Hey Guys,

I've decided that I'm young enough and acclimated enough to school that when I get out of college(hopefully within the next 14 months ) I'm going to take night courses in auto repair. Try to become a certified mechanic(I can't remember the letters!). I'd probably not work in a shop but for me having the knowledge would be worth the money and since I think owning and working on cars is going to be a lifelong hobby(obsession?) I'm gonna go for it. I'm not sure where I'll be working after I graduate, since I'm not particular(money first, location second...gotta be able to afford more cars ya know!). Anyway, was looking for some insight on what types of schools to look for and what the actual learning environment is like, I know many of the members here are certified. What's it take?

Thanks
Scot

Take some general auto repair classes at a community college. That will give you a good basis for learning.Though you are already past this,you can also get an associates degree in auto repair and become ASE certified after that easily.

That's the joke with family and friends...Bachelors of Science...Masters in Buisness...Associates?

Community college might offer something, hadn't thought of that!

Would the level of hands on education be better at another type of school? Is there even a school that would offer hands on education in this field?

Scot

hey Scot, for a nominal fee I'll let ya work on the Babe! after all she's almost the same as yours

Community College is the way to go. There is both class and hands on. I teach at Stark State College of Technology in Canton OH. According to GM we are the 5th highest rated auto tech school in the country. I will be happy to answer any questions. Some schools are excellent, some are not so good. I highly recommend a good one to learn from.
I am ASE MAT, MTT, MPB CMT those initals are
ASE, National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence
MAT, Master Automobile Technician
MTT, Master Truck Technician
MPB, Master Paint and Body Technician
CMT, Certified Machinist Technician

If you come to Canton, I will be one of your instructors. I know, too far to commute Hey there is a 75 here that need a lot of work, but no the students don't work on it. Maybe I could make an exception

Ken Styer

|UPDATED|3/24/2004 9:51:07 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Ken, if you don't mind...what are the top four rated schools? Where is that information available? (don't want to end up at the bottom 3rd school...again ). What sort of classes are offered in an ASE/MAT type of course anyway?

Once I graduate from here I'm not really interested in where I live, but what I'm doing there and how much I'm being paid to do it. I'll add Canton, OH to the list of places to apply to jobs in/near. Got family in OH, Akron? and definitely Toledo.

I'll work on your 75 as long as you supervise n make sure I get it right(and don't get too mad if I don't!). The other condition would be that you have to give some advice on the work needed for MY 75! As if you haven't already!

Scot
More and more excited about the future every day!

I wish I had the list that GM presented, but I don't. I was just told where we rate. It was presented a few months ago in Las Vegas.

Did I say I teach the afternoon and evening classes for second year students? Yep, you would be one of mine. That would be cool. Some of my students already think I'm a Vette nut. They are not wrong.

Your credits could transfer, so you would only need the auto classes and not the related classes for the associates degree. The courses include everything mechanical between the bumpers. Suspension, steering and alignment, brakes, engine, cooling, heating and A/C, transmission automatic and manual, driveline, electrical, electronics, computers, fuel injection, engine controls, and more.

I live in Cuyahoga Falls, just north of Akron. Canton is south. I go 20 miles each way. Only 25 minutes. Your family in Akron might remember my show. About 6 years ago I did a call in talk show called "Car Time" on WAKR 1590 AM radio on Sat afternoon at 5 to 6 PM. That was a lot of fun.

Ken Styer

|UPDATED|3/25/2004 12:38:44 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Ken, I just popped in to say that I am glad you are staying around here at C3VR. I know that with the last couple of days of folks saying that the $10.00 a YEAR is to much and then leaving, It is good to know that guys with your background of expertise are staying. I would vote for a motion to give you a free membership to this group for you to stay. The info you bring to this forum is worth tons more than any membership fee to me. I just wanted to say thanks!

Vince

hey, what about us guys who ask the questions? Ken wouldn't get the chance to show how smart he is.
Ken, you've got me considering enrolling in your classes and I live in Mentor. a little bit longer than a 25 min drive.
Hank

Nashville Auto-Diesel College is usually highly rated. They have several paths in automotive, diesel, body, etc. Might check them out. I think it is www.nadc.com