cajuntaco
+1y
Wow, I just read all this and I didn't realize Wyotech was soo expensive. I've got WAY less than $32,000 into 4 yrs at LSU and I got my Mechanical Engineering degree. Only 3 more years and I'll have my Professional Engineering License. Already got my Fundamental Engineer License. As far as school, some people need it to get started, some of us don't. I grew up in my dad's automotive shop. After we left there we went home to the garage to work on classics, hotrods, whatever project he was building at the time. I learned "general auto tech" at the shop and learned the custom side at home. I'm very fortunate for having these experiences, but some people don't have that option and school is the best way to get there foot in the door. To say you won't get a job out of school is BS. But I can tell you at my dad's shop it doesn't matter if you're fresh out of high school, or fresh from UTI, Wyotech, etc. You're going to start at $10/hr sweeping the floors. This is to test your "drive" If you want to do this, you'll put up with it and you'll get your chance. Now if you went to school they'll throw you on your own faster, but you'll be expected to produce more work at a higher quality than a kid who is apprenticing. Probably start by helping another bodyman and when he feel your ready to go on your own, you will. My dad's body guys have a minimum of 15 yrs in the industry. But one of his painters has 2 yrs on his own. He apprenticed for 2 yrs while he went to Comm College. Most young guys come in the shop with this "I know everything" attitude and that won't last 1 month. You may sweep floors for 1 month or 6. It depends on your drive and want. The professionals in the industry know when your ready and you'll move up, but a lot has to do with attitude.