Son wants to go into Automotive Tech

TRWRacing said

Looking for some advice from some in the field. I originally started at a Community College for Auto Service Technology in 1988, but changed after 2 years and got a BA. I work in IT for 20 years now.

We have visited UNOH, UTI at Lisle yesterday and have Triton (Community College which has GM and Honda/Acura 2 year associate degrees) and Oakton (Community College that I originally attended before transferring).

He is not sure that he wants to go out of state and plays baseball in HS. UNOH, Triton and Oakton offer baseball. UTI’s tuition is $35,600 for 51 weeks. Out of District tuition for Triton for 2 years will be about $20K. UNOH about $35K for 2 year program plus housing. Oakton about $14K for 2 year associates degree for AST.

Thanks

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I've managed shops out here in the west, California, Utah and Colorado for 30 years and a good tech will always have a job with good to great pay. Suprised more parents don't look at it as an option for kids. Some get hung up on flat rate pay because of it being like a commission but all the good techs I've been around always make great hours.
Dealerships are great in a way, learn on brand and become an expert in it. As the brand evolves so does the tech. Independent shops will always challenge, got to know everything about every car. Alot harder to become proficient and maximize the flat rate.
As for what college it's hard to say. Get him the cheapest degree and if he changes his mind on the auto tech job he will still have a degree. Most don't work in what there degree is in and most employers don't care were its from. My daughter is a nurse could have went to a private college and paid 5 times more for the degree to earn the same pay.