Scott Dorsey wrote:
> > wrote:
> > I am going to be graduating from high school this year and would
> >like to go to school for auto mechanics. My father wants me to go to
> >college, so I have found a way of satisfying both. Our local community
> >college, BCC, offers an associates degree in auto mechanics in
> >combination with a tech school called BCTI
> >(http://www.bcit.cc/bcit/site/default.asp). Any comments on this
> >school? Any comments on this path? I'm looking for the best school
> >I can go to, that provides the best prospects upon graduation.
>
> I don't know it. But I'm going to tell you... if you can cut the math
> and physics, you should look higher and go to an engineering school. There
> is a serious, serious shortage of people out there who have both good
> engineering skills and also know how to actually work on equipment.
>
> > My only other option would be going in the service and learn there,
> >have actual hands on experience, but my father doesn't think that's
> >such a great idea either. He was in the Navy for 10 years and said it
> >may take a while before you are actually trusted enough to work on
> >equipment.
>
> I suspect that the military today is a lot different than the way it was
> when he and I had experience with it. I know for sure that there is a lot
> less emphasis on training folks in actual theory and a lot more emphasis on
> parts swapping. When I was a kid, the military electronics training was
> second to none and was almost a guarantee of a job when you got out. These
> days they teach very little actual theory because electronics repair consists
> of swapping out modules at the depot and sending the bad ones to the
> manufacturer.
>
> >P.S. What is the salary range for starting out and after a few years
> >experience. My father thinks that becoming an engineer and designing
> >the engines would be a better path, but I really don't want to design
> >them, I want to work on them. Thanks.
>
> Having an engineering degree is not a bad thing in any way, and it sure
> doesn't keep you from working on them. Hell, my local independant BMW
> mechanic has an ME degree from Clarkson. I suspect you _need_ one these
> days to understand what's going on with some of the control systems...
> --scott
> --
> "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
Good advice from Scott and your dad.
I was a jet mechanic in the military from 85 to 91 and the work was a
lot of R&R. Take out the bad part and replace with a new part per the
troubleshooting guide. I did get all of the the theoretical training
but put little of it to use. That said, military experience on your
resume goes a long way in showing dedication and dependability.
I worked as a mechanic when I got out in Mercer Co (Hamilton &
Princeton). One job paid me 40% of the total repair bill for cars I
fixed. The other paid me 35% of labor and 5% of parts. The money was
great for a young single guy just out of the military, but...
No benefits, No pension, No security
What if I got sick?
What happens when I'm 50 and lifting a transmission is no longer fun?
What if it is a slow week and no customers come in? (40% of zero sucks)
What if I broke my hand on the weekend?
I got out pretty quick and took a job that paid less but had benefits
and a retirement plan. Eventually it turned out to be a much better
career for the money also.
If you are determined to become a mechanic Lincoln Tech is a good
school. My BIL went there years ago and got a job with a utility
company right after graduating. A friend of mine is an instructor
there and says they have a great program.
Good luck and thank your dad for his service