Entry level auto tech jobs

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May 10, 2004 | 09:36 PM

carpe_diem

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 1,314

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Entry level auto tech jobs

I got one offer, it's in D.C. area and it pays 9/hour. I realize that in D.C. that's not much, but the large dealership promised to send me to classes and get SAE certified. It seems like I can learn a lot about the trade.

Question, how long does it take to get SAE, and does it specialize in something, i.e. is there SAE in tranny, brakes or what? Secondly, how long would it take me to get to the point where I can make more than that? Let's say 15/hour? I've messed with tech stuff for years but have totally no professional experience and thus no leverage to ask for more. There is a big difference between shade tree mechanics and pro work.

It sounds a whole lot more attractive than doing landscaping and ditch-digging which is what I've been doing since the high-tech computer market collapsed... Under the hot souther sun, it gets real old real fast.

P.S. I have to ask here since the General Discussion has dissappeared.

May 10, 2004 | 09:43 PM

WastegateChad

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Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 102

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From: Norcross, GA

It's ASE and once you get that and more experience under your belt you'll have a lot more leverage. Ask a lot of questions though. Dealerships here offer that but that's 2 years of school then locked into that dealership for 3 more years so i hope you like where you're working. For me I'd rather pay my way and have the ability to choose. Try to get on with a smaller shop and pay your way. That way you'll be able to work on many differnt manufacturers as opposed to mainly what the dealer sells. I know here in Atlanta ASE certified mechs can make 50-60K according to ads placed just recently.

I'm looking to get on with my mechanic for chump wages just get my foot in the door and learn from a guy who has been in the biz for decades. Thankfully my wife makes good $ so I don't need to make a lot. I just want to be able to pay for school and some tools.

May 10, 2004 | 09:59 PM

johare

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 681

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From: Springfield, IL USA

There are ASE certifications for almost all of the automotive systems; engines, fuel systems, transmissions, etc. I am not sure of all the different designations but there are many different certifications available through ASE.

May 11, 2004 | 07:31 AM

Will_01_GT

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2003

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I'm going to assume it a Ford dealer ship

any way go to this site and ask your questions, there are many very helpful, cool people on this site. http://flatratetech.com/ btw, I'm in HiTech myslef working as as a contractor, next time I'm out of work, I'm going back to school for the same degree you have, Good luck, at least its a skill you can't out source to Banglore India

May 11, 2004 | 08:33 AM

Hossy

Junior User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 52

Likes: 1

I am ase certified in all eight auto tech catagories as well as L1 for recognized emission repair techs. As for as i know all you have to do is sign up and pay for the tests. The intial tests are longer than the recerts, which you'll have to do every five years. It can be a good honest living if you make it that way. However your hot in the summer, cold in the winter, you get wet from rainy cars and soaked from snow covered cars, it can very very frustrating trying to make good flatrate time when business is slow or you get crap work. Just look into, and $9.00 is way to cheap.Don't let abuse ya!!

May 11, 2004 | 11:34 AM

carpe_diem

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 1,314

Likes: 35

Will_01_GT,

Thanks for the link. I used to work as a Unix systems admin, it was good while it lasted but these days as you know, all these jobs have gone offshore and finding a contract is like winning the lottery. Unless you want to work for govt or do data entry for 8/hour. Neither one is palatable for me.

Hossy ,

Yeah, I know it's working for peanuts, however I asked 3 different places and that's what I heard. Without any real world experience, or any certs, it is real tough. You take what they give you.

It is a huge dealership which includes Ford where I hope to get transferred. I talked to the hiring manager and he told me, master techs make 27/hour. I thought their overall rates were a bit low, so this means I will have to move to greener pastures. Right now, my choices are extremely limited. Either that, or work at some Quick-Lube place who are always hiring, another low-paying, dead-end job. But I do need a year or two of every day work on this to get my skills.