Tom,
Right out of high school I turned a wrench at a Sunoco station (I loved that job but the pay sucked). After 3 years of turning a wrench, I was ready to go back to school. I graduated from Gateway Community Technical College in 1995 with an Associate's degree in Automotive Technology (GM ASEP Program). I then went to work at a GM dealer while I attended college for my bachelors. After I received the Bachelor’s I began teaching Emissions Diagnostics for the State of CT as well as GM as well as working for a GM dealer during the day, and Echlin p/t in the evenings. Echlin was my first exposure into the aftermarket, where I have been ever since. Because of the opportunities that I took advantage of at school, I have been able to work for companies such as Echlin/Dana (Raybestos, Hurst, Accel, Mallory, DFI, Mr. Gasket, Hamburger), Superchips and now HP Tuners.
As for any advice that I would share...There are now a few different types of programs. If you want to prepare for repairing vehicles I suggest attending a college that will offer you an Associates degree in automotive technology. If possible, find one that will allow you to transfer most if not all of your credits into a 4 year school for a bachelors. If you want to do more than repair vehicles, I suggest engineering (Mechanical with as many Electrical courses you can take if you want mechanical engineering, if not, then Electrical unless you have a program that is Automotive Engineering). You may also want to look into coursework at UTI's high performance program or Wyotech. With the schools that offer a degree, you will need the english and the math and history etc. That is a good thing in my opinion. It's helpful with the salary.
If you do go for the 2 year degree, you can go with a program that is affiliated, or not, that is up to you (I know GM, Ford, Dodge, Toyota have affiliate programs). If you are able to get into the program, you will need to have a dealership or repair center sponsor you (let you work for cheap) until you graduate. This doesn't guarantee a job upon graduation, but if you paid attention in school, you may be one of the shop's more valuable techs. As you speak with the school, ask if the program is NATEF certified. ASE certifies mechanics, NATEF certifies schools. Most of the affiliated programs should have NATEF certification. If you attend any of the auto programs and pay attention, the ASE’s should be a piece of cake.
Jay
