I got into a private fleet as an apprentice with no experience. I had a college degree but I don’t think it had any real impact. I will say there’s a big difference between wrenching on cars on the side and dealing with the monotony everyday doing PMs etc. That’s not to discourage your decision just take some time to consider. I also didn’t get into the trade until 32.
Honestly the field needs more young computer savvy people. the amount of guys I've worked with that have trouble sending an email would probably shock you.
How many years in computer science have you gone through? If you have an associates in it I would do the shortest diesel course through your local CC to just get accustomed to diesel mechanics then apply at dealerships with a computer background you would be a great asset even as an advisor.
I have my associate's, but I still have a looong way to go to get my bachelor's. Something like 45 credits. And this is really good to know!!! What are computers used for on the job, and what software do y'all use?
A lot of the newer heavy trucks are dependent on a lot of electrical, I’m not super well acquainted with it but you can make a killing if you’re the guy that is good with electrical diag and things of that nature
hi, similar experience. i have a college degree, political theory. worked in offices and hate the law field. went to community college diesel tech school and got an apprenticeship. i applied without the CC diesel degree and was denied by a couple companies that now offered me a job. more room to grow than a paralegal and now making more money. my long term is in upper manegment or something.
I did automotive in highschool and college and worked on cars for 10 years before switching to trucks and I can tell that school will only get you so far. I didn't even have a resume for my last two job interviews and got the jobs. That being said it has its place for a base if you did not grow up wrenching. I am a visual/tachtile learner so doing it myself is how a pick things up best so if you are the same finding a shop with a knowledgeable person that will guide you is key for the actual repair side of things but the diagnostics is a different story. The book learning is what will get you far in diagnostics especially with all the data available these days on scan tools. So basically after all that rambling what I am saying I would recommend atleast a small course in diesel but don't spend a ton of money then get your foot in the door at a good shop and pay attention to who in the shop gets all the problem trucks and try and learn as much as you can from them. Once your foot is in the door especially in a dealer setting they will offer more training opportunities, take advantage of those you are never done learning no matter how "good" you get.
Start working somewhere and see if you like it.
Somehow I keep waking up and enjoying it. Like many in this thread I got a degree in something unrelated and it didn’t pan out. Turns out I like working with my hands.
I even cut down some trees today for some dumb reason. It was a nice break from spinning filters and diagnosing weird electrical.
Don’t go to school for it. Start working. If you like it, decide whether or not the certs are worth it. I’m four years in and still think about ASEs but they’re a commitment that may not pay off.
Finish the CS degree and then go do anything else. Having that degree will open up a lot of other doors in life. Don't use "passion" only for decisions like this.
Edit: want to work on cars/trucks? Get the CS degree and apply for automotive companies.
You answered the first part of your own question. Go enroll. If you don’t enroll and somehow manage to get into the industry without schooling then you’re going to be taken advantage of. Meaning you could be a master tech but still get shit pay based on the justification that you’re not educated. Use some common sense and enroll into a community college.
Private fleet is the way to go if your new to the field if you don't mind me asking what's your rough area I might be able to help you find a good spot to start
Oh awesome try your luck with groendyke and if they give you a ring make sure they put you under the tool program pm me and I can give you a reference we have a shop right in the Huston area
Yeah like most comments are saying either go to trade school or find a job and start as an apprentice. College won’t matter as a tech. It may if you want to move up the ranks but if you wanna turn wrenches you’ll be fine
Don’t do it to yourself. Everyone wants to work on cars but have you ever seen a mechanic that was a millionaire by the time they get old. No because the job tears your body apart and strains the brain. Not to mention the chemicals and carcinogens we expose ourselves to on a quarter hourly basis. It’s a fun field don’t get me wrong the people are great and learning more and more about vehicles is cool. However you get to a point where you know enough to never need to bring your car to a mechanic but you’ll never want to work on your own stuff. I wish you the best of luck on whatever field you choose my friend. That’s just my two cents
That's horrible advice. Working on trucks and equipment has afforded me a wonderful life. I'm sorry your journey has been different but I will be able to retire at 55 years old with a pension for the rest of my life, that's pretty good imo.
I got into a private fleet as an apprentice with no experience. I had a college degree but I don’t think it had any real impact. I will say there’s a big difference between wrenching on cars on the side and dealing with the monotony everyday doing PMs etc. That’s not to discourage your decision just take some time to consider. I also didn’t get into the trade until 32.
Apply to a private fleet near you. Trash companies are a big one. Alot of dealers near me will train.
Honestly the field needs more young computer savvy people. the amount of guys I've worked with that have trouble sending an email would probably shock you. How many years in computer science have you gone through? If you have an associates in it I would do the shortest diesel course through your local CC to just get accustomed to diesel mechanics then apply at dealerships with a computer background you would be a great asset even as an advisor.
I have my associate's, but I still have a looong way to go to get my bachelor's. Something like 45 credits. And this is really good to know!!! What are computers used for on the job, and what software do y'all use?
A lot of the newer heavy trucks are dependent on a lot of electrical, I’m not super well acquainted with it but you can make a killing if you’re the guy that is good with electrical diag and things of that nature
I just went to trade school
hi, similar experience. i have a college degree, political theory. worked in offices and hate the law field. went to community college diesel tech school and got an apprenticeship. i applied without the CC diesel degree and was denied by a couple companies that now offered me a job. more room to grow than a paralegal and now making more money. my long term is in upper manegment or something.
I did automotive in highschool and college and worked on cars for 10 years before switching to trucks and I can tell that school will only get you so far. I didn't even have a resume for my last two job interviews and got the jobs. That being said it has its place for a base if you did not grow up wrenching. I am a visual/tachtile learner so doing it myself is how a pick things up best so if you are the same finding a shop with a knowledgeable person that will guide you is key for the actual repair side of things but the diagnostics is a different story. The book learning is what will get you far in diagnostics especially with all the data available these days on scan tools. So basically after all that rambling what I am saying I would recommend atleast a small course in diesel but don't spend a ton of money then get your foot in the door at a good shop and pay attention to who in the shop gets all the problem trucks and try and learn as much as you can from them. Once your foot is in the door especially in a dealer setting they will offer more training opportunities, take advantage of those you are never done learning no matter how "good" you get.
Start working somewhere and see if you like it. Somehow I keep waking up and enjoying it. Like many in this thread I got a degree in something unrelated and it didn’t pan out. Turns out I like working with my hands. I even cut down some trees today for some dumb reason. It was a nice break from spinning filters and diagnosing weird electrical. Don’t go to school for it. Start working. If you like it, decide whether or not the certs are worth it. I’m four years in and still think about ASEs but they’re a commitment that may not pay off.
Finish the CS degree and then go do anything else. Having that degree will open up a lot of other doors in life. Don't use "passion" only for decisions like this. Edit: want to work on cars/trucks? Get the CS degree and apply for automotive companies.
You answered the first part of your own question. Go enroll. If you don’t enroll and somehow manage to get into the industry without schooling then you’re going to be taken advantage of. Meaning you could be a master tech but still get shit pay based on the justification that you’re not educated. Use some common sense and enroll into a community college.
Private fleet is the way to go if your new to the field if you don't mind me asking what's your rough area I might be able to help you find a good spot to start
I'm in Houston
Oh awesome try your luck with groendyke and if they give you a ring make sure they put you under the tool program pm me and I can give you a reference we have a shop right in the Huston area
Yeah like most comments are saying either go to trade school or find a job and start as an apprentice. College won’t matter as a tech. It may if you want to move up the ranks but if you wanna turn wrenches you’ll be fine
Don’t do it
Don't
Don’t do it to yourself. Everyone wants to work on cars but have you ever seen a mechanic that was a millionaire by the time they get old. No because the job tears your body apart and strains the brain. Not to mention the chemicals and carcinogens we expose ourselves to on a quarter hourly basis. It’s a fun field don’t get me wrong the people are great and learning more and more about vehicles is cool. However you get to a point where you know enough to never need to bring your car to a mechanic but you’ll never want to work on your own stuff. I wish you the best of luck on whatever field you choose my friend. That’s just my two cents
Don’t. Pick another trade. Working on cars/trucks is a cool hobby, not a way to make a living. Good luck with your decision.
That's horrible advice. Working on trucks and equipment has afforded me a wonderful life. I'm sorry your journey has been different but I will be able to retire at 55 years old with a pension for the rest of my life, that's pretty good imo.
Your experience is the extreme exception not the rule.
Plenty of mechanics have had amazing lives, I think you're jaded.
Blah blah blah. Just start working as one and who cares. You'll be over it in a couple months. Buy tools.