Mechanics and Related Jobs
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Racine, Wisconsin
Here is a post from a BMW Forum:
"Ever thought about going to school to be a BMW tech? It'* really the best of both worlds. You don't have to deal with joe public very often, you get to be around the cars and learn something new everyday, you never ever know what you are going to run into making each day different. There'* some stress and BS, most of it revolving around flat-rate, but for the money it'* easy to deal with.
I personally went to tech school for 6 months, went to BMW STEP for 6 months, then made 53K my first year. Second year I made 71K, third year 76K, 4th year 85K, and now I'm in a salary position into 6 figures, all at the ripe old age of 27. And I'm in a city that has low cost of living.......certainly nothing like NY.
I personally love my job........couldn't see myself doing anything else.
""
I think Dan'* perspective is well worth noting. I'd speculate part of Dan'* perspective may of resulted from being paid dealer book, where in Wisconsin changing out a fuel pump on a Blazer can easily take 90 more minutes and be a pain in the azz, when compared to changing out the same fuel pump on a Arizona Blazer. Rust/ corrossion can make every simple job turn into a major task.
Maybe if you are super professional, working on BMWs might be a great path for certain individuals.
"Ever thought about going to school to be a BMW tech? It'* really the best of both worlds. You don't have to deal with joe public very often, you get to be around the cars and learn something new everyday, you never ever know what you are going to run into making each day different. There'* some stress and BS, most of it revolving around flat-rate, but for the money it'* easy to deal with.
I personally went to tech school for 6 months, went to BMW STEP for 6 months, then made 53K my first year. Second year I made 71K, third year 76K, 4th year 85K, and now I'm in a salary position into 6 figures, all at the ripe old age of 27. And I'm in a city that has low cost of living.......certainly nothing like NY.
I personally love my job........couldn't see myself doing anything else.
""
I think Dan'* perspective is well worth noting. I'd speculate part of Dan'* perspective may of resulted from being paid dealer book, where in Wisconsin changing out a fuel pump on a Blazer can easily take 90 more minutes and be a pain in the azz, when compared to changing out the same fuel pump on a Arizona Blazer. Rust/ corrossion can make every simple job turn into a major task.
Maybe if you are super professional, working on BMWs might be a great path for certain individuals.
I guess I'll have to move out of the rust belt then...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Racine, Wisconsin
Anyone know anything about training programs or techs schools?
Was looking at the GM ASEP program. Pretty much alternate between GM dealership and school for 2 years.
Otherwise, places such as Wyotech, UTI and other tech schools. Go there then into training program (UTI is partnered with BMW STEP program)
Was looking at the GM ASEP program. Pretty much alternate between GM dealership and school for 2 years.
Otherwise, places such as Wyotech, UTI and other tech schools. Go there then into training program (UTI is partnered with BMW STEP program)
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I'm a mechanic at a GM dealer, did the ASEP program, it was great! Took about 3 years to complete, you go to school 8 weeks at a time then work for between 6 and 8 months. Been at a dealer for 7 years now and have been a licenced tech for almost 4 years. I make 24/hour flat rate, could be making over 30 in the city but don't feel like commuting everyday, plus I've heard it can be very stressful in the city! If you have any specific questions feel free to ask.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a 4 Banger
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Racine, Wisconsin
Where did you go to school?
The closest places to me are technical colleges.
I've been reading and it seems the consensus is that the tech schools are a waste of money. Because you can get the same education from community/tech college.
The closest places to me are technical colleges.
I've been reading and it seems the consensus is that the tech schools are a waste of money. Because you can get the same education from community/tech college.
BANNED
True Car Nut
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,989
Likes: 4
From: Usa
I'm going to school at a technical college. They're NATEF certified and I get an actual degree out of it. I'll also get my ASE certs out of it too if I pass the tests. I'm not looking for manufacturer certification, as I'll be doing my own shop. Yes I know if you don't work for the dealer, you won't be able to fix a lot of new cars. That'* not what I intend to do in the long run.
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I went to school at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario. It was great! I'm sure if you researched some local colleges/trade schools you could find one in your area that does the ASEP program, they're very popular programs in this area.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GTP2SSEi
Bonneville GXP/ Northstar Powered Cars
15
Sep 5, 2004 05:58 AM
OLBlueEyesBonne
General GM Chat
0
May 29, 2004 09:04 PM