Career with cars

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Benz-27

Benz-27

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Maryland, USA
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GTP_Benz-27
Ok, so I'll be 14 in about a week and I live in Baltimore MD. I've been thinking about what I want to do later in life. My first thought was to get a well paying job and live a good life. I then realised that I REALLY want to work around cars. I would like to become a driver as everyone would but I also would like to work on cars. I want to go to Tuner School after I graduate high school if something related to racing doesn't pop up. I also was thinking about joining the SCCA when I get a car. Do you guys have any advice to help me out or inform me a liitle more? Also if you work around cars for a living how did you get there?

Sorry if there's already a thread about this topic. I'm on the mobile app and the search function isn't that great.
 
Im a fully qualified mechainc by trade here in Aus, am very passionate about the job but the pay is pretty lame unfortunantly.

Would reccomend you do your 4 year apprenticeship first whilst working in a decent sized workshop that turns over atleast 5-10 cars per day becuase your going to need the experiance. I would also reccomend branching out and learning everything there is to know about diesel and trucks (biggest money makers)

Whilst your doing all this you will be picking things up regarding performance & whatnot so I would reccomend doing tuner school after you complete your initial studies and have a very good/solid understanding of motor vehicles & how they work. No matter how much you thin you know everyday mechanics are learning new things when it comes to cars.

With performance school i would really do alot of read up & study on electrical systems, especially motor vehicle ECU's and things like that because I guarantee atleast 75% of tuner school will be about tuning cars to get the most out of the motor/ecu combo.

In regards to race cars thats something you will have to learn through experiance.

one of the biggest thing's i see alot of new mechanics not realsing is that road cars have been designed for the road thus there pretty crap on a race track due to lack of engineering, if you dont learn this early on you will fail as a race car tech.

PM me if you have any specific questions
 
Pay for mechanics (or "technicians") in the States is pretty good if you really dedicate yourself to it. That means earning most, if not all of the ASE Certifications. Success also comes with experience. I know a lot about cars, but most of my knowledge comes from working on my own vehicles. I did attend a technical college for automotive courses, but it was a small school and it was their first year, so I didn't really learn much from it. (there's $20k down the drain)

My advice, make sure you go to a proper school like UTI or Wyotech if you really want to go that route. Both of those schools will train you on everything it takes to repair a car in today's world, but they also offer courses on car modification as well.

Good luck. 👍
 
I'm about to go to college soon myself. I have always loved cars ever since. And I would love to design bodykits, build project cars and make some sweet showcars for any car show. I would one day like to have my own tuner shop/custom car shop and maybe a race and drift team someday. I talked with my family and friends on what courses I want to take up, here are the courses I want to take up: Automotive Egineering/Mechinal Engineering, Multimedia Arts and Automotive Tech. Are these some good choices to set me to reach my goals?

And inclusion, do I need to join any small track day or racing league at my local race track and should I hang around tuner/fabrcation shops to understand what goes on also?

I also planning on getting my car soon and(if I'm lucky) two cars(one as the project car).

Here is the list of cars I perfer to work on: Subaru Impreza WRX STi '04-'07, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 or 9, Honda S2000 '01-'05, Toyota Supra '93-'98, Toyota MR2 '89-'98, Nissan 350Z '03-'06, Toyota Tacoma X-Runner '04-'07, Nissan 240SX/S13/14 '89-'98, Nissan 300ZX '89-'98, Mistubishi 3000GT VR4 '96-'01, Mitsubishi Esclipse GSX '96-'98, Lexus IS300 '02-'05, Pontaic GTO '04-'06, Mazda RX7 '92-'97 or a Dodge Challenger '08. I know it's a long list but these are some I am thinking about.

But to shorten it up. I thought about the STi, Evo, Supra, S2000, RX7, the two Zs, MR2, 3000GT and the IS300. Are these some good ideas? Let me know what you think.

By the way, I live in Las Vegas, NV. But I want anyone ideas, thoughts and advice to get me started. Thanks!
 
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Go speak with a career counselor at your high school or local technical college/university.

They'll be able to tell you exactly what courses you need, what jobs it will prepare you for, what those jobs pay on average, and what schools they would recommend.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. I forgot about UTI and Wyotech, I'll try to go to one of those when I can.
 
The other thing to suggest is that unless you're absolutely certain about a particular career around cars, don't back yourself into a corner by choosing a career path that's too specific and difficult to find jobs for.

Shouldn't be a problem with things like engineers or mechanics as they're always in demand and it's a skill you can apply to a wide range of automotive careers, but something like car design is much, much more difficult - so many people want to do it and there are so few positions available. You don't want to head towards a career like that only to find the only product design jobs you can get are for designing dishwashers and kettles.

For something like engineering, mechanic jobs, tuning companies etc I'd recommend trying to firstly do some work experience at a local shop - even if it's unpaid, basically just to figure out how things work. After that, look for apprenticeships. It's quite common for people to get jobs from apprenticeships, and once you've got your foot in the door then it's much easier to make a career in it.
 
Start planning to try to get into UTI. There's one in Boston and one in Philly which is pretty close to you. I had a buddy graduate from there and he now owns his own garage here locally and is making a very good living.

If engineering is more your thing, we have Kettering University here in Michigan that is basically a 5 year work/study program where you come out with a job. You go to school three months then you work three month at typically one of the Big Three or an automotive supplier. I know several people who went there who all now have excellent jobs.
 
VspecZR1GT2RS89
Here is the list of cars I perfer to work on: Subaru Impreza WRX STi '04-'07, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 or 9, Honda S2000 '01-'05, Toyota Supra '93-'98, Toyota MR2 '89-'98, Nissan 350Z '03-'06, Toyota Tacoma X-Runner '04-'07, Nissan 240SX/S13/14 '89-'98, Nissan 300ZX '89-'98, Mistubishi 3000GT VR4 '96-'01, Mitsubishi Esclipse GSX '96-'98, Lexus IS300 '02-'05, Pontaic GTO '04-'06, Mazda RX7 '92-'97 or a Dodge Challenger '08. I know it's a long list but these are some I am thinking about.

But to shorten it up. I thought about the STi, Evo, Supra, S2000, RX7, the two Zs, MR2, 3000GT and the IS300. Are these some good ideas? Let me know what you think.
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As a mechanic, you are not going to limit yourself to any particular models of cars unless you own your own shop, or don't want to make any serious money. Ninety percent of the cars out there are average daily drivers, and they are going to naturally be the backbone of your paycheck. It's likely easier to start with a single marque (or a family of them) and learn the trade from there, before you try your hand at a variety of makes and models, unless you're only going to change oil/filter, brakes, and replace tires.

The simple fact is that not everyone drives a sports car, so limiting yourself to a tiny niche market sounds nice, but the reality is that you can't ignore the beaters, family sedans, minivans, trucks, and SUVs...never mind the service manager and dispatcher will tell you what vehicle to work on. Most shops pay you on flat rate hours (except when you're training), so you'll gladly work on the Chevy Impala that pays 3.5 hours for a bunch of work, rather than the Evo owner who might just want an oil and filter change, unless you really know the owner.

I should also add that many a seasoned technician has told me you spend the first ten years paying off your tools and the fancy box that costs as much as a base-model Nissan Versa. The only freebies are specialized stuff that the dealership owns for diagnosis (computers, testing equipment, et cetera), or large items like transmission jacks and engine hoists...you're not taking those home.

I've worked in the automotive service industry since 2003; now I configure and train departments on how to use the software that helps coordinate the dealership's departments, so I travel around the country and help people because I've been there, and more apt with tinkering with computers and software rather than a car. Plus I have patience, which seems to be the most valuable asset in this position.

In the end, do what you like: Talking shop, computers, gadgets, racing, et cetera is always a nice motivator...people know it and appreciate it when you do what you like to do. Like any job, it's going to have up and down days, that's part of life.
 
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Listen to Pupik.

The more specialized you get, and this applies to any career path, the less work there becomes. Go stand right now on the busiest corner you live near and tell me how many of the cars you listed drive by. I guess I could save you the time, not many. Like pupik said most people drive boring cars and people with those performance cars are usually going to specialized shops or dealerships to have their cars worked on. Limiting yourself is not a good idea later on,.maybe much much further down the road if your able to build a reputation with people and open your own shop.
 
I like the sound of a career with cars but personally I would prefer a career working at a motor racing circuit. Something like circuit tours or be a trackday instructor or something. It would be awesome!


Anyone work at a racetrack?
 
Thanks again for the feedback and sharing you're personal experiences. I already feel like I've learned a lot. I'll do some research this weekend on qualifications, schools, and start to plan out my future. Thanks.
 
At your age this is a good idea.
homeforsummer
I'd recommend trying to firstly do some work experience at a local shop - even if it's unpaid, basically just to figure out how things work.
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I don't mean sending in a job application but maybe get friendly with a local shop owner who will let you hang around the place, watch the guys work and maybe even turn a wrench or two. Also if your dad is a handyman type then get him to teach you how to fix things around the home. Random house projects and maintenance might seem unrelated but it's a good way to get familiar with some tools.
 
If i knew then, what I know now, I would never have gone into the motoring trade.

I left school, went to college for 2 years doing a BTEC National Certificate in Motor Vehicle studies. Completed that, had my first job in a garage, for 4 years, left that and worked at a Renault dealership for 4 years. I then realised at that point, (10 - 11 years ago), that the future of working in the trade was to be based on the electrics side. So i retrained as an auto-electrician, on apprenticeship wage, going to college on day release for 2 years.

After 5 years, after getting annoyed with customers pathetic attitude of wanting their car fixed for free in 5 minutes flat, I then became a lecturer working at a military base, teaching soldiers/marines in Vehicle mechanics.

As for getting into the racing side of the motor trade,I would have thought knowing someone in the know, would be the best way into that, if not, be prepared to do it for free and try and get in that way.

The only way to make decent money in this trade, is to do lots of private jobs, after hours, which eats into your social life. I work to live, not live to work.

I wish back then, I took up plumbing, or household electrics or something similar to that, lots of money for that!
 
^^^ Awesome advice right there. 👍


You can always work on your own cars.
 
Pupik
As a mechanic, you are not going to limit yourself to any particular models of cars unless you own your own shop, or don't want to make any serious money. Ninety percent of the cars out there are average daily drivers, and they are going to naturally be the backbone of your paycheck. It's likely easier to start with a single marque (or a family of them) and learn the trade from there, before you try your hand at a variety of makes and models, unless you're only going to change oil/filter, brakes, and replace tires.

The simple fact is that not everyone drives a sports car, so limiting yourself to a tiny niche market sounds nice, but the reality is that you can't ignore the beaters, family sedans, minivans, trucks, and SUVs...never mind the service manager and dispatcher will tell you what vehicle to work on. Most shops pay you on flat rate hours (except when you're training), so you'll gladly work on the Chevy Impala that pays 3.5 hours for a bunch of work, rather than the Evo owner who might just want an oil and filter change, unless you really know the owner.

I should also add that many a seasoned technician has told me you spend the first ten years paying off your tools and the fancy box that costs as much as a base-model Nissan Versa. The only freebies are specialized stuff that the dealership owns for diagnosis (computers, testing equipment, et cetera), or large items like transmission jacks and engine hoists...you're not taking those home.

I've worked in the automotive service industry since 2003; now I configure and train departments on how to use the software that helps coordinate the dealership's departments, so I travel around the country and help people because I've been there, and more apt with tinkering with computers and software rather than a car. Plus I have patience, which seems to be the most valuable asset in this position.

In the end, do what you like: Talking shop, computers, gadgets, racing, et cetera is always a nice motivator...people know it and appreciate it when you do what you like to do. Like any job, it's going to have up and down days, that's part of life.
Click to expand...

CMvan46
Listen to Pupik.

The more specialized you get, and this applies to any career path, the less work there becomes. Go stand right now on the busiest corner you live near and tell me how many of the cars you listed drive by. I guess I could save you the time, not many. Like pupik said most people drive boring cars and people with those performance cars are usually going to specialized shops or dealerships to have their cars worked on. Limiting yourself is not a good idea later on,.maybe much much further down the road if your able to build a reputation with people and open your own shop.
Click to expand...

Thanks pupik and CMvan46! I appericate the heads up!

And like you guys said, I love to have a performance/Tuner shop one day, working on those types of cars and even designing show cars also, and I truly want to get into the Tuning/Aftermarket Indstry. And I understand where you guys are saying. You must work from the ground and rise from expierence through the years before that happens, like in any career.

Also, if you guys are in any type of store, go to the magazine/books section and pick up a issue and/or read Super Street, DSport, Modified Mag etc.. That's where my true passions with cars are truly at.

As with any infomation given, I will remember what both of you said. Thanks! :)
 
Alright guys, I've done a bit of reasearch on combustion engines and parts and how they work. I've also found a shop that I'd thought would be pretty cool to work at. It's called JE Import Performance. I've found a cool program through UTI called the Mercedes-Benz STARt ELITE program. Also my uncle is a mechanic for government trucks. I don't know if that would help at all in the career I want but maybe he could help me out.
 

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