I went to Sequoia and got a job with a dealership in the city. They encouraged me to quit school about halfway through my classes, about 7 months. My forman told me I'd learn more in 6 months at the dealer than my whole time at school. He was mostly right. You still have to study on your own time if you want to advance. With or without schooling. Most dealers have their own classes but my particular shop hasn't sent me or anyone else really. Sometimes the master or expert techs get classes. I do think this is just related to the bosses/owners being cheap. Not all dealers are like this I'm told.

If I had to do it over again, I would've went to a CC (Skyline has some good programs with waiting lists.) and saved $. Another option is the "get your foot in the door method" and advance yourself with hard work. I'm pretty sure the name "Sequoia" didn't do it for me. If anything it was the color of my skin and the fact that I had been in the Army. Most people at my shop never went to a post graduate school.

The pay at least at my shop isn't great but could be worse. I started out at $15hr with no experience and little schooling. I was quickly given a decent raise and most experienced (over 5 years) techs there make $30-40hr. No benefits though. I would almost prefer to work at a union shop with benefits but the pay is considerably lower. It's up to what you want and what's important to you. Maybe start union to learn, then go flat rate.

On a side note, I'm tired of this job after about a year and a half. Not that I don't like it or work hard. It's just too stressful. I may ask to work the parts counter or even become a service advisor. Though I don't like kissing ***.

 

I spent 2 years in a community college course in Colorado, and while I learned the basics, I didn't get nearly as much out of it as I could have at a more well-equipped school. About a year after I completed that program, I started school at Wyotech in Fremont. The most important thing that I learned about automotive school is that you get out of it what you put into it. I studied a lot and worked hard at Wyotech and it definitely paid off. I learned a lot, and I feel like it was worth every penny. I got my ASE master certification before I even finished school there. They also have a job placement department that's pretty useful to grads. My only complaint about the school was the other students who complained constantly. I guess you can't please everyone though.

If you're interested in the automotive field, I think you should go for it. There are so many options out there once you get experience.