogi's story makes me feel like I'm not so alone in my own path to becoming a technician. I also got a four-year degree only to realize I wanted nothing more to do with that field once I was done with it. College is something kids are pushed into rather unfairly because of the elitist notion that only jobs with degrees are worthy of respect. I love working on cars and am glad I chose to start doing something fulfilling instead of sitting mindlessly behind a desk collecting a paycheck.
I went to tech school, dropped out cause I wasn't making any money and every shop said why bother going to school it isn't necessary. After a few months of looking around I found a good paying mechanic job at a local mom/pop shop. No one here went to school and only a handful have certifications. But everyone here is a very capable tech.
@@HumbleMechanic Thank you sir, damn right it isn't. Kept getting menial jobs and as soon as I retire my tools I get a good offer. Then on my first day I had to replace the engine in a Forrester. On a even better note this doesn't feel like work and they allow me to extra time to make sure each job is perfect.
Going to tech school is great, but never underestimate the value of working as a general service tech for the first five years and how much it takes to be a thorough and effective tech In 10, 15, 20 years! You can get your degree, but if you have never spent time busting your ass doing thorough inspection's, LOF's, basic engine, suspension, steering, and brake system diagnosis and repair, difficult alignments, tire repairs, timeliness, getting your ass chewed by your service manager's, dealing with know it all's, bad customer's, broken fasteners, bad calls, RUST and RUST, how to properly use and repair shop equipment, working with broken tools and equipment, losing sleep over difficult problems, and remember that college will only give you about 10% of what it will TRULY take and what awaits you in this business! You can't just skip over what REALLY makes a technician well rounded and capable of self teaching, selling the job, spot checking/leading younger techs, getting over it, doing it right, and THEN being able to diagnose the difficult problems, have three different cars torn apart only to be stopped several times to do this or that, but wait did you pay that tool bill yet to even be effective at what you are doing, and I'm only scratching the surface of what "obstacles" you will have to overcome if you want to be "good" at this profession! Going into this business without a degree from higher education isn't going to make or break you in terms of $$$! You have to earn respect and demonstrate that you have the basics mastered first, that comes from experience in the field...PERIOD! Having the Master Tech status needs to mean something, was it earned 100% with time in the field or did you just think that a school or passing exams would automatically give you credibility and skills? You cannot just walk into the shop and expect to be taken seriously if you cannot demonstrate that you have put in your time from general service all the way to lead tech! Bottom line, go slow and actually grasp each area and understand that it is going to take a minimum of 15 years before you will get to a level in which you will know that you are TRULY a Master at this profession! The biggest obstacle a person coming into this business has is not lack of higher education by any means, the biggest obstacles are committing to this type of work, humility, honesty, and good old fashioned work ethic! Education is called post secondary for a reason, either you are lazy and greedy or you are not! Education will give you the tools to self educate along the way, but don't think that the guy who DID become a Master Tech without any college education through the struggle to earn his credibility and respect by putting in his time from the ground floor is ever going to take you seriously, until you can demonstrate that you have at least mastered the basics of general service, put in your legitimate time doing general service, and furthermore are TRULY willing to put aside your OFTEN TIMES HUGE EGO and sense of entitlement from that piece of paper you have neatly stamped on your resume! Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can just fake it and get by, this business spots phonies and poser wannabes very swiftly! That older guy working in the bay next to you can spot this within your first two weeks, so be honest with yourself and never underestimate those who have done their time! Never underestimate how important it is to spend your time doing the "grunt" work and how getting to the level you want to be respected as is going to take ALOT and I mean ALOT of hard work doing what you didn't necessarily want right away! Those who get out of the business have done so for a reason, good, bad, or whatever, just remember that it is NOT a job for the weak minded, overly sensative, and greedy mindset, if you think six figures is coming to you because you got yourself a degree...lol you are likely going to quit this profession! Your either a lifer or you're not, and it's as simple as that! General Service Tech position's are in SUPER high demand right now, why do you think that is? Because too many damn people think that somehow by going to school that it will somehow magically qualify and get them past those REAL LIFE "obstacles" that are going to be there regardless of how much education you have...nope...so sorry, but you will have to do at least 5 years as a general service tech (IF YOU MAKE IT THAT LONG) with or without any school if you TRULY want to EARN the respect and credibility from those in the field. Trust me, the days of walking in off the street to get into this profession are alive and well...the real question is, do you have what it TRULY takes to become the REAL Master Tech like the one's that are probably nodding their head at what I just laid down for you to pickup and digest?
I Think that is where some of the issues come from. People expecting master techs coming right out of tech school. It's just STUPID! There is no better teacher than experience. And I agree that you can still get a job off the street as long as its the right environment. Sadly the right environments are rare. I recommend listening to the full version of this video. I am posting them in audio only format. We went a little deeper in the subject.
@@HumbleMechanic Will do, love the conversation! Education is also flawed in this country as it does not allow a person to pick and choose what they need to know to be successful. Rather it forces useless class requirements that cost too much $$$ to just get to the point already and let me customize my education needs to get on with my career goals as soon as possible for a reasonable PRICE!
For example paying for Scannerdanner Premium is on point, just get me what I need to know to be successful on my time, affordable, no prescription requirement from some higher education and beuracratic department of some government agency! Too much money is wasted on classes that are not necessarily needed to be successful in the professional world on multiple fronts! I think that this will change as more and more younger people catch on to this scam we call higher education and the real goal to force feed society social courses that change nothing except the wallets of administrators and their unions! The sooner a young man or woman can get into the field and begin working the better off they will be in terms of development of invaluable skill sets. Education is to formal and lacks flexibility and enginuety for the information available to people these days. We can shortcut the BS and pay teachers to teach their customers (students) however it is most effective for their experience and expertise! Cut out administrative nonsense and give me the opportunity to take and pay out of pocket for what I want to be knowledgeable about at the moment. Try rolling into tech school or any formal college and taking a class on English, Math, diagnostics, brakes, or hydraulics whatever individually...um no, you gotta go through some mandatory prerequisites in shit like "new to college life" which doesn't make me money, the forced curriculum that wastes time and money for society and the students! That my friend is the REAL problem, our great teachers cannot free lance or choose how to teach, they are forced to follow a predetermined agenda that limits our potential for growth in terms of quality and protects unwanted subjects in social science's that have no value to a guy trying to get to it and be a professional technician!
WORD WORD WORD!!!!!!! Yes! Thank you! Thanks for putting me back in my place lol. I'm a Pep Boys GST, 6 months into it, taking online automotive classes through Penn Fosters career diploma program to supplement my shop experience (it's only $800 for the whole thing but so far really helpful to form a foundation for me) and I got my fixer upper project car to supplement all of that. My path doesn't look like the kids' outta high school going to UTI...but I've got enough drive, smarts and hard work to get to where I'm going....and I know I'm gonna get there one day soon. Kids these days don't know that respect and success are earned, not given. Your right, show up early, work hard, be extremely observant in the shop to what other techs are doing (I've learned lots of little random things just in passing a guy's bay and seeing what he's doing) and all in all, good things take time. The most successful people in the world have gotten there because they worked the hardest. Pep boys is a stepping stone for me - I'm getting out of the Bay Area and moving to WA next year....planning on getting into heavy equipment/diesel because I don't see myself enjoying working on all electric/hybrid cars in the coming years. 😖 it'll feel like starting over again, bit shop experience is shop experience. 👍👍👍
feminist doesn't inherently mean feminazi. Just like how republican doesn't mean alt-right. Lots of women have a can-do attitude and don't feel like they need to put men down in the process. This type of comment is exactly why women in the industry have to prove themselves that much more.
I remember growing up and when ever my dad needed to get his car fix I’d be in the back seat waiting to go to the shop he went too and always wanting to wonder around to see everything. I’m still learning even tho I went to tech school and the shop I’m at everyone wants to show me how to be a better tech, starting I’m not making a lot but I wake up every morning not regretting ignore my family and wanting to work on cars
Fellow UTI grad here. I was utterly horrified when one of my recent applicants mentioned how much he owed UTI. It’s starting to cost as much as a four year. I’d recommend shopping around before committing to any path for training, particularly for people interested in becoming dealer or retail techs. Carrying a student loan as the oil change guy is just not going to work out. The best advice in this video is to look into city garages and diesel technology. Hourly pay and government benefits make a huge difference for any technician, and working on fire apparatus and heavy equipment is interesting and challenging.
Local community college is a great alternative to a private tech school. You get as good if not better education at a fraction of the price. They also have great financial aid programs.
As a high school automotive instructor I understand all of this. I've had several past students attend UTI, UNOH, nadc etc always successful. I think it creates drive. In our area there are many opportunities and this industry is at critical mass trying to find those to fill it. Yes please spread the word so parents can be more supportive. It means a lot to them and me as there advocate
When i was 26 i had no experience working on vehicles. I enlisted with the army guard (part time soldier) as an all wheeled vehicle mechanic. Had three months training sitting behind a computer. Maybe eight hours hands on. On the civilian side I stayed in security because i stilled didn't have enough experience. Mazda hired me two years later as an express tech. The guy who trained me there has been a tech for Mazda for 30 years, i learned a lot from him. Everything from how to use a tire machine how to buy quality tools without going into debt. He was my tech school. The experience at mazda was what hlped me get a good job at the county as a truck/equipment tech. Basically I'm just saying you don't have to go to Tech School to be a good technician. But i think it would help a lot. I was lucky to be trained by someone who honestly cared.
This was awesome, can relate to each of you a bit, more people should see this to change the perception of our industry. Like what you two guys are doing but Bogi’s the xxxt though..what a woman!
I was fixing VCRs and Nintendo game systems, then computers, software. But, I also have a brother who was fixing cars, and he taught me a tiny bit about it. The irony is that now, he sells car insursnce and I am in college for Automotive Analysis and Repair and am gettting my Masters in Engineering: Computer Science so that I can code PCMs and other modules of vehicles.
Only thing that I say is whatever you do, be careful, don't get hurt. Believe me money can not buy your health back. I regret braking my back and at my age figure it out that working on cars gets me so much more satisfaction than my actual job. So don't get hurt.
I started to work on cars when I was 18 at a small mom and pop shops and I thank God that now I'm the head tech in a big shop. it takes time but its totally worth it when u get to that point when ur the master tech in ur shoo
I think a lot of people forget that it does take time. Techs expect a new guy to be perfect from day one. And even worse, managers think new techs are master techs and never make mistakes. They all forget how much they had to work to get where they are
Eric, I am a huge fan. You mentioned child support, and it hit me that I really need to get back out there! It's a lot to explain, especially in comment. Bogi YOU'RE KILLIN IT OUT THERE! Idc what gender, or color you are, learn a skill, do work! The "car-girl" stereotypes have to go, my shop has had females, and males, I based my decision on ethics and quality of work, not bits and parts. Charles, NC is still behind you!!! Keep doing everything you're doing right!!! Regardless of where I go from here, at least I'm going NOW! This put so much into perspective and I feel invigorated! -THANK YOU ALL!!!
When I went to UTI in Pheonix in 1975 , it was 9 months and cost $ 2,200.00 Bucks. NOW Its $ 40,000.00 for 1 year and thats just the Automotive part of it, Diesel is EXTRA !! So explain to all the cost of UTI or other options.
$2200 WOW! I am sure the campus is a different place today than 40 years ago,. Does that justify the cost difference? That is up to each individual. I think it was around $25k for automotive when I went.
This really resonated with me. Thanks for making this video. I wanted to take auto shop in high school, but my parents forbade it. I almost went to UTI about a year ago after graduating college. Needless to say I'm still trying to figure out my life, but I am exciting for when I finally settle into a career that lets me be myself.
Awesome, I was waiting for this one. I really appreciated your last video about starting your own shop...it 100% scared me out of it. I don't wanna be a boss unless it's my own!
I'd much rather call the shots for what I do and when but it's so much less stressful to be able to walk in, get handed a work order, fix cars, and go home.
I am 55yo engineer (mechanical)and was a mechanic for decades. Mechanics are under paid and looked at in a negative way by public as "uneducated grease monkeys"....Yet the skills and knowledge required almost match my graduate degree...From tires brakes to high tech systems and troubleshooting intermittent problems being a proficient mechanic technician is intense. I still work on stuff to challenge my mind.. We need to change that image and demand ASE certification increase salary rates as unions in dealers once did. We had "A" and "B" pay grades at Chevy dealership. Union I the only way to secure pay and vacations pensions etc. Don't think you will work at most shops and get anywhere if you don't own it. I did it for years. Germany and Japan treats its trades people well. Their economies are healthy.So Jiffy lube or Pep Boys Walmart is a place to start but dead end. Study electronic technology even years ago in the 1970s many mechanics were clueless in electrical theory and troubleshooting. Electrical cars are here!!! Big changes coming take science and physics in school a big big help in new age cars and trucks CAT is looking for techs perhaps one of the finest companies in the world and is Union. Good luck. PS Many good you tube channel on to learn mechanics.I often comment to give some of my advice to help others.. Shalom
I honestly didn't learn much in tech school. I came from an automotive family. Pretty much my dad's entire side of the family was involved in the industry in one form or another. My dad himself being a technician for over 35 years, was my greatest teacher and influencer. Since as far back as I can remember I have been around cars. Once I became a man of age, I knew a I wanted to work at a big dealer. The only way to get in straight on with a tech job was to have ASE's and or a tech school certification. So I enrolled, and after 1.5 years started what would be my 7 year tenure at the dealership.
I've said it before in comments on other videos. I'm not in the automotive/mechanic field but i love these types of videos. Great advice for anybody really. I went to school for engineering and i find my job not fulfilling most times, ergo i turn to the garage to keep things interesting. I would love to work as an engineer designing automotive applications/components. ( I know of the love-hate relationship between techs and engineers. Im hoping my hands-on background can help me design things better!)
So I'm watching this and it's giving me a different opinion. I find it really hard to get into the automotive industry. I've been trying for 8 years in Australia
I started at a Firestone. Wanted tech school but could not afford it. Firestone sent me to classes and taught me everything on the job and myself on my own time. I doubled my salary in 3 years from hard work. With much better company with great benefits. Boring work and I'm hungry for more challenge. Can't find a better benefits package anywhere, still get phone calls every week about my resume online.
I'm getting a job opportunity at VW, I'm exited, i went to a tech community college and have 3 years so far of tech experience but man is wouldn't have tried VW if you didn't show me how cool they are, thanks 👍🏽
It’s so funny how common this really is. I received my associates degree and went straight to tech school. There really is a need for good techs in my area. I would not be where I am now in this career field if it were not for going to tech school. I see a lot of negative comments made about these tech schools, but in the end you get out of it what you put in to your training while there and after leaving.
While the content doesn't apply to my application, it was interesting to hear each of your points and experiences. Some of the things you all talked about cross over to a lot of other careers. Great stuff.
I grew up around the auto industry due to my dad having a shop. I have owned my own shop . I have worked for four different dealerships , the biggest problem I have found is as a technician people tend to not trust you, they think your only after their money. This comes from those techs who are shady and dishonest as well as the people who run the dealerships. I love working on cars but not for the public so much anymore, I've been in this business for nearly 30 years.
Yep. Customers don’t trust. And many techs do little to overcome that. They may not make the problem worse, but do we really do anything to make it better
One thing I think you guys should have talked about is tuition cost. Especially since this is sponsored by UTI, I graduated from WyoTech in 2011 and tuition was around 34k, at the time UTI was roughly the same. I don't know what tech school costs today but I'm sure its still very expensive. I was very fortunate to have landed a mechanic position in Afghanistan for a defense company soon after graduation. This allowed me to pay off my tuition debt within my first year in the field, but I know several people who weren't as lucky. They work more average mechanic jobs at dealers and mom and pop shops and several years after graduating they are still in debt working to pay off student loans. Not to say a person shouldn't go to tech school, but tuition costs should also be openly discussed as it will have a huge impact on people's career when loans are their only way of paying for school.
It’s mixed for me. Yes tech school is $$$$. But what is it compared to a 4yr college? What about starting wages? We’d pay someone that was from UTI at least $5 more per hour on day one. Plus they were a head of the guys coming off the street. It’s NOT for everyone but if you capitalize on the time at school you’ll probably be a head
I absolutely agree, there's pros and cons and isn't for everyone. My suggestion is to discus tuition costs more openly. I feel most people don't realize just how expensive it can be. I know I didn't.. Another option is automotive technology at a local community college, way more affordable. Sure it may take a little longer than UTI but again it comes down to an individuals situation. Thanks for the reply!@@HumbleMechanic
Great video. I gave 10 years to Subaru at the dealership and was never able to feel satisfied. Highest certified tech and a team leader, still never made more than $60k annual. Dealerships use people as laborers, so don’t put them on a pedestal. Experience all brands and take the ASE’s, you can learn a lot.
That's a valid point, but I did feel like I had more of a meaningful purpose at the independent shops. I'm sure you can relate to how disconnected dealer techs are from the customer, and maybe that's part of why the dealerships are trusted less.
You’re completely right, I was never allowed to display any of my personal business cards and was actually discouraged from communication with customers. This was my main complaint to management, they put policy before people......yet they always teach the opposite.
My first car was a 1969 VW Fastback. I was always into cars from the time I was, well, I can remember. I remember being like 10 or 12 and making a cold air induction for mom's 1965 Delta 88. The VW was different though. Analog fuel injection, disc brakes and automatic. Ended up in computers though. I still wrench my own cars and bikes. I currently have a 2013 50's beetle convertible, 2013 Passat and a 2009 BMW R1200RT.
Coming from a blue collar line of work my whole life it’s not about easy work or being rich for me it’s about just being happy about what you’re doing I got the privilege and opportunity to make a living off of building hot rods and getting to help build a few movie cars.
I didnt have the chance to go to tech school. I started at jiffy lube greeting customers and cleaning cars. I spent 4 yrs and moved to management and left that to start as a lube tech at a gm dealer. Im making more turning wrenches then i was managing. But thats been years now
Allen A, I agree that the parts part needs to have a regulated standard markup. However, to completely overhaul the auto repair industry would greatly effect the independent shops that are not affiliated with the brand name dealerships. I do believe that the shady shops that do bad work, rip the public off need to be put out of business . There does need to be some sort of overight when it comes to the independent shops.
i have 2002 VW Passat b5.5 tdi pd 130 is there any other brake calliper's, that will fit most of the second hand ones are just rust . do the Audi a6 c6 tdi 2.0 year 04 callipers fit or can you tell me which do ..any help would be good lov you video keep it up ...uk England
hello what are ur thought of becoming heavy duty mechanic vs auto mech, i like the high tech in car industry but i also want to fix big mining machine n power generator.
I am considering going to tech school. The only constant in my life has been cars. But I feel like I may be too old to start all of this. I just turned 40. I know that isn't that old but do you think it is too old? This is literally the only thing stopping me now.
Age only matters if you let it matter or have serious physical limitations. I'm an aircraft mechanic and I work with a guy that just hired on who is 60. The guy jobs out and is a very hard worker.
I don't think any one wants to be a mediocre tech. They just don't have the drive to become better. And I think a lot of techs have never been around anything but mediocre, or less, technicians. So they don't realize they are mediocre techs. They don't know what they don't know. Especially if they were always an Indy tech that was never exposed to training beyond tech school.
Im taking a 4 month course. Ftw. 2 gs. Whatever. Flip cars after. Fix my own cars. Work anywhere for more then minimum wage. Older Mechanic at work tells me to be an operator, being a mechanic sucks he says. Stressed out, bad hip, dirty, dealing with other mechanics that are dicks etc.
You guys are awesome! I started with my own journey with cars because of the NAY sayers followed by the smirks. Now I know more simply because of the ppl who said they don't think I can do it. Thank You _ Charles, this is a very good video. Y'all vibe so good together!! Bogi a true BadAss
I think you need to bring a heavy duty mechanic, not just a dodge or Ford etc diesel guy but someone that having to deal with the "grocery haulers" or the person who it hauling a trailer for roadwork etc, and the trailers these driver pull, as a mechanic myself, also I've worked in a auto dealer, its 2 very different worlds, wish some of up got some more respect for that you don't see or hear about
UTI would have you cut that , my hair was too long for them and really wasn't long at all but I went in 97 so pretty sure I got years on you , Hydadlertech
I applied for a entry level tech position at a lexus dealership because i wanted to get back into automotive. But then they gave me the option to be a service advisor assistant with higher start pay instead of tech if i want to, now i dont know what to choose 😶
It really boils down to which will make you happier. Turning wrenches or working with customers. You can always move around the dealer if you end up not liking the roll
I'll disagree with you all. I grew up in a shop. My dad owned a shop for 50 years and myself and all my brothers grew up turning wrenches. Not one of us went to school for it but I would put any of us up against any of what you call a master tec. My brothers took over the shop an I went on to college and now I'm in social work. I still hang around the shop in my spare time. I still can build motors and do anything to most cars. I think that experience like that is the best teacher.
This is part 4, there are links to the other 3 here too. I Think you will REALLY love full version humblemechanic.com/podcast/automotive-industry-opportunities-obstacles-full-audio-part-4-4/
If you can get the figure out how to get the correct parts to the field and into the machine you are worth 1000-2000k a day. Don't forget the value of machinery.
Hey there guys, so I have a question. I have almost 13 years of experience in the automotive world, I've done everything from A/C work to performance suspension and stroker engine builds. I don't personally feel that going to school would benefit me much knowledge wise, I feel it would be a waste of money. Should I just go to school anyways to get credentials to help towards my ASE or should I just prove myself through a shop or dealership? I've worked in shops for a couple years but most of my work was private contract or a mobile mechanics setup in a box van. Thanks in advance 😁
I might look at other training than the traditional tech school. You have the foundation with experience. But I will also say it may be worth talking to them to see if it would be a good fit.
yeah i figured as much for the full blown tech school as it seems i would be wasting a substantial amount of money on information i already have, im thinking it might be best to take community college courses on areas i'm not 100% efficient and confident on such as A/C, Automatic Trans rebuilds, Etc. and then work under a dealer or other ASE Certified shop to get my 2 years of work experience so i can qualify for my ASE Cert And then i feel i would be a lot more likely to be successful when opening my own shop! also might be a good idea to take a few business ethics and relating classes to help with understanding what it takes to properly run a business. Thank you for your time Charles!!!
What do you recommend for someone who went to tech school late in life really just for the degree but being 36 years old and going into a dealership already ahead of what people on the lube line knows and has a family to support but they want you to do oil changes for 14 dollars a hour and doesn't want to send you off to their advance training so you can go ahead and make real money. That's where I was three years ago and I couldn't do it because the money was bad so I went into material handling equipment like electric and gas and propane forklifts it pays hourly has benefits and company truck and fuel card so on but it's not cars like I wanted. 41000 dollars at UTI in debt to keep a.4.0 entire time to work on forklifts? There's got to be better but I'm only getting older :-( I got the feeling they kinda wanted to punish me for going to school actually had one service manager laugh and said i wasted my time and money and that he would send someone to dealer training that didn't have tech school before he would me with tech school! What a ass!
Wow that is messed up! I actually love the forklift and equipment repair idea. There are a lot of pros to that side. So many managers are down on UTI it’s sad. What they don’t realize is most can’t higher worth a damn. Can you look at fleet maintenance? I wouldn’t rule out heavy equipment. Lot of money to be maid there
Thanks for watching everyone. I am working hard to get that full audio out for you guys. I think you are going to love love love the full conversation!
Thanks for your contributions. My favorite car guy )
Thank you Rebecca!
HumbleMechanic great video MAN!!!!!! Loved it
THIS WAS SOOO GOOD!!!! AH, I LOVED IT!!!! And as someone who never went to (automotive) school and literally worked my way up from sweeping floors.... I may have to make a response video! 😅
You must do it Faye!
Really I Wanted To Be a Auto Mechanic Since i was Like 7. I'm over 50 Now.I went to Tech School Before Electronic Fuel Injection was Main stream. Then I was a Army Mechanic For 6 yrs.( A really good one). I took some Diesel Classes while in the army. When i got out I did a year as a Transmission R&R Guy. Then I got a Job at a Small shop. My Boss' Friend & Mentor Taught me so much. Now I own my own shop. I say i did Both. Tech School & on the job. But over 30 years Later. Your Learning Everyday. If Not, You need to Go Flip Burgers
Big Papa 254 you are right, we learn everyday. There is always something new to learn everyday and school could just give us enough to start with.
Big Papa 254 True same for me good advice for young people. CAT is desperate to find train techs. Tell kids to look up CAT tech school.
mos
juan felix 63W
@@Ken-wu6hr how was ait
Spent my teenage to young adult years partying and getting into trouble, dropping out of architectural drafting at technical college, working a few dead end jobs driving forklifts, picking and packing for a distribution company, delivering pamphlets etc. During that time, I always had a knack of fixing cars, my mates would bring their junky cars to me to get them running right or to fix up things that had broken.
I ended up wanting to be a mechanic but being at a stage where I was seen as too old to be considered for an apprenticeship as a mechanic (usually late teens ie school leavers get considered in this country as apprentices as legislation allows businesses to pay them less during the term of their apprenticeship).
One night I was having a beer at the pub and got talking to a fella who owned a workshop, over the course of a week I went and visited his workshop and fixed a few cars for cash, he put me on as a full time employee and that was the start of my "mature age" apprenticeship.
I stayed a few years there until the business went through a rough patch and jumped ship to a Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Volkswagen dealership and ended up having a couple of really brilliant mentors and becoming the 2IC for the VW commercial vehicle service in Western Australia at the time. I served out the rest of my apprenticeship there.
From there I ended up working for a MTU Detroit Diesel Australia as a diesel tech, testing, commissioning, trouble shooting and repairing engines as diverse as 2 litre single cylinder air cooled water pump diesels, to prime movers motors, power generation, rail, commercial workboats, fast ferries with multiple 20 cylinder engines at 8 litres per cylinder and compound sequential turbocharging all across the Asia Pacific region, from outback Australia to the Southern Ocean.
The experience I acquired led me to many different jobs such as maintenance project scheduling and management for naval vessels and doing failure analysis on heavy diesel equipment.
Nowdays, I am back at an automotive workshop, doing modification, repairs and maintenance to everyday and classic cars (a lot less stress!).
Anyway, becoming an auto mechanic doesn't have to stop at working on cars and mechanical aptitude and a bit of drive can take you places you would never ever dreamt of.
i started in autobody as a kid sweeping floors and went to a trade school through my highschool years and went straight in to a dealership for 3 years but they did not have a body shop in high school but i wanted that job we did body work in the welding shop and the mechanic shop and i learnd alot from some good guys that know the job inside out then i stepped away from it for awhile to build houses and renovations then i got in to a restoration shop and did that for over 10 years and dont regret eny of it
Thanks for that. I've wasted alot of time drinking and drugging and bouncing around from one job to another. Now that i have my shit together and know this is what I want to do, I can keep pushing foward. My path might not look like the kids' outta high school going straight to tech school and into the dealership....it's my path alone and it is what you make it. I hope to find opportunities like you have....I can, if I keep on learning and growing everyday. So much more to learn.
Man would i like to pick your brain over a beer sometime and learn a little of what you know! That's awesome!
@@John-qz4cv We might be on opposite sides of the world 👍
@@2secondslater I figured with the mate in your sentence 😉 but pretty awesome on your travels though that great!
Wow I identify so many with Bogi's story! Growing up I loved classic beetles because herbie was how I realized that cars are cool as a kid. I didn't learn anything mechanical from my parents because my mom knew nothing and although my dad knew a little bit, he was always busy with work. Straight out of high school I went to a big university and I started out going into psychology because I love learning how things work and brains are interesting. I dropped out after a year because I realized that psychology was not for me and without that drive my grades were not great. After dropping out I had to seriously think about what I wanted to do in life. So I thought back to high school when I was in stage crew with how I absolutely loved working with my hands and the problem solving involved in building sets. Then I figured that I could do that with cars and decided to go to tech school. My dad asked me so many times "are you sure you want to do this?" and that just made me more driven to prove that I can. I remember the moment in tech school when I proved to myself that I really enjoyed this work was when I took apart a manual transmission and put it back together mostly on my own because the others in my group were hardly there. It was so fun to do and to figure out along the way how to get a feel for how things went together. I felt the same way when the professor would bug a car with an issue and then tell me to diagnose the issue. Before getting the foundation of tech school it was so difficult to get a job in the industry since I had no experience and I'm sure being a girl didn't help either. Everywhere I've worked in the industry I've had guy coworkers who did not go through tech school when I was turned away so many times even from parts stores. At my current job I was hired as a lube tech but on my first day I walked in they asked if I wanted an apprentice position instead due to my experience.
Love this!!
I love the video guys!
I actually went to school for Auto body and refinishing, and wanted to be a painter and I loved painting and worked my butt off to be a great painter went to shops and almost all shops only wanted 1 painter. I ended up getting a job as a service writer for a chain shop. Worked my way up to become a store manager, suddenly I showed up to work one day and said they were changing programs and no longer needed me as a manager but if I wanted to keep my job I had to become a tech. came to work the next day with a toolbox and busted butt ended up making more money as a tech than in management left shady chain shop to go to a real honest repair shop and owner treated me like family and made amazing money!
So my bit of advise to people wanting to get started in an auto field.
1- Do not go into major debt buying tools !
2 - Take every opportunity to educate yourself. ASE's or even classes put on by the parts stores
3 - You will have bad days and weeks where you make little money but show up every day with a positive attitude because your next vehicle might be the one to get you out of your "rut"
Great insight for sure. Thank you
As a tech my goal was to be up front and honest with my customers. My integrity means more to me than a pay check any day. I remember working for one Honda dealership that did not allow the techs to talk to the customer because of their shady practices, this in part is why I believe the general public does not trust autoshops. We as techs need to be honest with our customers and give them the absolute best we possibly can , after all, they are the ones who pay us to maintain their rides.
David Cantrell I believe auto repair industry needs an upgrade or over haul , their should be a a state mandated parts mark up percentage .
I really love your videos. I'm in tech school now. Thanks to ChrisFix for for showing how to fix some stuff, and thanks to you and ETCG for giving me a lot of helpful information!
AWESEOME!
"Nobody wants to watch three hours of us talking" I do ! I could watch it all day .
💙💙💙
I love watching you all make videos about the automotive Industry I am a tech right now with a few Ase and love my job and will one day here soon will open my own shop. I’m glad to see every bit of info you all put out to the world to let people know about automotive
Speaking of going for a career and not a job I would tell any tech looking to start out to get into city or county as soon as possible, sometime there needs to be work experience attached even if you pass testing and sometimes not. The number one thing is do not go the dealership route and look at being a master tech as your long term goal, in the end it is a waste of time and you’ll realize you only had a job not a career. Let’s break it down as things a career should have.
Family medical coverage, most dealers now do not and will only partially cover yourself
401k matching, most dealer groups have cut this or completely stopped it all together
Stable pay so you can plan your budgeting, most dealer are flat rate with always fluctuating warranty labor times or running “service specials” which then means they cut the labor time.
In a career the more experience you have the more money you make. In dealerships this may seem the case because of your pay on paper but in reality because of flat rate and your master tech level you will get all the “crap” work to diag which while it is more exciting then just flushes and brakes all day (so mind numbingly boring after a few years) the interesting diag work does not pay.
So don’t fall into the dealer trap and work up to master tech and then get near your 40’s and realize you’ve spent tons in tools, training and experience but make very little at the end of it all and wonder how you going to retire if ever and what you are going to do in another 10 years when you really start slowing down cause your now in your 50’s. I got lucky and got out mid 30’s and now at the county and only regrets are I miss being at the forefront of the technology (dealer techs always see it first especially if on brands like MB), but biggest regret is not getting out sooner. Then amount of money I have saved the last 3 years vs the 12 at dealerships is just crazy in comparison. Auto techs are probably the most underpaid trade I can think of.
Im 30 and just left the dealer. I will not return to a full flat rate dealership only to make $50 a week more than a lube tech working more hrs and flagging less.
jon c yup, no reason to stay at stealerships as a master tech. With how much tech is in cars today your skills as a master tech easily transfer into other fields that pay a lot more with better benefits.
I have to agree with you 100%. I worked at several different Infiniti/Nissan dealerships and not a single one I was able to be successful. Each and every one has such shit management. Trust me, it's not my work ethic either. I accept to when my habits are bad but I won't in this case. I busted my ass working hard to show management that I have potential. But every shop I ever worked at stepped all over me. Not to mention I got tired of dealing of all the bullshit from service managers, advisors and even customers. I now work for the city of NY and it's been the best thing that's ever happened to me. Took me 4 years of bouncing around shops to finally find a job that I can call a career and settle in.
If I had to give my advice on new coming mechanics, I'd say go with government, local, state or city jobs as your main goal but don't hesitate to look into fleets. Fleets are much better than these bullshit ass dealerships.
I wish I could've put more time into actually learning to become better. Instead of trying to become more hands on. We all have our regrets and wish we could've done things different, but that's life and you live and learn.
I agree with you 100%, I spent all of my 20's after going to Wyotech straight out of high school and getting my ASE certs having to bounce between crappy job after crappy job (bear in mind this was back in the 2000's-early 2010's). I tried 3 independent shops and a dealership, none of which wanted to pay a fair wage or have good benefits/retirement. I was lucky enough to land a county job as a mechanic for a police fleet at age 29 and will never look back. If I have kids one day I will make sure they stay away from this career. To all you starting out and willing to commit, it will be an uphill battle but there are a few good jobs out there. Just don't settle with a job that's taking advantage of you and keep your eye out for local government jobs.
@@richardsalaverria9363 Oh nice you work for a police fleet too?
I work for the NYPD as an entry level position. I'm 25 and I been on the job for a little over a year now. The auto mechanic test for the city is coming out in December. If I pass I can be put on wait list to get promoted. May take some time but hey, the city offers amazing fucking benefits. I been so happy since I been out the dealership game.
Although I am really not sure I want to stay in NYC all my life, I do want to move and work for another police fleet. I just don't know how to go about it. Any advice?
Outstanding content. This deserves to have all 3 hours uploaded.
(3hr podcasts work for Rogan)
Really Humble Mecanics is Aaron Kaufman and Eric the car Guy is a Richard Rawlings????
I'm dissociated...
LOL Joe Rogan is way awesome.
Yes it’s a career but with crappy benefits and eventually you get trapped and physically it gets tough cause just like cars wear, your body wears too. Wonder why these 3 mechanics have you tube channels??
Because they are go getters, getting that youtube money.
Mechanics are way under paid. They are the ones who fix and identify bad engineering. No wonder they have to cut corners when it comes to warranty work.
*Some Mechanics are way under paid. LOL. There are plenty that get paid exactly what they should.
I think you really need to be self employed as a mechanic in order to make real good money. Or work at a dealership as a master tech.
Try the San Francisco Bay Area underpaid for real
It's less that they're underpaid than it is the Bay Area is stupidly expensive to live in.
The problem is the Engineers are rushed and forced by the Product Managers and Contracting Commercial teams to get the design into production. The engineer is working under hard constraints that aren’t taught in college. 60% to 70% design is good enough as long as safety isn’t impacted. No engineer has a sinister desire to make systems more difficult to work on or reduce safety factor robustness. The Chief Engineer usually is not the best engineer but the rather best big picture communicator with the other bosses. He is usually the guy to blame for cultivating the culture and engineering decisions. He ‘can’ push back to the other segment leads, but will usually do what’s best for the company and most cost effective.
Why are PMs and Commercial under the gun? They don’t care about corner cutting - they make bigger bonuses the faster they can get shit out the door into production and into sales. They don’t need to deal with the complaints. And if they do a bad job?? No big deal to them, they might lose their job, but they’ve already made a big enough stash, bigger than that of the guys actually doing the design, production, and quality assurance work. Unfortunately that’s it in a nutshell.
For me I never went to a trade school. I started working on cars as a teenager. Then right out of High School I went and got a job working on cars. 10 years later I went to school to get a license to do emissions testing. Now it's been 27 years since High School and I'm still working on cars.
The Transit Industry has been good to me. Been a Tech for 21 years and I have a roof over my head. Plus other opportunities came to me such as instructing for the same Community College I went to where I received my degrees. I have also started my own Training and Diagnostic Business. Also when I was done with school I had zero debt. I paid as I went. Whether its Auto or the HD Industry you can make a good living, you just have to work for it and give yourself the best chance for other opportunities down the line. Have a good evening everyone.🙂
Love the collab videos. Still say Eric is missing out doing Voice Overs. He could sound interesting talking about toothpaste.
I know, his voice is so soothing 🤣
Hahaha! Definitely!!
Took the last 2 years to get into the trades.
Started out delivering construction materials and ended up being a plumbing labourer.. its taken me longer but I have a sense of pride in getting here without any former pre employment!
Engineering is a fantastic way to earn a great living and now it is even better . Great to hear likeminded people
I work in the auto body industry. We have a huge need for new techs. When I started I was always the young kid in the shop now 19 years later I'm still the youngest. The field is tough but if you want to excel and be an exceptional tech it is very rewarding.
Awesome keep up the great work i watch all your videos and tv shows.. A lot of today's youth is confused with what they want to do in life or they want to just make lots of money without investing on themselves or focusing on 1 path. And hence why they bounce around from job to job on a path that leads to nowhere.... I did this and even though I finished tech school in 98 I did not put my automotive degree to use until 2013 when I resigned from Sears and I started working for myself as a mobile mechanic out of the back of my 1995 Chrysler Town & Country minivan loaded with my tool boxes and baby car seats. Then a 1 year later I started renting a single bay garage with no lifts was working out of that. Until recently like 2 days ago I just moved into a 2 bay garage still no lifts in the same building, but more space. I hindsight i wonder if I would of started and kept one path and concentrated on automotive I would have a full commercial shop by now. This is still my dream. Now that am I older more focused on where I want be and I finally growing little by little. I won't stop until I get my full commercial shop in my little town of East Greenville PA. All of you guys always inspire me. Thank you....
I am also a woman, and literally said this exact thing to a few people lately "No, I have to go to school first so that I will be taken seriously...". I am however learning A LOT in the meantime working on my own vehicle with a very tight budget. (06 Pacifica w/ 275k....good stuff)
Bogi's story makes me feel like I'm not so alone in my own path to becoming a technician. I also got a four-year degree only to realize I wanted nothing more to do with that field once I was done with it. College is something kids are pushed into rather unfairly because of the elitist notion that only jobs with degrees are worthy of respect. I love working on cars and am glad I chose to start doing something fulfilling instead of sitting mindlessly behind a desk collecting a paycheck.
AWESOME!
I went to tech school, dropped out cause I wasn't making any money and every shop said why bother going to school it isn't necessary. After a few months of looking around I found a good paying mechanic job at a local mom/pop shop. No one here went to school and only a handful have certifications. But everyone here is a very capable tech.
I am happy you found the path meant for you. Tech school is not right for everyone. THAT is a fact.
@@HumbleMechanic Thank you sir, damn right it isn't. Kept getting menial jobs and as soon as I retire my tools I get a good offer. Then on my first day I had to replace the engine in a Forrester. On a even better note this doesn't feel like work and they allow me to extra time to make sure each job is perfect.
Been working as a tech for 30 years. Love this job would recommend it to anyone.
Going to tech school is great, but never underestimate the value of working as a general service tech for the first five years and how much it takes to be a thorough and effective tech In 10, 15, 20 years!
You can get your degree, but if you have never spent time busting your ass doing thorough inspection's, LOF's, basic engine, suspension, steering, and brake system diagnosis and repair, difficult alignments, tire repairs, timeliness, getting your ass chewed by your service manager's, dealing with know it all's, bad customer's, broken fasteners, bad calls, RUST and RUST, how to properly use and repair shop equipment, working with broken tools and equipment, losing sleep over difficult problems, and remember that college will only give you about 10% of what it will TRULY take and what awaits you in this business!
You can't just skip over what REALLY makes a technician well rounded and capable of self teaching, selling the job, spot checking/leading younger techs, getting over it, doing it right, and THEN being able to diagnose the difficult problems, have three different cars torn apart only to be stopped several times to do this or that, but wait did you pay that tool bill yet to even be effective at what you are doing, and I'm only scratching the surface of what "obstacles" you will have to overcome if you want to be "good" at this profession!
Going into this business without a degree from higher education isn't going to make or break you in terms of $$$! You have to earn respect and demonstrate that you have the basics mastered first, that comes from experience in the field...PERIOD! Having the Master Tech status needs to mean something, was it earned 100% with time in the field or did you just think that a school or passing exams would automatically give you credibility and skills? You cannot just walk into the shop and expect to be taken seriously if you cannot demonstrate that you have put in your time from general service all the way to lead tech!
Bottom line, go slow and actually grasp each area and understand that it is going to take a minimum of 15 years before you will get to a level in which you will know that you are TRULY a Master at this profession!
The biggest obstacle a person coming into this business has is not lack of higher education by any means, the biggest obstacles are committing to this type of work, humility, honesty, and good old fashioned work ethic! Education is called post secondary for a reason, either you are lazy and greedy or you are not!
Education will give you the tools to self educate along the way, but don't think that the guy who DID become a Master Tech without any college education through the struggle to earn his credibility and respect by putting in his time from the ground floor is ever going to take you seriously, until you can demonstrate that you have at least mastered the basics of general service, put in your legitimate time doing general service, and furthermore are TRULY willing to put aside your OFTEN TIMES HUGE EGO and sense of entitlement from that piece of paper you have neatly stamped on your resume! Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can just fake it and get by, this business spots phonies and poser wannabes very swiftly! That older guy working in the bay next to you can spot this within your first two weeks, so be honest with yourself and never underestimate those who have done their time!
Never underestimate how important it is to spend your time doing the "grunt" work and how getting to the level you want to be respected as is going to take ALOT and I mean ALOT of hard work doing what you didn't necessarily want right away!
Those who get out of the business have done so for a reason, good, bad, or whatever, just remember that it is NOT a job for the weak minded, overly sensative, and greedy mindset, if you think six figures is coming to you because you got yourself a degree...lol you are likely going to quit this profession! Your either a lifer or you're not, and it's as simple as that!
General Service Tech position's are in SUPER high demand right now, why do you think that is? Because too many damn people think that somehow by going to school that it will somehow magically qualify and get them past those REAL LIFE "obstacles" that are going to be there regardless of how much education you have...nope...so sorry, but you will have to do at least 5 years as a general service tech (IF YOU MAKE IT THAT LONG) with or without any school if you TRULY want to EARN the respect and credibility from those in the field.
Trust me, the days of walking in off the street to get into this profession are alive and well...the real question is, do you have what it TRULY takes to become the REAL Master Tech like the one's that are probably nodding their head at what I just laid down for you to pickup and digest?
I Think that is where some of the issues come from. People expecting master techs coming right out of tech school. It's just STUPID!
There is no better teacher than experience. And I agree that you can still get a job off the street as long as its the right environment. Sadly the right environments are rare.
I recommend listening to the full version of this video. I am posting them in audio only format. We went a little deeper in the subject.
@@HumbleMechanic Will do, love the conversation!
Education is also flawed in this country as it does not allow a person to pick and choose what they need to know to be successful. Rather it forces useless class requirements that cost too much $$$ to just get to the point already and let me customize my education needs to get on with my career goals as soon as possible for a reasonable PRICE!
For example paying for Scannerdanner Premium is on point, just get me what I need to know to be successful on my time, affordable, no prescription requirement from some higher education and beuracratic department of some government agency!
Too much money is wasted on classes that are not necessarily needed to be successful in the professional world on multiple fronts!
I think that this will change as more and more younger people catch on to this scam we call higher education and the real goal to force feed society social courses that change nothing except the wallets of administrators and their unions!
The sooner a young man or woman can get into the field and begin working the better off they will be in terms of development of invaluable skill sets. Education is to formal and lacks flexibility and enginuety for the information available to people these days.
We can shortcut the BS and pay teachers to teach their customers (students) however it is most effective for their experience and expertise! Cut out administrative nonsense and give me the opportunity to take and pay out of pocket for what I want to be knowledgeable about at the moment.
Try rolling into tech school or any formal college and taking a class on English, Math, diagnostics, brakes, or hydraulics whatever individually...um no, you gotta go through some mandatory prerequisites in shit like "new to college life" which doesn't make me money, the forced curriculum that wastes time and money for society and the students!
That my friend is the REAL problem, our great teachers cannot free lance or choose how to teach, they are forced to follow a predetermined agenda that limits our potential for growth in terms of quality and protects unwanted subjects in social science's that have no value to a guy trying to get to it and be a professional technician!
WORD WORD WORD!!!!!!! Yes! Thank you! Thanks for putting me back in my place lol. I'm a Pep Boys GST, 6 months into it, taking online automotive classes through Penn Fosters career diploma program to supplement my shop experience (it's only $800 for the whole thing but so far really helpful to form a foundation for me) and I got my fixer upper project car to supplement all of that. My path doesn't look like the kids' outta high school going to UTI...but I've got enough drive, smarts and hard work to get to where I'm going....and I know I'm gonna get there one day soon.
Kids these days don't know that respect and success are earned, not given.
Your right, show up early, work hard, be extremely observant in the shop to what other techs are doing (I've learned lots of little random things just in passing a guy's bay and seeing what he's doing) and all in all, good things take time. The most successful people in the world have gotten there because they worked the hardest.
Pep boys is a stepping stone for me - I'm getting out of the Bay Area and moving to WA next year....planning on getting into heavy equipment/diesel because I don't see myself enjoying working on all electric/hybrid cars in the coming years. 😖 it'll feel like starting over again, bit shop experience is shop experience. 👍👍👍
You see that's the kind of pro woman "I can do anything attitude I respect. Strong minded and Independent not feminazi.
feminist doesn't inherently mean feminazi. Just like how republican doesn't mean alt-right.
Lots of women have a can-do attitude and don't feel like they need to put men down in the process.
This type of comment is exactly why women in the industry have to prove themselves that much more.
Awesome video. One of the best videos I have seen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, insights, opinions, career experiences, & knowledge.
Thank you so much
I remember growing up and when ever my dad needed to get his car fix I’d be in the back seat waiting to go to the shop he went too and always wanting to wonder around to see everything. I’m still learning even tho I went to tech school and the shop I’m at everyone wants to show me how to be a better tech, starting I’m not making a lot but I wake up every morning not regretting ignore my family and wanting to work on cars
Fellow UTI grad here. I was utterly horrified when one of my recent applicants mentioned how much he owed UTI. It’s starting to cost as much as a four year. I’d recommend shopping around before committing to any path for training, particularly for people interested in becoming dealer or retail techs. Carrying a student loan as the oil change guy is just not going to work out.
The best advice in this video is to look into city garages and diesel technology. Hourly pay and government benefits make a huge difference for any technician, and working on fire apparatus and heavy equipment is interesting and challenging.
I think looking at all the options is great advice!!!!
Local community college is a great alternative to a private tech school. You get as good if not better education at a fraction of the price. They also have great financial aid programs.
As a high school automotive instructor I understand all of this. I've had several past students attend UTI, UNOH, nadc etc always successful. I think it creates drive. In our area there are many opportunities and this industry is at critical mass trying to find those to fill it. Yes please spread the word so parents can be more supportive. It means a lot to them and me as there advocate
When i was 26 i had no experience working on vehicles. I enlisted with the army guard (part time soldier) as an all wheeled vehicle mechanic. Had three months training sitting behind a computer. Maybe eight hours hands on. On the civilian side I stayed in security because i stilled didn't have enough experience. Mazda hired me two years later as an express tech. The guy who trained me there has been a tech for Mazda for 30 years, i learned a lot from him. Everything from how to use a tire machine how to buy quality tools without going into debt. He was my tech school. The experience at mazda was what hlped me get a good job at the county as a truck/equipment tech. Basically I'm just saying you don't have to go to Tech School to be a good technician. But i think it would help a lot. I was lucky to be trained by someone who honestly cared.
This was awesome, can relate to each of you a bit, more people should see this to change the perception of our industry. Like what you two guys are doing but Bogi’s the xxxt though..what a woman!
Agree Bogi is way levels up. Lol
I was fixing VCRs and Nintendo game systems, then computers, software. But, I also have a brother who was fixing cars, and he taught me a tiny bit about it. The irony is that now, he sells car insursnce and I am in college for Automotive Analysis and Repair and am gettting my Masters in Engineering: Computer Science so that I can code PCMs and other modules of vehicles.
That’s awesome!!!
@@HumbleMechanic Thank you. :)
Loving this Series Charles great to 3 icons of this industry supporting the next generation of techs!
ive been waiting for this come out,this would be an awesome trio for a podcast or whatever, thanks to all 3 of u
Only thing that I say is whatever you do, be careful, don't get hurt. Believe me money can not buy your health back. I regret braking my back and at my age figure it out that working on cars gets me so much more satisfaction than my actual job. So don't get hurt.
TRUTH! If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to take better care of myself.
I started to work on cars when I was 18 at a small mom and pop shops and I thank God that now I'm the head tech in a big shop. it takes time but its totally worth it when u get to that point when ur the master tech in ur shoo
I think a lot of people forget that it does take time. Techs expect a new guy to be perfect from day one. And even worse, managers think new techs are master techs and never make mistakes.
They all forget how much they had to work to get where they are
Eric, I am a huge fan. You mentioned child support, and it hit me that I really need to get back out there! It's a lot to explain, especially in comment.
Bogi YOU'RE KILLIN IT OUT THERE! Idc what gender, or color you are, learn a skill, do work! The "car-girl" stereotypes have to go, my shop has had females, and males, I based my decision on ethics and quality of work, not bits and parts.
Charles, NC is still behind you!!! Keep doing everything you're doing right!!!
Regardless of where I go from here, at least I'm going NOW! This put so much into perspective and I feel invigorated!
-THANK YOU ALL!!!
🙏🙏🙏🙏
When I went to UTI in Pheonix in 1975 , it was 9 months and cost $ 2,200.00 Bucks.
NOW
Its $ 40,000.00 for 1 year and thats just the Automotive part of it, Diesel is EXTRA !!
So explain to all the cost of UTI or other options.
$2200 WOW! I am sure the campus is a different place today than 40 years ago,. Does that justify the cost difference? That is up to each individual. I think it was around $25k for automotive when I went.
This really resonated with me. Thanks for making this video. I wanted to take auto shop in high school, but my parents forbade it. I almost went to UTI about a year ago after graduating college. Needless to say I'm still trying to figure out my life, but I am exciting for when I finally settle into a career that lets me be myself.
Am in Automotive Analysis and Repair programme, now. And, I just passed my Automotive Electrical and Automotive Braking ASE exams, last week.
Awesome, I was waiting for this one. I really appreciated your last video about starting your own shop...it 100% scared me out of it. I don't wanna be a boss unless it's my own!
I feel kinda like you. Not really into having employees
I'd much rather call the shots for what I do and when but it's so much less stressful to be able to walk in, get handed a work order, fix cars, and go home.
I am 55yo engineer (mechanical)and was a mechanic for decades. Mechanics are under paid and looked at in a negative way by public as "uneducated grease monkeys"....Yet the skills and knowledge required almost match my graduate degree...From tires brakes to high tech systems and troubleshooting intermittent problems being a proficient mechanic technician is intense. I still work on stuff to challenge my mind..
We need to change that image and demand ASE certification increase salary rates as unions in dealers once did. We had "A" and "B" pay grades at Chevy dealership. Union I the only way to secure pay and vacations pensions etc. Don't think you will work at most shops and get anywhere if you don't own it.
I did it for years. Germany and Japan treats its trades people well. Their economies are healthy.So Jiffy lube or Pep Boys Walmart is a place to start but dead end. Study electronic technology even years ago in the 1970s many mechanics were clueless in electrical theory and troubleshooting. Electrical cars are here!!! Big changes coming take science and physics in school a big big help in new age cars and trucks CAT is looking for techs perhaps one of the finest companies in the world and is Union. Good luck.
PS Many good you tube channel on to learn mechanics.I often comment to give some of my advice to help others.. Shalom
I honestly didn't learn much in tech school. I came from an automotive family. Pretty much my dad's entire side of the family was involved in the industry in one form or another. My dad himself being a technician for over 35 years, was my greatest teacher and influencer. Since as far back as I can remember I have been around cars. Once I became a man of age, I knew a I wanted to work at a big dealer. The only way to get in straight on with a tech job was to have ASE's and or a tech school certification. So I enrolled, and after 1.5 years started what would be my 7 year tenure at the dealership.
I've said it before in comments on other videos. I'm not in the automotive/mechanic field but i love these types of videos. Great advice for anybody really. I went to school for engineering and i find my job not fulfilling most times, ergo i turn to the garage to keep things interesting. I would love to work as an engineer designing automotive applications/components. ( I know of the love-hate relationship between techs and engineers. Im hoping my hands-on background can help me design things better!)
I own a shop with my father bogi is right about everything with owning a shop now where good 4 years later theres alot people don't think about
So I'm watching this and it's giving me a different opinion. I find it really hard to get into the automotive industry. I've been trying for 8 years in Australia
I started at a Firestone. Wanted tech school but could not afford it. Firestone sent me to classes and taught me everything on the job and myself on my own time. I doubled my salary in 3 years from hard work. With much better company with great benefits. Boring work and I'm hungry for more challenge. Can't find a better benefits package anywhere, still get phone calls every week about my resume online.
You can make lots of money ,all depends of how good are you doing your job, how fast and efficient.
I'm getting a job opportunity at VW, I'm exited, i went to a tech community college and have 3 years so far of tech experience but man is wouldn't have tried VW if you didn't show me how cool they are, thanks 👍🏽
That was a very professional and helpful career session. Glad I tuned in.
It’s so funny how common this really is. I received my associates degree and went straight to tech school. There really is a need for good techs in my area. I would not be where I am now in this career field if it were not for going to tech school. I see a lot of negative comments made about these tech schools, but in the end you get out of it what you put in to your training while there and after leaving.
While the content doesn't apply to my application, it was interesting to hear each of your points and experiences. Some of the things you all talked about cross over to a lot of other careers. Great stuff.
Thanks! Much of what was said here is universally applicable
I grew up around the auto industry due to my dad having a shop. I have owned my own shop . I have worked for four different dealerships , the biggest problem I have found is as a technician people tend to not trust you, they think your only after their money. This comes from those techs who are shady and dishonest as well as the people who run the dealerships. I love working on cars but not for the public so much anymore, I've been in this business for nearly 30 years.
Yep. Customers don’t trust. And many techs do little to overcome that. They may not make the problem worse, but do we really do anything to make it better
Great points made by all, But I choose to be an industrial mechanic.
I work as a heavy equipment mechanic and we have great pay and benefits. We have such a shortage of people that want to work.
Where do you work? Location?
I like Bogie so much more after watching this than just seeing her on the show...
One thing I think you guys should have talked about is tuition cost. Especially since this is sponsored by UTI, I graduated from WyoTech in 2011 and tuition was around 34k, at the time UTI was roughly the same. I don't know what tech school costs today but I'm sure its still very expensive. I was very fortunate to have landed a mechanic position in Afghanistan for a defense company soon after graduation. This allowed me to pay off my tuition debt within my first year in the field, but I know several people who weren't as lucky. They work more average mechanic jobs at dealers and mom and pop shops and several years after graduating they are still in debt working to pay off student loans. Not to say a person shouldn't go to tech school, but tuition costs should also be openly discussed as it will have a huge impact on people's career when loans are their only way of paying for school.
It’s mixed for me. Yes tech school is $$$$.
But what is it compared to a 4yr college? What about starting wages?
We’d pay someone that was from UTI at least $5 more per hour on day one. Plus they were a head of the guys coming off the street. It’s NOT for everyone but if you capitalize on the time at school you’ll probably be a head
I absolutely agree, there's pros and cons and isn't for everyone. My suggestion is to discus tuition costs more openly. I feel most people don't realize just how expensive it can be. I know I didn't.. Another option is automotive technology at a local community college, way more affordable. Sure it may take a little longer than UTI but again it comes down to an individuals situation. Thanks for the reply!@@HumbleMechanic
Great video. I gave 10 years to Subaru at the dealership and was never able to feel satisfied. Highest certified tech and a team leader, still never made more than $60k annual. Dealerships use people as laborers, so don’t put them on a pedestal. Experience all brands and take the ASE’s, you can learn a lot.
Something to keep in mind is ALL employers use people as laborers.
I do think experiencing. All brands is a great idea
That's a valid point, but I did feel like I had more of a meaningful purpose at the independent shops. I'm sure you can relate to how disconnected dealer techs are from the customer, and maybe that's part of why the dealerships are trusted less.
I totally understand. I think the disconnect comes from lack of communication. on all parts.
You’re completely right, I was never allowed to display any of my personal business cards and was actually discouraged from communication with customers. This was my main complaint to management, they put policy before people......yet they always teach the opposite.
My first car was a 1969 VW Fastback. I was always into cars from the time I was, well, I can remember. I remember being like 10 or 12 and making a cold air induction for mom's 1965 Delta 88. The VW was different though. Analog fuel injection, disc brakes and automatic. Ended up in computers though. I still wrench my own cars and bikes. I currently have a 2013 50's beetle convertible, 2013 Passat and a 2009 BMW R1200RT.
Aircooled vw's are great cars to learn fixing
whua, all favorite auto stars. sense of humor, make life glorious, not only for money.
Very encouraging, thanks. Doing the ASEP program right now
Coming from a blue collar line of work my whole life it’s not about easy work or being rich for me it’s about just being happy about what you’re doing I got the privilege and opportunity to make a living off of building hot rods and getting to help build a few movie cars.
I like what is going on here.
I started at a Acura dealer stayed for 7 years then went to a County Fleet and I like the County job better. Good benefits.
I didnt have the chance to go to tech school. I started at jiffy lube greeting customers and cleaning cars. I spent 4 yrs and moved to management and left that to start as a lube tech at a gm dealer. Im making more turning wrenches then i was managing. But thats been years now
Will you show the propper way to replace timing set on a 2012 Passet 2.5l-I5?
Sincerely, James
Allen A, I agree that the parts part needs to have a regulated standard markup. However, to completely overhaul the auto repair industry would greatly effect the independent shops that are not affiliated with the brand name dealerships. I do believe that the shady shops that do bad work, rip the public off need to be put out of business . There does need to be some sort of overight when it comes to the independent shops.
I went to the campus in Avondale az, lirerally with the main mentality of I wanna make cars go fast, but I more enjoy diagnosing cars.
NICE! I think being open minded to that stuff is very important
i have 2002 VW Passat b5.5 tdi pd 130 is there any other brake calliper's, that will fit most of the second hand ones are just rust . do the Audi a6 c6 tdi 2.0 year 04 callipers fit or can you tell me which do ..any help would be good lov you video keep it up ...uk England
You guys made a lot of good points. Great job :)
I would enjoy watching 3 hours of chatting. You should just put up the RAW for those who want it, cause why not?
Good post. One thing about the automotive industry is it can lead to other options
hello what are ur thought of becoming heavy duty mechanic vs auto mech, i like the high tech in car industry but i also want to fix big mining machine n power generator.
I am considering going to tech school. The only constant in my life has been cars. But I feel like I may be too old to start all of this. I just turned 40. I know that isn't that old but do you think it is too old? This is literally the only thing stopping me now.
You may be too old. But odds are youre not. If that is what you want, I don't think id let only be 40 get in the way.
Age only matters if you let it matter or have serious physical limitations. I'm an aircraft mechanic and I work with a guy that just hired on who is 60. The guy jobs out and is a very hard worker.
I don't think any one wants to be a mediocre tech. They just don't have the drive to become better. And I think a lot of techs have never been around anything but mediocre, or less, technicians. So they don't realize they are mediocre techs. They don't know what they don't know. Especially if they were always an Indy tech that was never exposed to training beyond tech school.
Cool. The weather has improved of late.
Im taking a 4 month course. Ftw. 2 gs. Whatever. Flip cars after. Fix my own cars. Work anywhere for more then minimum wage. Older Mechanic at work tells me to be an operator, being a mechanic sucks he says. Stressed out, bad hip, dirty, dealing with other mechanics that are dicks etc.
Good stuff. If you turn the sound off, it looks like an AA meeting lol
Hahahahhaha
Hi, my name is Bogi. And I’m a addicted to working on cars.
Are parts 2, 3, and 4 uploaded? they are still unavailable in the links in the description... I would love to listen to the rest.
They should be up. I’ll see what’s up
Good stuff, you guys should bring in flat rate master to the mix. Who the hell presses the thumbs down button on this video!
LOL FRM is a good dude. I would love to get him on one day and talk about flat rate. LOL
From one educated person to another: You learn ALOT more (from that education) than the reason you think you enrolled.
You guys are awesome! I started with my own journey with cars because of the NAY sayers followed by the smirks. Now I know more simply because of the ppl who said they don't think I can do it. Thank You _
Charles, this is a very good video. Y'all vibe so good together!! Bogi a true BadAss
LOVE THIS!!! Thank you Bogi really is awesome. IT sounds like you two have similar stories. :)
You are so cool!!
This is great stuff. I would totally watch the entire thing.
Me too haha THANK YOU!!!!! SEE CHARLES, NOT "NO ONE" 🤣🤣🤣
Great conversation!!
I think you need to bring a heavy duty mechanic, not just a dodge or Ford etc diesel guy but someone that having to deal with the "grocery haulers" or the person who it hauling a trailer for roadwork etc, and the trailers these driver pull, as a mechanic myself, also I've worked in a auto dealer, its 2 very different worlds, wish some of up got some more respect for that you don't see or hear about
UTI would have you cut that , my hair was too long for them and really wasn't long at all but I went in 97 so pretty sure I got years on you , Hydadlertech
I applied for a entry level tech position at a lexus dealership because i wanted to get back into automotive. But then they gave me the option to be a service advisor assistant with higher start pay instead of tech if i want to, now i dont know what to choose 😶
It really boils down to which will make you happier. Turning wrenches or working with customers. You can always move around the dealer if you end up not liking the roll
@@HumbleMechanic thanks for the response! I definitley agree thats why i decided to apply in the first place so i accepted the position as a tech
What a trio. Do more r32 vids thanks man
Oh don't worry I still have plenty left to make.
I'll disagree with you all. I grew up in a shop. My dad owned a shop for 50 years and myself and all my brothers grew up turning wrenches. Not one of us went to school for it but I would put any of us up against any of what you call a master tec. My brothers took over the shop an I went on to college and now I'm in social work. I still hang around the shop in my spare time. I still can build motors and do anything to most cars. I think that experience like that is the best teacher.
That’s awesome you had that as a path. I’d say most people don’t have that. School is just one of the MANY options
I also agree that experience is the best teacher. You can’t completely replicate the real world in a classroom
Look up Honda history..he sent mechanics to engineering university not geeks. That's why Japan has such awesome stuff.
When are you going to anounce the winner of the milwaukee combo giveaway ?
I haven't done it yet. :) I will be doing it on the blog in November. I have to keep those tools until the quarter is over.
@@HumbleMechanic Can't wait for it
@Precup Radu Don't worry about it, you didn't win.
hey charles, what happened to the 4 part full audio version of this on the podcast channel?
This is part 4, there are links to the other 3 here too. I Think you will REALLY love full version
humblemechanic.com/podcast/automotive-industry-opportunities-obstacles-full-audio-part-4-4/
This is awesome 👍
If you can get the figure out how to get the correct parts to the field and into the machine you are worth 1000-2000k a day. Don't forget the value of machinery.
I see Eric I click like .
Hey there guys, so I have a question. I have almost 13 years of experience in the automotive world, I've done everything from A/C work to performance suspension and stroker engine builds. I don't personally feel that going to school would benefit me much knowledge wise, I feel it would be a waste of money. Should I just go to school anyways to get credentials to help towards my ASE or should I just prove myself through a shop or dealership? I've worked in shops for a couple years but most of my work was private contract or a mobile mechanics setup in a box van.
Thanks in advance 😁
I might look at other training than the traditional tech school. You have the foundation with experience. But I will also say it may be worth talking to them to see if it would be a good fit.
yeah i figured as much for the full blown tech school as it seems i would be wasting a substantial amount of money on information i already have, im thinking it might be best to take community college courses on areas i'm not 100% efficient and confident on such as A/C, Automatic Trans rebuilds, Etc. and then work under a dealer or other ASE Certified shop to get my 2 years of work experience so i can qualify for my ASE Cert And then i feel i would be a lot more likely to be successful when opening my own shop! also might be a good idea to take a few business ethics and relating classes to help with understanding what it takes to properly run a business.
Thank you for your time Charles!!!
In tech school now👍🏽
Sweet
At UTI is the program a technical diploma or degree when you finish?
I think it’s more like a certificate
What do you recommend for someone who went to tech school late in life really just for the degree but being 36 years old and going into a dealership already ahead of what people on the lube line knows and has a family to support but they want you to do oil changes for 14 dollars a hour and doesn't want to send you off to their advance training so you can go ahead and make real money. That's where I was three years ago and I couldn't do it because the money was bad so I went into material handling equipment like electric and gas and propane forklifts it pays hourly has benefits and company truck and fuel card so on but it's not cars like I wanted. 41000 dollars at UTI in debt to keep a.4.0 entire time to work on forklifts? There's got to be better but I'm only getting older :-( I got the feeling they kinda wanted to punish me for going to school actually had one service manager laugh and said i wasted my time and money and that he would send someone to dealer training that didn't have tech school before he would me with tech school! What a ass!
Wow that is messed up! I actually love the forklift and equipment repair idea. There are a lot of pros to that side.
So many managers are down on UTI it’s sad. What they don’t realize is most can’t higher worth a damn.
Can you look at fleet maintenance? I wouldn’t rule out heavy equipment. Lot of money to be maid there
@@HumbleMechanic thanks buddy. Where are you located? I live in the DFW area in Texas