Question for certified technicions & mechanics

[lokerola]

First, hello and thanks for checking out this post. I'm considering a change in careers and my eye is seriously looking at becoming an automotive technition/mechanic. I really like Porsche's and have heard good things about the training offered at UTI (universal technical institute,) and the related Porsche TAP program.

I was wondering of there were any certified (or not certified,) mechanics, technitions, or other employed Porsche mechanical professionals who might be willing to offer any insights (good or bad,) into the industry and of being a mechanic.

Thanks a lot!!
Alex

[lokerola]

Sorry about that!

[Axeman]

Actually I would be really interested in becoming some sort of Porsche certified technician as well. I'm currently a Cisco Engineer and the whole IT world is absolutely killing me. Where would I start? I'm willing to learn this stuff slowly and take a few years before I make a career change. I'm located in Los Angeles so I'm not sure if there are any schools around here. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
--Michael

[PORSHIN]

There are technical schools and programs all over the country. The best thing to do would be to speak with the service manager at the type of repair facility you would prefer to work at. Ask him what kind of background he prefers and which schools he would recommend. After all, he's the guy you will be talking to when you're ready to go to work! There is a severe shortage of truly dedicated and skilled techs in this country right now. When a service manager finds someone who is genuinely interested, he may be willing to help with some on the job training while you are attending formal instruction. Most will gladly provide continued education during your employment with them. Be careful though, if your hobby becomes your job, your hobby may not feel like a hobby any more.

Rob
85 Carerra (hobby)
Advanced Level Certified Master Technician (25 yrs, still don't know everything, nobody does, nobody ever will)

[Joeaksa]

One thing you guys might want to look into is aircraft mechanics school.

There are schools all over the country and once you have a license as a aircraft mechanic, shops realize that there is little difference in a four or six cylinder air cooled aircraft motor and a six cylinder aircooled Porsche. Usually takes 18 months and you also normally end up with a Associates Degree as well.

Its a lot more technical in various areas and you end up with a license thats worth gold if you like airplanes... and works well with cars as well!

Joe

[PORSHIN]

Airplane engines can be similar but the emissions and fuel control systems on modern cars require knowledge you won't get from airplane training. That knowledge is critical and very important if working on cars is what you want to do. A good Automotive college will also offer associate degree. And it is a lot more valuable if cars are what you plan on working on. I say this because I am a service manager in a dealership and was a line tech for many years. I once hired an aircraft mechanic and though he was great at the mechanical things he had very limited knowledge of the automotive electronics. Automobiles these days use very sensitive and complicated electronic systems that aren't even used on planes. Also planes don't have transmissions, steering and suspension, air bags, differentials, anti-lock brakes, and so on.
Rob

[derkpitt]

If you guys decided on the AMT path, be prepared for a life of working nights and weekends. Ask me how I know.
AMT for 21 years with a major airline.
Fly all day, fix all night.

[Wayne 962]

Working on other people's cars can get real old after a while. I think that the challenge goes out of it...

-Wayne

P.S. This is probably the first message on this board entered on a wireless PocketPC! Very cool, though very difficult to enter text...

[juan ruiz]

From my Point of View,
18 Years as a Diesel Mechanic,From a Associated Degree in Automobile Technology,Small Business and Diesel Technology we learn it all from Brakes,A/C,Paint Welding Etc Etc I always enjoy the Body & Paint and did many projects in the past but I choose to go to the Diesel World, from Diesel Vans,Trucks,Const Equipt
Locomotives,Generators,Marine Engines,and the list goes with a great Deal of situacions,I start Washing Trucks and 18 years later work for a Major Diesel Manufactor of Slow and Medium Speed Diesel engines,Travel all over the World and make over six figure income sure it sound good but when you and your family get used to this lifestyle you can never go back,many hours of hard work both mental and manual,99% of the people look at you as a GREASE MECHANIC no Glamour thats for sure NO ONE Aprecites your hard work and then when you Can't perform anymore you are useless for the company,Cars as mention before will get Old Fast,but if you MUST go into this Go for the ELECTRONICS you can never go wrong there, light work and some what good pay,
If not joint the rest of us that feel like a rat in a box

[lokerola]

Thanks for the input guys. Sounds like there's a common feeling of "watch out when your hobby becomes your work, it can become all work and no fun".

Thanks again.

[expat]

My brother in law loved cars and engines. Decided out of school to become a mechanic. Did the training blah blah and worked on big diesel projects like Juan from generation plant to 18 wheelers. Worked his butt off and insane hours to get plant and equip back on line quick. Like Juan, no thanks. His cars became a pile of 'to do' projects just the same as his fathers E type jag that he pulled apart and never got back together.

Cars and engines became a grind (excuse the pun).

Chucked it all in and started pumping gas at an airfield in exchange for flying lessons. Also worked on the plane engines while getting enough hours got get his licence. Eventually became a commercial pilot. Today he again 'plays' with cars and engines and doesn't necessarily regret his time soaking in grease and grime but feels it was a sh#tty way to live. (He also thinks auto electrics is a good motor industry).

Just a story that reinforces the hobby becoming the nightmare.

Whatever you do I reckon it's worth remembering to 'work to live' not 'live to work'.

Having said that, I have huge respect for many mechanics who have pride and enthusiasm for their work and deal with other peoples huge expectations.

Good luck.

Cheers
Mark

[juan ruiz]

Ex, AMEN TO THAT!

[Joe911]

Used to be in the automotive business (imported parts stores and repair shops). Consequently, I have had the opportunity to employ many good and bad mechanics. One can earn a very good living performing auto repair. I had several that would make well over $1K each week (this was the 80s). However, it comes with a cost - it is a physically difficult job - particularly for your hands. Many of the guys (never had any female mechanics) would say that when they were young they loved it - but as they got older - chronic back and hand pain was common. Some of the best, as they got older (45ish) would end up in some supervisory role - but often they would lack the interpersonal skills to mentor/supervise the others.

Unfortunately - they often would loose the "love" for the personal cars as it now became too much like work to spend time in the garage at home.