Notices
General NON-Automotive Conversation No Political, Sexual or Religious topics please.

Education question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 07:38 PM
  #1  
Munky's Avatar
Munky
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Education question

Okay, so I've been out of high school for a few years (graduated in 2004) and I've decided that while I'm still relatively young (just turned 21), I need to get back in school and do something with my life. I've decided that I want to be a mechanic, but I'm torn whether I want to work on cars or motorcycles. Both I love to be around and work on (with the little knowledge I have).

There's UTI with a Ford program in Glendale Heights, IL (near Chicago) and then there's MMI for motorcycles in Phoenix. I'm wanting to get some opinions from others to see which way I should go. Either way I go I don't want to be limited to just having knowledge on how to work on Harleys or Fords (for example), but I'd like to be able to know I can go to any motorcycle or automotive shop and get a job.

Any and all input/advice/opinions that people can offer I would greately appreciate it.
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 08:58 PM
  #2  
fast frank 66's Avatar
fast frank 66
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
i graduated in 2004 also. i've had a friend go to UTI in pennsylvania and i've had 3 friends that went to the nascar (NTI) in north carolina. 2 of them only completed the basic automotive classes and came home but the other one completed the whole program and is now a welder for roush racing. the others said they just learned basic automotive systems. from what i've heard from them, it's the same as the automotive program at the state university that i go to. i'm not in the automotive program, but all of my classes are in the same building and i've talked with quite a few of those who are.

the only difference i can see is that UTI pretty much garuntees job placement.

i don't think they have a motorcycle section at my school.
 

Last edited by fast frank 66; Jan 1, 2007 at 09:06 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 09:41 PM
  #3  
arctic y block's Avatar
arctic y block
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
Wyo Tech. Nephew went for Hi Pro and can pick most any place he wants to work
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 09:48 PM
  #4  
Munky's Avatar
Munky
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
I've heard a lot of great things about WyoTech. My main problem with them though is they're located in Florida. I'm not a fan of Florida so I'd rather not go there. Nothing against those who do live there, it's just not my cup of tea.
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 09:58 PM
  #5  
stu37d's Avatar
stu37d
Government Teat-sucker
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach
Club FTE Silver Member

What does you local community college offer as far as vocational programs? It would be cheaper than a specialized school, and you could also take a few accounting courses while you're there (in case you decide to run your own business someday).
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 10:08 PM
  #6  
thefarelaneman's Avatar
thefarelaneman
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 0
From: charlotte nc
Most manufactors have their own training schools if you impress them enough to get in. As far a having a job later........for exzample if a guy can do nothing but take a harley apart (repair the broken part) and put it back together he can go anywhere and have a job.........thats all he has to know but he has to know it well.same with marine engines,
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 10:24 PM
  #7  
jake00's Avatar
jake00
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
Club FTE Gold Member
my brother went to uti in GH. then got accepted into the volvo program, Then worked for a volvo dealer for about 18 months, moved back home, and now works in a woodshop

My best freind went to wyotech (wyoming) in 98' graduated, then worked at a volvo dealer till 2004, and decide he wanted to do something else. Is currently going to school for LE.


The way I see it... People want to drive motorcycles, but people must drive cars....
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Jan 1, 2007 | 10:40 PM
  #8  
arctic y block's Avatar
arctic y block
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
Originally Posted by Munky
I've heard a lot of great things about WyoTech. My main problem with them though is they're located in Florida. I'm not a fan of Florida so I'd rather not go there. Nothing against those who do live there, it's just not my cup of tea.
Nephew went to Wyoming. Didn't know there was another one
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 11:02 PM
  #9  
jcg82's Avatar
jcg82
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: ellerbe
Originally Posted by stu37d
What does you local community college offer as far as vocational programs? It would be cheaper than a specialized school, and you could also take a few accounting courses while you're there (in case you decide to run your own business someday).
I think that would be what I would do. A lot cheaper in the long run unless you are on a scholarship or some type of financial aid. This is the route I am going to take if I ever finish my GED classes.
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 11:10 PM
  #10  
nmford's Avatar
nmford
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque
Lot of companies looking for diesel techs. You could look for a good aprenticeship program. One that would allow you to get hands on training on the job plus get your degree from a school.

You need to ask yourself if turning wrenches will be what you really want to do in 5, 10, 15+ years if other thing don't work for you.
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 11:45 PM
  #11  
jake00's Avatar
jake00
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by arctic y block
Nephew went to Wyoming. Didn't know there was another one
They've branched off now, Many people tell me its not the same
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2007 | 01:16 AM
  #12  
RangerRuss's Avatar
RangerRuss
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, CA
Mechanic that works with us is a Wyotech grad. He is very good and can think through some tough challenges.


Russ
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2007 | 05:54 AM
  #13  
Munky's Avatar
Munky
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
I have checked into going to a local school and Ivy Tech here in Indy does have an automotive program, but from those who I've talked to who went there, apparently it's not setup very well. Teachers aren't really those qualified to be teaching and they don't have all the necessary tools. And I didn't realize there was a WyoTech in Wyoming, just thought the only one was in Florida.
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2007 | 12:29 PM
  #14  
jim henderson's Avatar
jim henderson
Postmaster
20 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
I had a friend way back in the 80s who was mechanically inclinded. Instead of automotive, he went into aircraft powerplants and airframes, if I recall.

You might consider aircraft mechanics. I have heard good ones do quite well.

Just an idea,

Jim Henderson
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2007 | 12:42 PM
  #15  
jake00's Avatar
jake00
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
Club FTE Gold Member
FRom what I gather, When Wyotech ccreated all new branches, all the "good" teachers left, the place became commercialized, and now the goal is to get everyone through the program. asap
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:39 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE