Tech shool

[ToolGlutton]

I'm a DIYer and is very interested in getting some formal training, when I am free. There is a Technological College in our town. But it seems that they only accept full-time students.

Anyone could tell me where I can get some short-term training?

Thanks.

 

[billymade]

Check your local community college.

 

[klswvu]

Try local Vo-Tech schools. They usually offer classes (no degree) that are a few nights a week.

Most are nights only due to high school classes during the day, at least around here.

 

[ToolGlutton]

Thank you all for the reply. I appreciate your advice.

Have a great weekend!

 

[lauver]

You might want to explore Junior Colleges in your area. Many JC's, but not all, have vocational training in addition to academic training. Agriculture departments often offer vocational training (i.e. mechanics, engineering, welding, fabrication, and special math classes that are geared toward these vocational fields) as well. JC's, unlike specialized Vo-Tech schools, are geared to part time adult students.

I can't speak for all Vo-Tech schools, but some offer evening extension classes for folks like you and me that do not want a degree or a trade career. The instructors are usually practicing trades people who have day jobs and only teach part time. I attended one Vo-Tech for about 6 semesters and took some really helpful and interesting classes in welding and body work. They were geared to part-timers, were very hands on, and the instructors expected you to have your own projects to work on. I was able to complete a project vehicle and learn a lot in 6 short semesters, @ 1 evening a week. Best money I ever spent.

 

[jay50]

If possilble, go to night classes at your local CC. In my experience, the night classes have the serious students who have worked all day but want to learn a new trade.

I went to night classes part time for 6 years. All of my instructors were Chrylser or GM mastertechs who had wrenched all day and taught at night. They had motor oil instead of blood in their veins and really enjoyed teaching others. Learned quit a bit from them when launched me into the auto repair trade.

Stay away from day classes if possilbe. Too many kids in class just cause mommy and daddy paid their way and kids are still trying to act like the high school class clown.

Night classes have fewer students in my experience.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I'm 95% self-taught. I just did a lot of reading, and anything i didn't know, or was interested in went and found in-depth articles. Best way of learning is hands-on.

I went to college for a year and learned one thing. What was it? I learned what caster was.

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

I'm 95% self-taught. I just did a lot of reading, and anything i didn't know, or was interested in went and found in-depth articles. Best way of learning is hands-on.

I went to college for a year and learned one thing. What was it? I learned what caster was.

That's the wheels on your tool box right?

 

[magick]

Isn't it the person that pours material into a cast?

 

[WSMC633]

Here's an alternative:

Try finding a small local shop who does what you're interested in and offer your services. We're more than happy to teach while we're working on stuff in exchange for some help around the shop doing stuff that is a pain. AKA Taking the trash down to the dumpsters, mopping the shop, doing prep work on stuff etc. etc. Plus our helper brought in their project for some help and gets hands on help, in a shop full of tools. You never know, it may even turn into a little bit of side money for you if you are really helpful. Obviously that would never fly at a dealership or something, but at a shop like mine, it's working out really good. Just remember to make sure you don't get abused doing it. ie: always cleaning and not ever learning!

We have an "apprentice" working at our shop. It's baffling how someone could be in their second year or tech school and know so little. Plus, they are offered nearly zero hands on experience. No idea how to clean some Carbs! Anyway, Apparently they can bring in their own project car/bike whatever and that is the hands on experience. Definitely has learned more with us in the last 3 months than in a year @ Trade Tech.

 

[Elroy]

I'm a DIYer and is very interested in getting some formal training, when I am free. There is a Technological College in our town. But it seems that they only accept full-time students.

Anyone could tell me where I can get some short-term training?

Thanks.

Buy an old car and take it apart and put it back together again. You'll find the training course and material conveniently located in your driveway. And READ technical publications. The HP line of books are generally excellent.

 

[toolfreak]

Hands on is the best approach. I work with several guys that went to tech schools, some of them have 2 years and others have one year of schooling and the one is really dumb and the others don't impress me. I have learned by hands on, although I wish I went to a tech school for that piece of paper. Alot of jobs around here want a two year degree even with no job experience but they won't even consider a person with 3 or 4 years of experience.

 

[eschoendorff]

Lauver was on the right track...

Check out your local community college. Many (here in MI) have automotive programs. I have heard that our own Washtenaw Community College has one of the better ones. Get started with some classes.

THEN look into WSMC633's advice and seek a sort of apprenticeship. Many shops are willing to work with someone who is taking classes (has some sort of formal training) as opposed to starting someone off from zero.

 

[Nova72]

my experience is that there are different names, but a local two year school is a great option. with some time, you can most likely get grants/funding ect to reduce you out of pocket expense.

i have an associates degree in Auto Service from a 2 year school, and am now working towards my bachelors in something totally different.. got the associates because i wanted to, and i could. the state paid for me to go to a community college while i was in highschool, so i got my associates 2 weeks after my highschool graduation at 18 years old...

 

[Merkava_4]

Stay away from day classes if possilbe. Too many kids in class just cause mommy and daddy paid their way and kids are still trying to act like the high school class clown.

Night classes have fewer students in my experience.

I know exactly what you mean jay; those daytime kids go around calling each other by their last names like they're still in high school.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

That's the wheels on your tool box right?

Yeah, but it's non-adjustable.