Automotive college?
 

So I'm looking into a career change and just want some opinions on school. I'm thinking about wyotech, and meeting with a rep on the 30th to go over some options. My wife wants me to look into some local options first. I don't really wanna go through the general credits like at century just rather get there and start learning.

All feedback is welcome. Thanks

Re: Automotive college?
 

Rumor has it dunwoody is pretty good for automotive stuff, and a lot cheaper then wyotech.

On a side note, I've heard many not-so-good things about UTI.

Re: Automotive college?
 

Any reason you want to get into the auto career field?

If its something you are truly passionate about then go for it, but I know a lot of people that thought it would be cool and now they don't make enough money doing it or they are so burned out on cars they don't care to work on their own.

Good luck, my brother went to wyotech it was awesome, but he had mechanic ability before he went there, that just taught him the theories and reasoning behind automotive stuff.

Re: Automotive college?
 

I think I'm just looking for a change and not to concerned about the money. I was a union floorcover so i'd always have that to fall back on. If I were to get burnt out.

Thanks for the advice Aaron.

Re: Automotive college?
 

Yep, I still kick myself for wasting money going there.

Check out all local options before jumping into a big name auto school. A lot of auto schools are the same, and the name is what makes them cost more. UTI is def not for everyone, and from what I have heard, neither is wyotech.

St. Paul Tech has a pretty good program from what I have heard (this being 2 years ago, when I was looking to go back to an auto field).

Also, make sure it's something you want to do. It's not glamourous, I have had friends work in the field and hated it. You are gonna be working on old, beaten down cars most likely, and nobody really likes working on them. Just make sure it's for you, before dumping money into schooling.

There will be work though, cars are getting older everyday, and someone has to be there to fix them.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do though!

Re: Automotive college?
 

Yeah this will def. not be an overnight decision. But I have some ins already if I choose to go this route.

With local schools do you have to do generals? St.Paul tech, century, dunwoody ect...

Re: Automotive college?
 

I got to Dunwoody going back sep 8th any questions or would like inside view pictures of facility etc let me know.

Re: Automotive college?
 

You will have to look into that. I believe you can test out of most of the generals, if you don't want to take them.

Re: Automotive college?
 

Everyone I've talked to about Wyotech and UTI more or less regrets the decision one way or another, but I have heard nothing but good things about Dunwoody. I know one of the auto teachers at Dunwoody, he autocrosses a supercharged Miata, and Dunwoody recently picked up an Acura TSX that previously lived life as an instructor car at Mid-Ohio. I can put you in touch with him if you would like.

Re: Automotive college?
 

Matt that would be awesome, that route would be alot more family friendly. I guess I should of mentioned the away time from wife and kids!

Re: Automotive college?
 

^ Teach Is Mr. Frizwald im so excited for advanced electrical with him. Dude is awesome. I missed both events of him racing the school Accura salty i was.

Re: Automotive college?
 

I've also heard some good things about Dunwoody. My cousin graduated from UTI Chicago and he jumped right on as a Toyota Tech. You'd definitely have to have a passion for the automotive world. I can't see myself doing/working on other vehicles but if I had a passion for it, it'd be different. I wouldn't mind learning about the automotive stuff, but working on other cars is just isn't my thing.

Re: Automotive college?
 

I graduated from Dunwoody in '06 for Collision repair and refinishing. I'd definitely recommend you look into that school over UTI/Wyotech. Dunwoody isn't as cheap as most of the other local tech schools with automotive programs, but they are much more thoural in the materials they teach. I work with two people who came from Wyotech, and judging by what they have demonstrated, they don't know much other than how to talk up their (lack of) skills.

Re: Automotive college?
 

Thanks guys it really looks like dunwoody is getting some good feedback!

Re: Automotive college?
 

I PM'd Lee (teacher at Dunwoody) for his contact information on another forum, will let you know when he replies.

Re: Automotive college?
 

Thanks again Matt I'll be looking forward to speaking with him.

Re: Automotive college?
 

The dumbest person about cars I know went to Wyotech; that's all I've got to say on the subject.

Re: Automotive college?
 

I am going to Wyotech come September. I know a lot of people say that a lot of dumb people come out of there. But it is what you make it, if you don't pay attention and screw around you will not learn much. I really liked Wyotech because of its optional classes, such as high performance engine and drivetrain, chassis fab and design, hot rod and restoration etc. You will be meeting with Pete assume? If so he is a really nice guy he doesn't try to push you into going and he is very helpful. If you have any questions you can pm me if you. I have also taken a tour of the Blairsville campus and its looks to be a very nice place.

Re: Automotive college?
 

I'd say HTC or DunnWoody

They are local and from what I've seen in the past is the UTI/Wyo applications get put at the bottom of the stack at most shops.