Automotive Careers - Is Wyotec a good school?

The reason that I post this is that I have heard some bad things about programs like UTI. They just cram all of the info in your head, and pump you out. I am looking for a deep knowledge on how a car works inside and out. So I am looking for opinions of those gear heads out there who have heard more about it than I. Thanks guys.

Justin

Thanks again for your input guys

to tell the truth i havent heard much about it. ive checked into UTI, looks great. sounds like they would cram it all in and pump ya right out as you said though. I want to know the same about Wyotech so some answers would be appreciatable!

Honestly, I think you're best off learning at a 2yr college at the very least. That way, you'll have some sort of degree and you should learn the same things.
Trade schools just sort of turn me off. I've heard some bad stories and some great success stories.
If Wyotech is like UTI, then they want ALL the money up front. There is also very little free time, but you finish much quicker.
I've got one friend who graduated from a community college who now works at a dealership and has his own bay.
The other friend graduated from UTI and now works at a privately owned garage. They're both doing ok though.

I had an instructor who went to UTI and he also said they just cram it in and pump you out. Also, they would have 80 students in a live lab, which is ridiculous compared to about 8 in my school. Maybe UTI has gotten better in recent years.

I know it's a long way from CA but i go to the State University of New York (SUNY) at Morrisville and they offer several 2 and 4 year automotive degrees. I'm an Auto Management major. It's a good school, great automotive classes.
morrisville.edu if you're interested.

Multimedia?

I have 2 family members who went to Wyotech in Laramie and both have said they should have gone to a regular 2 year college. Thier biggest complaint was the pace of the course. They didnt have the time to get real indepth with the material.

UTI and Wyotech are both pretty weak.. way too fast paced.

I too just noticed this is in multimedia...:jest:

I too just noticed this is in multimedia...:jest:

I didnt know where else to put it. Im probably dumb, but I didnt see a general discussion section when I posted it. Then again I was pretty tired that night.

Anyway, I am having real doubts about it. They want like $25,000 per course.

I am having serious doubts about the school.

I am thinking of going to the Michigan U to get a masters in physics and business. Then go to a smaller college for the auto stuff.

End result, I want to know how to build my own car. From the design of the engine, fabrication of the chassis (including the welding) and the customization of the interior. Basically I want to know how to do EVERYTHING with cars. Both gas and diesel.

Thanks again for your input guys

If I need to move the thread, just let me know. Thx

I think a 4 year school, or atleast a 2 year school is your best bet.
Most of the trade schools want a decent amount of money up front and backing down isn't an option unless you want to throw it all away.
Atleast with a college you can change majors or schools.

The reason that I post this is that I have heard some bad things about programs like UTI. They just cram all of the info in your head, and pump you out. I am looking for a deep knowledge on how a car works inside and out. So I am looking for opinions of those gear heads out there who have heard more about it than I. Thanks guys.

Justin

http://www.deanza.edu/autotech/courses.htm


get your self a degree, certs, and a lot more knowledge from a college.

Plus its so much cheaper and you can get the fin. aid if you need it.


I have wyotech graduates in some of my classes, and they don't know a damn thing, honest to god.

A few years ago in highschool I was planning on going to either Wyotech or Lincoln Tech though after talking to many people that went to Uti since it is basically the same type of school theres not much good going on there. I went to my local community college for two years and I have to say I am pretty sure it was the better decision. There teachers out look was we dont need to get through the book as long as you understand the material and can apply it to the vehicle.

I finished my Associates degree at community college and I just started my Junior year at Southern Il Univeristy and they have the #1 rated automotive program in the country. My current teacher is just a ridiculous amount of information and I can not say anything bad about to program down here. And the job openings to siu graduates are rediculous. I get an email each week with about 10-15 companys looking for interns and grad students to hire.

There is one student in my current class who graduated from Uti about 4-5 years ago and he got a job with lexus right our of school. And he was only making 23k a year working at a dealership. A few other people who work for my grandmother ( One went to lincoln and the other to uti) Dont even work in the field as they can make better money else where unless you get a pretty good gig and get sent out to a Mfg school right out of Wyotech.

So to Sum it up. Save your money . Go to community college get your associates and then see if you want to continue your education from there. Or if it even the field you want to go into. I personally hate working on cars and c.c. taught me that which is why I am going for my Masters to do something more business end of the industry.

I had a few buddies that went to wyo-tech, they claimed they had some great instruters; and some idiots. just depends what you want to focus on. i do know if you want to do machine work S.A.M is a decant school.

I say go to a community school. LOTS of threads on this and the other automotive schools with some good reading.

UTI is the only way to go! I'm attending the campus here in Phoenix and its great so far. The program I'm on lasts 18 months and when I graduate I will also have my associates degree.

Well it sounds like that community college is the way to go. I think that I will stick with that route for now. I am absorbing a lot of material here. Not too fast, not too slow. So its not bad.

To sum it up, I guess that I will stay away from places like UTI, and Wyotec. I was rather curious on Lincoln Tech though. I had a buddy swear by it. Thanks for your inputs guys, keep em coming

If you want to get into the high performance automotive field, check out the School of Automotive Machinists (www.samracing.com). We focus on high performance engine building. From the theory behind everything to the hands on machining and building. We have small classes that are focused on making you the best engine builder you can be. We are not about numbers and pumping out people. Our list of employers that higher our graduates is second to none. Check us out and if you have any questions please feel free to ask here or PM me.
-David

Picking a school all depends what kind of job you want. I am attending wyotech because i want to build high performance chassis. Community colleges do not teach you how to draw up frames on paper and build them. In the chassis shop students build their own lotus super 7 and sandrail frames and more. The school is a lot shorter yes but you go to school for over 40 hours a week. The school may be more expensive yes, but it is a hell of a lot shorter, we could finish in as little as 9 months and be out in the field working, makeing money, and gaining experience which is the best part, while a community college you dink around for atleast 2 years not making money and not gaining in field experience.

hello im currently in wyotech i like it the courses are pretty quick but if u understand the basics it does teach alot i have been working on cars 15 years so i took another type course im in body material and it even challenged me i am in chassis fabrication now and i love it but if u are planing on going to the blairsville pa campus the school is good town hates u u wil be a outcast there are plenty of prostitots to keep u occupied but u are def centered out by the the other townsmen

I went to Wyotech and will tell you not to waste your time like I did. They teach based on theory. There's not much shop time to actually get indepth with how stuff works. You're better off goin to a normal 2 year college that has an auto program. That or just start off in a dealership doing oil changes and working your way up from there cause thats what you'll be doing anyway even if you have that degree that doesn't mean anything to a dealership.

UTI is the exact same way. A friend of mine went there and hated it even more than I hated wyotech.

I plan on going to S.A.M and after visiting their shop in houston i was VERY impressed. im starting there next july straight out of high school, but it all depends on how interested in engines you are.


also, i looked at going to wyotech before i decided to go to S.A.M and i was VERY turned off by how salesman like the reps at wyotech are...

plus, i love engines =D

I was thinking about s.a.m. How long? How much? any experience or school requirements? Thanks

Alot of that info can be found on their website Samracing.com


I'll be going for 18 months since im taking there combo course, which is both their block course and their head course, and want to spread it out, but it can be done in 9 months. they also offer a CNC course (and trust me, there CNC program looks SICK)

tuition prices can be found on their website also.
you have to have a high school diploma or GED, and you have to take the bennet mechanical comp test.

thanks, i tried the website but i couldnt find the information, il try again

Check out UNOH as well fellas. I am attending starting in January.

http://www.unoh.edu/academics/collegetechnologies/high_performance_motorsports_technology.shtml

Check out the video.

http://www.deanza.edu/autotech/courses.htm


get your self a degree, certs, and a lot more knowledge from a college.

Plus its so much cheaper and you can get the fin. aid if you need it.


I have wyotech graduates in some of my classes, and they don't know a damn thing, honest to god.



Thats exactly what I am afraid of. I dont want to come out of a school being a friggin retard. I want to know what I am talking about. Thanks for the I/P

It seems that there are a few more schools that are out there for what I want. SAM is one. The UNOH has come up a couple of times too. I will check them out. Thanks for the input fellas. Let me know how your college experience goes. So far it looks like I am going to get my associates at community college for auto mechanics, but I really want to take some welding and drafting classes to start with chassis fabrication. That is what really interested my with Wyotech. The chassis, and interior fabrication. It all seemed too good to be true. So far I have heard both bad and good things about UTI, and Wyotech. So I guess that I all seems to be hit and miss at these schools. Not to mention that it seems like they kick you out to the wolves. Help you get a job...psst. Whatever. I dont need your help getting a damn job. (sorry, short rant). But it looks like auto is going to stay at community college for now at least, until I find that university that is the right fit. Thanks for the intel guys. Keep it coming

Im currently attending Wyotech Sacramento and its not bad....there is a lot of class time but plenty of time in the shop also. If your mid level knowledge wise itll be great for you. Just learning about cars itll probably be too fast paced, tons of experience too slow. I like the program but they are geard more towards dealership level and getting you a job when you leave. I will be going to UNOH for more in depth classes on the racing side. Looked at SAM since im from Texas, but its a lot of money. Heard great things about them though.

Looked at SAM since im from Texas, but its a lot of money. Heard great things about them though.

Our prices are on par with any other votech program out there. Actually, if you calculate the cost per credit hour, we are actually a little less expensive than some of the big name schools out there. We are an accredited school as well, so financial aid is available to those that qualify.

wyotech is fast paced, but the main reason i came is chassis fab, they do help quite a bit with getting a job which is a good thing with the shitty economy, there are a lot of kids that get on with nhra and shit real easy if you have good grades and attendence

Go to UNOH.edu University of Northwestern Ohio or S.A.M. for engines. Those two are great. I went to U.N.O.H

wyotech is fast paced, but the main reason i came is chassis fab, they do help quite a bit with getting a job which is a good thing with the shitty economy, there are a lot of kids that get on with nhra and shit real easy if you have good grades and attendence

Sounds too easy. Get a job with NHRA just for getting good grades and go to class. lol

Don't waste your time or your money going to somewhere like Wyotech or UTI. Are there any other schools that advertise heavily on television that you would be confident in someone with a degree from them? I mean a degree from ECPI or ITT Tech isn't exactly confidence inspiring to most people.

Honestly though, a close buddy of mine works part time at a Honda dealership, and he's always telling me about how guys that worked there would go to UTI, and then come back to the exact same job at pretty much the same pay. They talk about the lucky few who work for NHRA teams and whatnot, but the reality is the bulk of them work at dealerships for reasonable, but not so great money. Having worked at a shop when I was in high school, and hanging around them all the time, the only sure-fire way I have seen to really move up the ranks at a shop is through experience.

I am thinking of going to the Michigan U to get a masters in physics and business.

best idea yet. that way, you can afford to do what you want. knowing how to do it is only part of the battle. quality parts and proper tooling costs money, and you wont make much as a tech new in the field. take some advice from the senior techs at the dealership i worked at. they said the industry has gone downhill and they wouldn't do it if they were starting out now.

keep this as a hobby, lol. unless you really, really love it. yeah, its cool to say i built this, i built that, but in the end, does it really matter who turned the wrench on it when you're driving it? as long as you find people you can trust to do good work, true craftsmen that have invested years into the craft and the business, let them build your cars.

Go to UNOH.edu University of Northwestern Ohio or S.A.M. for engines. Those two are great. I went to U.N.O.H

I 2ND this. UNOH is awesome. Unlike wyotech they teach you ony your major. My friend went to wyotech for hot rod fab, but then he went to BMW step, after that he had to sign a contract with BMW to say his next job will be with them. so now he is sitting with no job because he cant find any BMW delarship hiring.

SAM is the best school around bar none you would want to go there

I am currently attending Penn College for automotive technology and business management (4 year). I considered wyotec and uti but the college is about the same price and you get a degree. Also if you pick a decent sized college there is some fun college life to have.

why a masters degree in physics? i would think a masters degree in engineering would be more suited to engine and chassis building. fwiw, i went to ga tech, got a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, got a good job, saving up money, learning as much as I can about cars as a hobby, then i want to open up my own shop. then you'll be the guy hiring SAM or UTI graduates. if the shop fails, i always have a mechanical engineering degree from a good school to fall back on.

why a masters degree in physics? i would think a masters degree in engineering would be more suited to engine and chassis building. fwiw, i went to ga tech, got a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, got a good job, saving up money, learning as much as I can about cars as a hobby, then i want to open up my own shop. then you'll be the guy hiring SAM or UTI graduates. if the shop fails, i always have a mechanical engineering degree from a good school to fall back on.

Not a bad idea. But this is why I chose physics. Its not just limited to earthly physics, the physics of space have always sparked my interest. So I can always go and work for NASA or some other organization that will pay me a ridiculous amount of money to look up at the sky and propose the question "what if"?

Besides the way I figure it, if I can take a welding class, I should be able to design my own chassis b/c I understand the physics of everything. Obviously I wont know everything, but I should be able to build my own dune buggy or golf cart with a snowmobile engine in it.

I am pretty much scrapping the UTI, Wyotech idea. I seem to be getting a great deal of knowledge from the Community College anyway. I should be done with my degree from there by the fall semester of this coming year. So I would have gotten my associates in Automotive Technology within a year. After I get my associates, I think that I am going to go to either Michigan U, or Texas U.

Thanks for all of the input guys. Keep it coming!

i'm not sure on this, but i would guess that you wont cover in depth any type of deformable bodies or statics/dynamics type stuff in physics. physics i would guess is going to be extremely theoretical in learning and application. with a mechanical engineering degree, you'll cover in depth deformable bodies (you learn how shit bends (or deforms) under both dynamic and static forces), statics (where you cover the physics side with force being applied while the object doesnt move), and dynamics (where you learn the same as statics, but now the object is moving or accelerating, the 3-D shit gets crazy). you will also take classes like system dynamics where you learn how system interact and react (hydraulics, circuits, spring-mass-damper setups).

basically, i would say go for the mechanical engineering if you want to learn stuff you can apply to chassis or engine building. you'll end up taking a lot of extra stuff with a physics degee, especially a masters (I dont think you could do a chassis build as your thesis) where as with a ME (mechanical engineering) degree, you could definately build a chassis for your thesis. see what I'm saying?

to get back to your original question, i too have heard that the automotive schools are not that good. they use the rare cases of guys going to NHRA and such to get more people to go. its just not a realistic outcome. you'll most likely come out changing oil at jiffy lube for $9 an hour. With a engineering degree from a good school, you'll definitetly come out better. With Ga Tech, just getting through that engineering program, you're pretty much guaranteed to come out making $50k a year ( at least with a ME degree, some are more such as Chemical, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering).

my best friend is at wyotech right now, he was always the lazy one in high school, but knew how everything worked. so far in the 5 months he has been there his grandma and dad has spent at least 38k on his school and living, he wanted me to go, didnt have that kind of money so i went to a community college for machining, will have ass. degree in manufacturing in 2 years and goverment is paying for my whole schooling. we both bought a chevy nova 2 years ago, his is in pieces with a cracked block, mine has all new interior, flowmaster, vinyl top, disc brakes and full suspension and will be painted in a month. he was a ok welder in school, says theres a lot worse ones there, and he says his car will be all narrowed up, i dont trust his welds

smart guy. stay in regular college. either physics or engineering will do you well, and be more fun in the long run. as for me, like i said before, i'd rather own and drive cool cars someone else built than spend all my time making other people's cars better, just to be too tired to want to enjoy my own projects at the end of the day. all your neighbors coming over wanting you to fix their stuff for cheeap/free on your off time, having a tool bill that rivals a modest college tuition, every light switch in your house constantly getting dirty, dehydration in the summer, cold as hell shop in the winter. "F" that. get that degree and get a career you can enjoy and really impact society(other than keeping the wheels moving), and afford your own heated, A/C'd one or two bay home shop and have your fun.

i'm not sure on this, but i would guess that you wont cover in depth any type of deformable bodies or statics/dynamics type stuff in physics. physics i would guess is going to be extremely theoretical in learning and application. with a mechanical engineering degree, you'll cover in depth deformable bodies (you learn how shit bends (or deforms) under both dynamic and static forces), statics (where you cover the physics side with force being applied while the object doesnt move), and dynamics (where you learn the same as statics, but now the object is moving or accelerating, the 3-D shit gets crazy). you will also take classes like system dynamics where you learn how system interact and react (hydraulics, circuits, spring-mass-damper setups).

basically, i would say go for the mechanical engineering if you want to learn stuff you can apply to chassis or engine building. you'll end up taking a lot of extra stuff with a physics degee, especially a masters (I dont think you could do a chassis build as your thesis) where as with a ME (mechanical engineering) degree, you could definately build a chassis for your thesis. see what I'm saying?

to get back to your original question, i too have heard that the automotive schools are not that good. they use the rare cases of guys going to NHRA and such to get more people to go. its just not a realistic outcome. you'll most likely come out changing oil at jiffy lube for $9 an hour. With a engineering degree from a good school, you'll definitetly come out better. With Ga Tech, just getting through that engineering program, you're pretty much guaranteed to come out making $50k a year ( at least with a ME degree, some are more such as Chemical, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering).

I definately see what you are saying with the ME section. I guess I am really repeled by it because I was just in the navy in the Nuclear Engineering program specializing in electricity. So I really want to steer clear of engineering for a while. I love cars and exploring the unknown. So thats really why I want physics, b/c I can use it with cars, but it is more designed for the type of job that I am interested in having for the rest of my life. I will probably take some ME classes on the side. But not as my major. Thanks for the insight. I really appreciate it. How is campus life like? What I mean by that is, are the classes that you need to take to get the degree easily spelled out, or do you have to figure it out on your own? Just trying to get an idea of what campus life will be like. Thanks

smart guy. stay in regular college. either physics or engineering will do you well, and be more fun in the long run. as for me, like i said before, i'd rather own and drive cool cars someone else built than spend all my time making other people's cars better, just to be too tired to want to enjoy my own projects at the end of the day. all your neighbors coming over wanting you to fix their stuff for cheeap/free on your off time, having a tool bill that rivals a modest college tuition, every light switch in your house constantly getting dirty, dehydration in the summer, cold as hell shop in the winter. "F" that. get that degree and get a career you can enjoy and really impact society(other than keeping the wheels moving), and afford your own heated, A/C'd one or two bay home shop and have your fun.

Very well said. The more that I hear about these major automotive schools, the more that I am repulsed by them. I definately want to keep it a hobby. I just want to know how to keep my car running as long and as fast as possible.

End result, I want to know how to build my own car. From the design of the engine, fabrication of the chassis (including the welding) and the customization of the interior. Basically I want to know how to do EVERYTHING with cars. Both gas and diesel.

Thanks again for your input guys


An automotive engineering degree would fit that description. Get involved with a University with a Formula SAE program.

http://students.sae.org/competitions/formulaseries/

as far as the classes go, i believe all universities have cirriculum planned out for all degree paths. I know at Ga Tech they have a sheet that shows you the entire four year plan (most do it in 5 years because the schedule is pretty hard). So it shows you what classes you need to take for your 1st semester, 2nd semester, and so on till the last semester. basically the only thing to worry about is the prerequisite classes. meaning, you cant sign up and take calc 3 without passing calc 2 first. so there is a definite progression through the course work. you do have free choice on your engineering electives (which i took machine design, internal combustion engines, and material selection). i would guess that all degree programs have electives so that you can choose classes that you want to take instead of the basic classes for the degree program.

as far as the classes go, i believe all universities have cirriculum planned out for all degree paths. I know at Ga Tech they have a sheet that shows you the entire four year plan (most do it in 5 years because the schedule is pretty hard). So it shows you what classes you need to take for your 1st semester, 2nd semester, and so on till the last semester. basically the only thing to worry about is the prerequisite classes. meaning, you cant sign up and take calc 3 without passing calc 2 first. so there is a definite progression through the course work. you do have free choice on your engineering electives (which i took machine design, internal combustion engines, and material selection). i would guess that all degree programs have electives so that you can choose classes that you want to take instead of the basic classes for the degree program.

That makes a lot of sense. Thats what I thought that they had. A very well structured 4 year degree plan. And, yes the damn prereq's. If it wouldnt be for a damn prereq, I would be able to graduate with an associates in automotive technology at the end of spring semester. Damn english 101. But its cool though. I will be done by the summer. Besides it gives me an opportunity to take automatic transmissions classes, and a couple of diesel classes as well.

personally i feel that being a mechanic would be great, but good look finding a job. i dont know about where you guys are from but here in Iowa I've got buddies with ASE certifications that cant find work. a good example is a buddy of mine just went to some automotive mechanic school and is now in 20gs in debt, and its not helping that he cant find a job that he majored in...

im not trying to be a downer.... or anything more power to you man. i wanted to be a mechanic in high school i was in a program that was designed for automotive students to help work in a shop.. it was for students that had good grades at the time i got to shadow at KIA :( Cadillac and two ford dealerships. when i was spending my time working there it hit me DAMN i don't want to cross work and play....id eventually get tired of cars hahaha words i never thought id say

Thats exactly why I am thinking of keeping cars as a play thing. I am going to get an associates in automotive technology here in San Diego, and use that toward my own cars. Then get a degree in something that I would love doing for the rest of my life.

I have one more semester left in my GM ASEP class... My two year degree is included. Each Semester is 8 weeks. So My college consists of 32 Weeks of school and Im done :) Auto Class is 50/50 lab n lecture. Strictly GM stuff, no time is wasted. Lots of learning from instructors that were GM Techs.

I went to wyotech. Some classes were pretty good some just tossed in there for fillers it seamed. The high perf. engines and chassis fab when they were combined was a good class. I probly should have went to UNOH or SAM.

i went to wyotech and i should have also gone to SAM its not as good as they stay, i never once studyed and came out with all A's its very easy if you no general stuff about cars and car parts. Alot of students go there just for the chassis fab and high performance engines and like trim, thats just my opion.

For what it is worth I am an automotive instructor at a small community college in Ohio and an aircraft mechanic. Before I went to school for my associates degree for power technology I looked at several "high end schools". Such as Wyotech, UTI, Northwestern university, but when it came down to it i didnt want to come up with the $$ and be in debt when i graduated. So I went to a small community college, got my degree in 2 years and now I am an instructor at that college. My boss and myself just had this talk not even 2 night's ago about my experience with the a community college and if I would have done anything different. I told him i wish we had more "high tech" classes at the small community college. He asked " so what is high tech?" I told him computers....well we learned alot of the basics and some of the higher end diagnostics of OBD2, so small community college taught that....ok so I said...engine machining. Ok the small school doesnt teach any of that....my boss's responce was where are you going to get a job machining on in Ohio? Good point and if i did get a job doing this the machine shop would have there way of doing things and the machines would be different anyway.

So i guess my point is if i was going to make a career or doing this for a hobby i would probably go to a small, inexpensive, local college to learn the basics of cars and not be in alot of debt....OBD2, there sensors, how they work, brakes, suspension, transmissions, and where I went they taught basic engine rebuilding also. If your going to do this for a career, no matter where you go to school you are going to have to start at the bottom and work your way up the mechanic chain. Maybe not oil change bottom, but no matter what you will have to start off at an entry level job and prove yourself no matter where you get a degree from. Just my 2 cents worth, hope it helps you out!

I graduated from Wyotech Blairsville in March of 08. They pass almost everyone and only a select few are really the kind of people i would let change my oil from there. I was not impressed. I was recently laid off from the shop I was working at for the last year. The market tanked dealerships have closed and the market is flooded with techs. With or without a cert it doesn't matter. The auto market in general is a bust. I should have gone to a real school and learned a degree. Wyotech does offer a degree in Business Management. But its accreditation is not likely to win you a lot of favor with employers. Look into a schools accreditation closely. Most tech schools are nationally accredited. While that sounds awesome in the real world most colleges and universities are regionally accredited and typically that means more to employers usually.
http://www.landman.org/content/file/FAQ%27s.pdf
Its a good idea to read into this kind of stuff too. Hope this info helps. Good luck.

I Dont post much at all, but i have to represent my school, Wyotech. Keep in mind the type of guys that go to trade schools, probably about 95% of us where F**k ups in high school who didnt do much at all, and carry on the same attitude after highschool. Most guys go into trade schools thinking its gonna be a piece of cake. In reality these schools are designed to teach you at a very fast pace at the same time covering just about everything u need to now. I cant speak out about other schools other then wyotech.

Wyotech kicked ass i took the auto tech program and the business management program and i added the Chassis Fabrication and high performance engines program. i learned the most in the chassis fab class. i was done in one year. Two weeks after i graduated i got a job at a reputable transmission shop in south Florida, ATFspeed.com , R&Ring transmissions a few months later i started fabricating and working on 6sec drag cars at the same shop and ive been doing it since.

Whatever school u pick just go in ready to pay attention and study.

Danny, I think that you are the exception to what the general experience is. I would probably be in your shoes. I would pick up about 99% of what they taught. However, due to the "fuck ups" it has made wyotech a people pump. Or so it seems. Dont get me wrong, you can get very highly skilled mechanics coming from there, but that doesnt seem to be the norm. Thats the problem. If they dont get it, if they cant even be trusted to change oil, then why the hell are they graduating. Basically it all boiles down to prestige. I NEED a school who will fail those who deserve to be failed. Those who dont get it, get the hell out. Those who are too lazy, get the hell out. I dont want someone like that working on my car/truck. Would you? Someone who half-asses everything.

As if right now, I am going to San Diego Community College for Automotive technology, and will hopefully be transferring to Texas U in the fall. But thats the plan for now. We will see if it actually happens

Don't go there unless you are a d-bag or your going for diesel. I live in Laramie, Wyoming and it is not a good school. Believe me you don't want to go here.

UTI is the only way to go! I'm attending the campus here in Phoenix and its great so far. The program I'm on lasts 18 months and when I graduate I will also have my associates degree.
UNOH > UTI. End of story. If you think your getting associates degree knowledge from 18 months your sadly mistaken. The fact that a typical associates degree takes 2 years and UTI gives it to you in a year and a half should tell you something about the credibility of UTI.

If you already know some about cars your best bet would be to try and get on at a dealership and do some on the job training.

I started at a dealership 3 years ago with no school, no certifications, and no kind of automotive history other than race cars. I know am ASE certified and have the bays of my on. I will tell you this though, dealership work is nothing like independent work, in a dealership there is a lot of bull to put up with, from warranty to come backs that are not really come backs. There will be a lot of days of standing around, but when the work comes in you may make 15-20 hours a day. My advice is to find a job that pays hourly instead of commition.

If i had to do it over again i would tell Tech to kiss my ass... 28K for nothing really except to be rushed through shit and shitty techers that were ok at best in the field and thats why they became techers.. You get spit out wet and no real help.. Hell half the jobs that come to recruit don't stick to their word either.. Just my experience.. I'm in the process of switching careers cause i made a hobby a career and hate going to work now... But in the end it's a personal choice.

too expensive and like said they just pump you out as a number. but it was the way i got my foot in the door

I went to Wyotech back in Fall '03 and thought it was a great school until I got really sick with a stomach flu and lost like entire letter grade cause I was sick one day cause they penalize you for that which makes no sense. They even told the class this story about someone passing out and was rushed to the hospital and still lost points of his grade for missing class.

i'd be all over going to SAM if they weren't solely based in Texas.

i'd be all over going to SAM if they weren't solely based in Texas.

Why does moving to Texas make you change your mind about following a passion or dream that you have?

I can't say anything good or bad about the various trade schools, BUT..... I've fired more guys from Wyotech,UTI and Ranken for lack of knowledge and/or ability. The last one that got hired as a Wyotech grad was fired within a week for asking how to put lower balljoints in an F150. (No joke!) According to his ASE's he was a full on master tech!

One thing that alot of people are forgetting is the new guys coming in are now competing with A LOT of VERY experienced GM/Chrysler techs who are finding themselves homeless form dealer cuts.

I can't say anything good or bad about the various trade schools, BUT..... I've fired more guys from Wyotech,UTI and Ranken for lack of knowledge and/or ability. The last one that got hired as a Wyotech grad was fired within a week for asking how to put lower balljoints in an F150. (No joke!) According to his ASE's he was a full on master tech!

One thing that alot of people are forgetting is the new guys coming in are now competing with A LOT of VERY experienced GM/Chrysler techs who are finding themselves homeless form dealer cuts.

Interesting considering Wyotech doesn't give the certs, ASE does. Hell, the only certs they offered IN CLASS are a transmission rebuild cert, EPA cert (609 for A.C. work). They also offer ICAR - if you take the appropriate classes. They may have more based on the collision courses.

If he had ASE certs and was still inept blame ASE.

I went to the Blairsville, Pa Wyotech (Graduated in 08)

I Dont post much at all, but i have to represent my school, Wyotech. Keep in mind the type of guys that go to trade schools, probably about 95% of us where F**k ups in high school who didnt do much at all, and carry on the same attitude after highschool. Most guys go into trade schools thinking its gonna be a piece of cake. In reality these schools are designed to teach you at a very fast pace at the same time covering just about everything u need to now. I cant speak out about other schools other then wyotech.

Wyotech kicked ass i took the auto tech program and the business management program and i added the Chassis Fabrication and high performance engines program. i learned the most in the chassis fab class. i was done in one year. Two weeks after i graduated i got a job at a reputable transmission shop in south Florida, ATFspeed.com , R&Ring transmissions a few months later i started fabricating and working on 6sec drag cars at the same shop and ive been doing it since.

Whatever school u pick just go in ready to pay attention and study.

My lowest grade there was a B. I never missed a day, was never tardy and never lost point for infractions. I ended up with a G.P.A. well above a 3.0. They are a diploma pump. I can tell you that not one dealer in St. Louis wants techs from there. Hell, I was even asked by most dealers who would even call me who they were. Had I gone to Ranken they would have known the school at least. When I got there I was told my add on course was split(they used to have Hi-performance and Chassis fab together but were separating them so they could be more in depth). In hindsight I should have either taken both classes or taken the Chassis fab instead of Hi-performance. The welding skills could have transferred to many other vocations. Oh yeah, I was 27 when I attended. Not some high school slacker.

Long story short, go to SAM or 2-4 year school.

ive had numerous friends go there do well in school just to get out have a ass load of loans to pay off and not get a job better than your average tire shop or autozone... id save your money and find a class that will give you ASE certification.

go somewhere else. i went to wyotech and i loved it and miss it, but all it is, is false promises. they dont help u as much to find a job and its really pricy and you get everything just rammed into you.

Check out UTI... Better programs and better schooling IMO.

Check out UTI... Better programs and better schooling IMO.

yea, if you want pumped in and out in 8 months with minimal hands on training...

there are plenty better alternatives to UTI, Wyotech...etc...

i may seem like a fanboy for UNOH, but ive seen UTI, and Wyotec and their programs look like a preschool compared to UNOH's course catalog and reputation.

GO TO COLLEGE. DO NOT make the mistake I did. You can learn SO MUCH on the job. you should just go to college and get at least a 2 year degree and maybe get a job at a dealer or a garage turning wrenches. You can learn soooo much on the job.

Don't go to auto school I did and I learned a lot but not as much as you learn from actually doing it yourself, don't bother with UNOH either its no better than anywhere else though everyone there seems to think so, I had a buddy who transferred there from lincoln tech because they sold him on some great pitch and he said lincoln was better and I know from experience that lincoln wasn all that great

Just get a job and learn on the job

Don't go to auto school I did and I learned a lot but not as much as you learn from actually doing it yourself, don't bother with UNOH either its no better than anywhere else though everyone there seems to think so, I had a buddy who transferred there from lincoln tech because they sold him on some great pitch and he said lincoln was better and I know from experience that lincoln wasn all that great

Just get a job and learn on the job

UNOH is way better than UTI wyotec...etc. UNOH doesnt pump you in and out in 8 months. plus you get an accredited degree, not just a diploma. also, you dont have 80 people in one class. most you will ever have is 20 students to 1 teacher. the intelligance level of the teachers is insane. ive learned so many things you cant pick up by yourself its not even funny. and im guessing wyotec doesnt have a student motorsports team that races dirt modifieds and stock cars across the country...

i think wyotech was a joke..

bkmghjgh

Im currently enrolled at Wyotech, and i have nothing to much to say about it is what it is. Any school will have its flaws. And its Wyotech not wyotec, they dont teach spelling there btw. I went through collision/refinishing and now im in Trim and Upholstery, later taking ASM. but all in all its a very good school. One down side i see is the shortage of instructors.

i graduated from wyotech in late 06 and i loved it....if you go in there with half a clue and want to learn, you'll be fine...i've bounced around from job to job always leaving to go to something better....currently i'm 22 years old and make $24/hr as a tech

you get out what you put into it, bottom line....

I saw your earlier postin g when you were asking questions about wyo tech. Can I ask what caused you to decide to go on and attend wyo tech despite all them nagative comments?

Also I'm not sure when you posted your comment which is quoted below. Are you still in Wyo tech? If so or not, would you care to share some expierences and thoughts?

Greatly appreciated.



hello im currently in wyotech i like it the courses are pretty quick but if u understand the basics it does teach alot i have been working on cars 15 years so i took another type course im in body material and it even challenged me i am in chassis fabrication now and i love it but if u are planing on going to the blairsville pa campus the school is good town hates u u wil be a outcast there are plenty of prostitots to keep u occupied but u are def centered out by the the other townsmen

you should look into penn college of technology they have a 2yr and 4yr automotive program.

wyotech is a great school if you have some common knowledge about cars and want to learn more every one hates on the school because they expect that they will come out of here and expect to become a technicain and thats not what they train you for they train you to be a good tech and go in to a apretice position i love my schoool and am proud to go to wyotech

Check out UNOH as well fellas. I am attending starting in January.

http://www.unoh.edu/academics/collegetechnologies/high_performance_motorsports_technology.shtml

Check out the video.I graduated from UNOH also. Life is great, Its the only place to go!!!!!

Just out of curiousity,

Why have you ruled out a traditional 4 year university?

I'm 21 and will be finishing up my Bachelor's very shortly, graduating into the medical field and will start as a first year graduate around 55-60k.

Just out of curiousity,

Why have you ruled out a traditional 4 year university?

I'm 21 and will be finishing up my Bachelor's very shortly, graduating into the medical field and will start as a first year graduate around 55-60k.

because not everyone wants to be in the medical field.

there are only a few schools out there that teach specifically automotive and highperformance. and of thoes few, only a few are worth a shit. UNOH and SAM being 2. wyotech and UTI are jokes. im sitting in class right now beside 2 people that left wyotec because it was a joke.

Just out of curiousity,

Why have you ruled out a traditional 4 year university?

I'm 21 and will be finishing up my Bachelor's very shortly, graduating into the medical field and will start as a first year graduate around 55-60k.UNOH has a 4 year Bachelor's program too. I almost went through it, but I got too good of a job offer out of the box.

UNOH you actually graduate with an accredited degree, unlike UTI/SAM/Wyotech. I wouldn't want to spend $30-50k and come out with a "diploma" or a "certificate of completion"

I wanted a DEGREE......

UNOH has a 4 year Bachelor's program too. I almost went through it, but I got too good of a job offer out of the box.

UNOH you actually graduate with an accredited degree, unlike UTI/SAM/Wyotech. I wouldn't want to spend $30-50k and come out with a "diploma" or a "certificate of completion"

I wanted a DEGREE......

UNOH also has diploma programs in all its tech studies. however its only another few classes to get an Associates degree. thats all that is offered for tech programs, unless you go to the business side of the college and turn it into a business managment degree.

Just out of curiousity,

Why have you ruled out a traditional 4 year university?

I'm 21 and will be finishing up my Bachelor's very shortly, graduating into the medical field and will start as a first year graduate around 55-60k.


I went to college for mechanical engineering got a job as an intern and figured out I wasted 3 years of my life, there is no way I could be stuck in an office staring at computer screen all day. I was going to college for a "good job" and was told engineering would be perfect for me because I am mechanically inclined and great with math. In reality going to college for engineering was a shitty choice that I wish I would have never done.

In short because a bachelor's degree is what you want doesnt mean its better, and money isnt everything. Im currently leaving a 70k plus a year job for a 35k a year job so I can be happy with what I do instead of making money.

My brother went there, and these are his words exactly..
Worst decision of my life

I went to Wyotech Blairsville. It truly is an incredible school.

the question is not if it's a good school, the question is how hard you are going to apply yourself.

they offer a metric shit ton of certs and programs. Not everything is required. usually the people that talk down on the school are the ones that skip class, and stay back at the apartment to blaze down a big ole bag of weed.


They off BG certs, Dynojet certs, ASE's, Smog testing certs. all kinds of awesome stuff that is NOT required to graduate.


If you do end up going, i would advise you to take on every cert you can possibly get while you are their, and never miss a day of even 10 mins of class.

wyotech is a great school if you have some common knowledge about cars and want to learn more every one hates on the school because they expect that they will come out of here and expect to become a technicain and thats not what they train you for they train you to be a good tech and go in to a apretice position i love my schoool and am proud to go to wyotech

Holy fuck son. Have you ever heard of punctuation?

I was thinking about going to Wyotec over in Sac. CA. right out of high school, but when I went to see the campus I changed my mind right away. I didn't see any performance cars, or engines. They wanted $25,000 back then(3 years ago), it probably went up by now. It was a real let down.

It totally depends on the individual. I Myself am a UTI graduate and yes there is a ton of info in a short timespan. From My personal experience it always seemed like the guys that talked trash about the school were the "know it alls" and class clowns. Also, there was a lot of guys that cheated their way through the course and by the time they graduated still had no clue what they were doing. Basically, You get exactly what You put in to a program like that. Since graduating UTI Rancho Cucamonga in 2004 I have been thru a few shops then finally landed a job at a school district making $60,000 + a yr. I graduated at the apprentice level and worked My way up to the journeyman level. I cant sat anything bad about the program because if I had not gone there right out of H.S. I would not have had the knowledge to land a great job and purchase My first home in SoCal it the age of 23. I also have a 1997 T/A and a 2005 4x4 CC/LB F350. Not trying to brag but thats not too bad for a now 25 yr old living in SoCal. That being said I say Go somewhere! just dont stay home drinking brews wondering why others have nice things and You dont. You will be rewarded for Your efforts.

I had a friend that went here and didn't appreciate it as much as he thought he was going too. So from the opinions and comments I have heard from him I would not recommend it. I hope that helps some!

UNOH has a 4 year Bachelor's program too. I almost went through it, but I got too good of a job offer out of the box.

UNOH you actually graduate with an accredited degree, unlike UTI/SAM/Wyotech. I wouldn't want to spend $30-50k and come out with a "diploma" or a "certificate of completion"

I wanted a DEGREE......

If you are looking for a 4 year degree in Automotive Engineering Technology, look to Minnesota State Universitiy, Mankato. www.mnsu.edu

I totally agree with the you get out what you put in. There were a lot of people that went through the program on mom and dad's dime and were just there to party. When it came time to get a job, most of them end up in some totally non related job and can't figure out why.

Whatever you do, 4 year or votech, put your heart into it and you will get to where you want to be.

I went to Wyotech Blairsville. It truly is an incredible school.

the question is not if it's a good school, the question is how hard you are going to apply yourself.

they offer a metric shit ton of certs and programs. Not everything is required. usually the people that talk down on the school are the ones that skip class, and stay back at the apartment to blaze down a big ole bag of weed.


They off BG certs, Dynojet certs, ASE's, Smog testing certs. all kinds of awesome stuff that is NOT required to graduate.

If you do end up going, i would advise you to take on every cert you can possibly get while you are their, and never miss a day of even 10 mins of class.


As a graduate of Wyotech, I feel inclined to state this:

1. I was 27, married and had 2 children all with me as I was in school in Blairsville. I never missed a day. Never was tardy. Never had a grade lower than a B. I have never used weed and I hardly ever drink (less than once a month) I was not a slacker or a goof at least not during class time. I up-rooted my family so I could attend. I took it very seriously and paid attention. I did not get out what I put in.

2. Certs like ASE are only offered when ASE will set up a class. If you are only a month or two into a 9 month session taking a ASE is like throwing money away. And there is no guarantee of a class being available near your graduation date. The SCHOOL has no control over it ASE does!

3. In the St. Louis area, no one knows who Wyotech is. Hard to convince someone to give you job based on a school that they aren't comfortable with when the market here is filled with Ranken and ITT tech grads that had ASE certs (Ranken at least) included with the cost of school.

4. The technician market is overwhelmed in the St. Louis area. After Dodge's closures and a few other dealers closing (a Cadilac, Chevrolet, Hyundai dealers all closed and thats just off the top of my head) the market has a large pool of experienced techs. Hard to get a foot hold in dealer here unless you know someone to get you in. Lots of shops are unionized too.

5. Honestly, in hindsight, going to Wyotech was the single worst decision of my life. The job placement services offered are only marginal in areas they have a history with. For Blairsville that was, Pittsburgh, and points east and a little south it seemed. The immediate bi-state area (WV and PA) were seemingly strong. Being close to 700 miles from my school has not helped me at all. They don't have any relationships with dealers this far away. CarMax is huge for them but a few of the guys I went to school with had the most entry level jobs with the dealers that Wyotech found for them. Cost to go for me was over $30,000. Try paying back 3 or more student loans on $9/hr and trying to rent a place or buy one, pay a car payment, even a small one, and have any quality of life while paying $400 plus back on loans. And that's if you can get a job with a dealership. I had to work at small mom and pop shops that have lower pay, no benefits (remember I have a wife and kids) and no chance for promotion.

Now all this may be just because of the area I live in. And some people are fortunate enough to land great jobs from Wyotech, I was not one of them and I, personally have not heard of any of my graduating class landing a killer job, if they are employed in the market at all. Cost of living in St. Louis is among the lowest in the country but a dollar still only goes so far. This is my story some others may be different. But I have found my story to be more common than not.

p.s.

In my high performance class there was no mention at all of a Dynojet cert. I took hi-po class from Jan-Mar of 08. I was in the evening class. So news of one is a new one to me.

WyoTech and UTI are more like businesses than schools. They are in it to make money more so than to provide a quality education that will serve its students well in the industry once they "graduate".

I go to school to learn and develop my skills. Wyotech teaches people at the basic level with no real programs to offer much more. $30k is a lot to spend on a college where you will likely learn less than if you went to work for a shop as a "grease man" or "shop bitch" and worked your way up the ladder with hands on experience and guidance the entire way.

Just my .02 cents of course.

I'm at UNC-Charlotte Mech Engineering with the Motorsports option.

http://motorsports.uncc.edu/

Being that your tech electives are motorsports even if you can't get a job in racing the fall back of being a Mech Engineer and having a Nat'l average starting income of 59K is nice.

WyoTech and UTI are more like businesses than schools. They are in it to make money more so than to provide a quality education that will serve its students well in the industry once they "graduate".

I go to school to learn and develop my skills. Wyotech teaches people at the basic level with no real programs to offer much more. $30k is a lot to spend on a college where you will likely learn less than if you went to work for a shop as a "grease man" or "shop bitch" and worked your way up the ladder with hands on experience and guidance the entire way.

Just my .02 cents of course.

No you NAILED it. :werd::ripped:

Are you just trying to land a job at a dealership or what?

I apprenticed at ford 12 years ago and i never went to a fancy school

you can get ase certified without going to school

I have to ask why do you think you need to goto school to work on stuff that

the dealer is going to send you to school anyways to learn?!?!

get a job at a goodyear as a tech put 2 years in and then goto a dealer and

apply if your gonna goto school choose the college route! ..


trade schools turn out lof techs by the hundreds every year!

I'm a graduate from Wyotech in Fremont,CA I went there for two years. I had to wake up at 5:30 in the morning to get there by 8:00 am just in time for school. Yes some of the statements are true about trade schools, for the most parts it is a business but thats just the financial office part. If you really want it you can make the best out of it. sure there were people that were on top of the ball and some that weren't I got my ass kick from the drive to school and after going to work at the tranny shop. I myself was invited to attend the "BMW S.T.E.P." program but I denied it. What I'm trying to say is going to school and knowing how stuff works is better than not attending school and trying to apply some were when you have no back ground. The employer will see that you are serious about it when your resume says u got your degree in automotive technology rather than having an empty spot on the paper. They will see how serious you are in this field. does this make sense??????

In shorter words who would you hire. A person who took the time to go to school and take the time to understand how it works or a guy thats has no educational background that didnt go to school for it. I'm not throwing it to anyone's face but thats what the employers see on paper and the way you present your self. but thats just me now I'm going to get my AS degree in Forestry and Natural Resources. Go figure.

Just depends on what his goals on .. if he just wants a journeyman tech position at a dealer there is no fancy school needed! for some reason people think they do. LOL RESUME LOL ummm i have lived in 2 states chicago and oklahoma and i never used a resume to get a job as a tech lol . lol the funnier part is that people that take their cars to dealers think the guy that works on their car went to a fancy school lol.. most of the ase stuff is common car knowledge you can teach yourself in a months time enough to pass the tests. tell yah what ill say you worked for me for 2 years and pass your ase tests and you can get a job as a tech at gm ford or chrysler. ase background checks are a joke! most trade schools are a joke too. its all about busting and kissing ass thats how yah make money at the dealer. if yah need someone to teach you how to do a oil change or plugin in a obdII connector dont pursue a automotive career

As a former student i say it is a good place to attend. You will learn alot......but..........dont expect to come out and make alot of money right out of the gate. i graduated in 05
i work at a prison now, techs at a dealership, youll get screwed. youngs guys will go in and make crap money bc your the new guy and wont get the cake jobs.
go to a fabrication shop and make decent money, but you wont be rich. or you could get a normal job and work on cars on the side:)
you will come out with an impressive resume, and people that are hiring look at school more than people think. like the guy said above, taking the time to go and someone that just has experience, youll get hired. i havent applied for a job that i have not gotten, other than being a police officer, and my dumb acts in college kept me from being hired....pot.lol
but if you have the money go for it. i went to wyotech and it was payed for, i didnt have a debt to come home too... makes a difference