Automotive Careers - Need input on automotive school. Graduates and businesses please look!

I am looking into getting into the automotive industry. My story right now is I am almost 26 and have been working in a factory for over 5 years. I want something I enjoy coming to work for. The job I am at is a far cry from that. I have a freind on here that would like to go to school too and we are trying to get some advise from graduates and employers. My plans are to get into performance engine building and eventually open my own shop. We have looked at info for schools like Wyotech, SAM, and UTI. I understand that you get out what you put in and I plan on giving it 100%, but I need to find out what school would be the best choice for what I want. I want to focus on engine building, forced induction, and nitrous. Any and all help would be greatly appretiated!

I went to SAM and am now a graduate and employee of the school and all I can say is if it’s High Performance and Engine Building your looking for then I encourage you to come check SAM out, sit in on class, take a tour of the facility. The whole curriculum is focused on high performance theory, design, machining, assembly and tuning. SAM covers all aspects of engines from naturally aspirated 9600rpm small blocks, nitrous assisted big blocks, turbo motors, blower motors, fuel injection, you name it. SAM graduates are working with the best in the industry, Warren Johnson Enterprises, John Force Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing just to name a few. If you have any questions at all feel free to contact me.


Ben Bee
School of Automotive Machinists
ben@samracing.com
713-683-3817

Thank you for your input. I am planning on coming to visit your campus. I am glad to hear that you can sit in on a class and see what it is actually like. I will be calling you soon. Thanks again.

Did you ever think of checking out MIT?

i voted for SAM im starting in sept. i have freinds that have gone to wyotech and uti and didnt realy come out with all the job ops that they expected and didnt have anything but line tech stuff available for them my .02

I went to UTI and wouldn't recommend it for what you're trying to do. I worked hard and was able to land a career with Mercedes-Benz, which I love, but it's not what you want. UTI and Wyotech will get you a career at a dealership they have nothing available from the schools for the racing side. There is NTI (Nascar tech institute) which may be a little more of what you want, and I've heard good things about SAM from this site.

I'm currently enrolled in UTI and I can tell you first hand that if building engines and getting into the performance oriented side of the automotive industry is what you really want to do, stay far away from UTI and Wyotech. They are strictly diagnostic and repair oriented and are geared for dealership techs.

I'm currently enrolled in UTI and I can tell you first hand that if building engines and getting into the performance oriented side of the automotive industry is what you really want to do, stay far away from UTI and Wyotech. They are strictly diagnostic and repair oriented and are geared for dealership techs.

That's what I was thinking. Thanks for your input.

I went to SAM and am now a graduate and employee of the school and all I can say is if it’s High Performance and Engine Building your looking for then I encourage you to come check SAM out, sit in on class, take a tour of the facility. The whole curriculum is focused on high performance theory, design, machining, assembly and tuning. SAM covers all aspects of engines from naturally aspirated 9600rpm small blocks, nitrous assisted big blocks, turbo motors, blower motors, fuel injection, you name it. SAM graduates are working with the best in the industry, Warren Johnson Enterprises, John Force Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing just to name a few. If you have any questions at all feel free to contact me.


Ben Bee
School of Automotive Machinists
ben@samracing.com
713-683-3817




Agreed.... i also graduated and have my own shop now... SAM is the place to go.

Are there any pre requisites to get accepted into SAM? I've been pondering getting out of the Air Force, and getting into the automotive industry.

SAM if you want to get into the performance industry. If you want to work in a dealership, GM ASEP or FORD ASSET Programs are very good. I work in a dealership and went throught the GM program. You come out with much more knowledge than if you started out as someone's helper. We have had some UTI guys at the dealership I work at and everyone of them changes oil or does pdi, none of them have been techs. I don't believe in that school one bit especially considering the cost. The GM ASEP and FORD ASSET programs are co-op based meaning you have a job at the dealership you work at while your in school and when you graduate. If you want a performance career, SAM is the way to go. I know a few people who went there and heard nothing but good things about the school.

stick with sam if you wanna build engines, i went to UTI, and now i build drag racing engines, i was lucky enough to do what i'm doing. UTI a big NO!

im kind of wondering about this also, does anyone know any schools in wisconsin? or at least somewhat near wisconsin?

you can also check out UNOH.edu its the school i attended and im woking for thunder racing now, its a good school with plenty of options

i was wonderinga bout this topic also. i have another year of highschool and wanna do something with cars. manily gm cars. lsx and lt1.lt4. i looked as SAM UTi and Wyotech and SAM is about as close as it gets for me to do what i wanna do. building engines. if any of you know any other schools that are along those lines that would be great.

I've been out in the field for about 2 years after graduating from UTI. I absolutely hate what I do and I dread getting up to go to work every morning. UTI was a huge waste of money. The school is way to easy. I graduated with a 4.0gpa and 100% attendance. They treat you and train you like you are a dumbass while going to the school. They have to deal with a lot of people that are there because mommie and daddie said they had to do something after highschool.

Working in a dealership almost everyone that comes in has a bad attitude. They are mad because their daily driver broke down and they have to pay money to fix it. They want it fixed ASAP and are bitter about having to pay. People hate to pay for something when they don't even know what it is or what it does. It seems like there is no way to make people happy. You are just there to figure out what is wrong with it and replace the part causing the problem.

My dream was to work in a performance shop doing custom work for people. Always doing my best and hopefully making a name for myself. I figure the people that come into a performance shop are normally in a lot better mood. They know what they are buying and they can look at your work and see how much effort you put into it. This seems like a much more satisfying job. Maybe one day...

you can also check out UNOH.edu its the school i attended and im woking for thunder racing now, its a good school with plenty of options

I went there also, and am now working at a leading supercharger manufacturer. I also worked at LPE right out of college and spent a few years working on Nitro Funny Cars on the NHRA tour. I would definitely recommend going to University of Northwestern Ohio! :nod:

im kind of wondering about this also, does anyone know any schools in wisconsin? or at least somewhat near wisconsin?

+1! I would really like to move back to Wisconsin. I am originally from there but I don't want to sacrafice a good education just to move back.

I've been out in the field for about 2 years after graduating from UTI. I absolutely hate what I do and I dread getting up to go to work every morning. UTI was a huge waste of money. The school is way to easy. I graduated with a 4.0gpa and 100% attendance. They treat you and train you like you are a dumbass while going to the school. They have to deal with a lot of people that are there because mommie and daddie said they had to do something after highschool.

Working in a dealership almost everyone that comes in has a bad attitude. They are mad because their daily driver broke down and they have to pay money to fix it. They want it fixed ASAP and are bitter about having to pay. People hate to pay for something when they don't even know what it is or what it does. It seems like there is no way to make people happy. You are just there to figure out what is wrong with it and replace the part causing the problem.

My dream was to work in a performance shop doing custom work for people. Always doing my best and hopefully making a name for myself. I figure the people that come into a performance shop are normally in a lot better mood. They know what they are buying and they can look at your work and see how much effort you put into it. This seems like a much more satisfying job. Maybe one day...

This is exactly why I want to get into the performance end! I want to enjoy going to work! Hopefully you can get to the performance side before you become sick of cars altogether.

I've been out in the field for about 2 years after graduating from UTI. I absolutely hate what I do and I dread getting up to go to work every morning. UTI was a huge waste of money. The school is way to easy. I graduated with a 4.0gpa and 100% attendance. They treat you and train you like you are a dumbass while going to the school. They have to deal with a lot of people that are there because mommie and daddie said they had to do something after highschool.

Working in a dealership almost everyone that comes in has a bad attitude. They are mad because their daily driver broke down and they have to pay money to fix it. They want it fixed ASAP and are bitter about having to pay. People hate to pay for something when they don't even know what it is or what it does. It seems like there is no way to make people happy. You are just there to figure out what is wrong with it and replace the part causing the problem.

My dream was to work in a performance shop doing custom work for people. Always doing my best and hopefully making a name for myself. I figure the people that come into a performance shop are normally in a lot better mood. They know what they are buying and they can look at your work and see how much effort you put into it. This seems like a much more satisfying job. Maybe one day...



this is why im kinda hesitent about going to UTI. and this is why i want to work in a performance shop. because ill be helping/working/around people that know what im doing and aren't just like what is that. what does that do. and i wouldn't get bored with it. and would look forward to go to work each day.

You know, I hear a lot of people complaining about uti, and I think it has to do with what your expectatios are going in, and what youre willing to put into it. It is true that they are VERY dealer oriented, and their performance engine building classes range from pretty basic to just nonsense (superstreet class? lets learn how to put a CAI on!). However, I got in to the VW academy and am now in the field working at a vw dealer, and I think its all been a great experience. I was able to get a job working at a firestone while i was in school, which i highly recommend if you want to work on cars definately get some experience at the very least changing tires or oil or whatever you can get your hands on, it puts you ahead of the game when you graduate by so much its unmeasureable. I think another problem people have going into tech school is they expect to graduate making 30 bucks an hour or owning their own shop or whatever else. It seems to me in this field you have to work your way up a bit, have realistic expectations, do you think a big speed shop with a big name is going to hire you if you have no experience at all and have never had a wheel off a car except in your own driveway? all in all i highly recommend going to a trade school, definately shop around and find the school that best fits your interests.

I know I love going to work every morning much more than ever before. yeah theres bs, customers wanting their trainwreck of a car fixed in a hurry and for no money, service writers that give into them. doing a warranty job that pays 4 hours that takes you 6. but all in all i enjoy it, doing what i love, turning some wrenches. youll make up for that sassy customer when you get someone that really appreciates the craftsmanship you put in, and that time you got screwed on warranty youll make up for on a gravy brake job or service or whatever, youll make your money. but thats just my experience at a dealer, i have no experience with a speed shop. I just know I enjoy being able to put the hood down and say to myself that the car is fixed right and if it were my car id be pleased, all i can hope for is the customer feels the same.

yea i talked to the guys at a local shop that did my suspension and tires because i was going to see if i get get into their shop for an apprenticeship for highschool and they basically told me it would ruin it for me. he said he once was a car enthusiast too, but once he started doing oil changes and that type of thing it just became work and he really didnt enjoy it. he said he has to deal with pissed off people all day because something breaks on their car and they have to pay money for it, and most of the time they dont even know what it is or what it does which pisses them off even more. and then of course they want their car back right away and if something does go wrong or takes an hour or 2 or even more to finish, then that persons pissed that their cars not done. and all the other projects waiting to be finished or started get set back and that pisses off the rest of the people. which i do understand and if i was going to get into anything like this is would be the performance end of it so i can build engines for people that want me to do the work and and realize the work i put into it and that can appreciate that. in a dealership or small car service shop the customer just wants their car done and fixed and couldnt give a shit less about how much work and time you put into it. the trouble for me is finding a semi-local school to go to...S.A.M. is in texas right? thats just a little too far away...:(

yea i talked to the guys at a local shop that did my suspension and tires because i was going to see if i get get into their shop for an apprenticeship for highschool and they basically told me it would ruin it for me. he said he once was a car enthusiast too, but once he started doing oil changes and that type of thing it just became work and he really didnt enjoy it. he said he has to deal with pissed off people all day because something breaks on their car and they have to pay money for it, and most of the time they dont even know what it is or what it does which pisses them off even more. and then of course they want their car back right away and if something does go wrong or takes an hour or 2 or even more to finish, then that persons pissed that their cars not done. and all the other projects waiting to be finished or started get set back and that pisses off the rest of the people. which i do understand and if i was going to get into anything like this is would be the performance end of it so i can build engines for people that want me to do the work and and realize the work i put into it and that can appreciate that. in a dealership or small car service shop the customer just wants their car done and fixed and couldnt give a shit less about how much work and time you put into it. the trouble for me is finding a semi-local school to go to...S.A.M. is in texas right? thats just a little too far away...:(

That is EXACTLY what it is like to work in a dealership.

man lemme tell you, i went through LTI, and it was a joke. the school was way too easy. I got a job at a ford dealership and was supposed to learn the ways of the automatic transmission. I was really excited about it untill i saw the atmosphere at this place. I hated the guys i worked with, because they hated their jobs. nobody was in a good mood, ever. the guy i had training me was a real dickhead, and expected me not to make any mistakes, and to be able to knock out an r and r job in 2 hours my first time around. so needless to say i didnt stick around there long.

that's just from my personal experience, i'm sure there are a lot of guys that really like it out there. now i'm selling parts :P

Well here is a different twist. I graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelors degree in Automotive Technology years ago (More years than I want to admit). It is the best thing I ever did. I liked school and I learned a lot. While still going to college I started working for THE Car Company. I still work for them today; love my job and make decent money.

Indiana State University Auto Tech program today is ten times better than when I went there. They now have a Motorsports minor in which they build and campaign a couple of drag cars. There are also other Universities in which you can get a 4 year Auto tech degree. Weber State University in Utah, Ferris State College in Michigan and Southern Illinois University in (it is obvious where it is) to name a few. In my opinion if you want to make cars a career and want to get the best education THIS IS THE WAY TO GO!

As far as me going fast......... well part of the story is here!

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/turbo-lounge/253846-we-will-baaaaack.html

BTW most of this I build and TUNE myself!

Best of luck.

Well here is a different twist. I graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelors degree in Automotive Technology years ago (More years than I want to admit). It is the best thing I ever did. I liked school and I learned a lot. While still going to college I started working for THE Car Company. I still work for them today; love my job and make decent money.

Indiana State University Auto Tech program today is ten times better than when I went there. They now have a Motorsports minor in which they build and campaign a couple of drag cars. There are also other Universities in which you can get a 4 year Auto tech degree. Weber State University in Utah, Ferris State College in Michigan and Southern Illinois University in (it is obvious where it is) to name a few. In my opinion if you want to make cars a career and want to get the best education THIS IS THE WAY TO GO!

As far as me going fast......... well part of the story is here!

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/turbo-lounge/253846-we-will-baaaaack.html

BTW most of this I build and TUNE myself!

Best of luck.


Thanks for the input but the link doesn't work.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/turbo-lounge/253846-we-will-baaaaack.html


http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/turbo-lounge/253846-we-will-baaaaack.html


I am sorry it does not work for you. I tried and it works for me.