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What would be a good approach to becoming a mechanic. I am going to trade school and aiming to work for a dealership. Then after years of experience down the line start a shop of my own.
Does the trade school I go to matter?
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7 answers
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Abualgasim’s Answer
Technical school is important because it helps you understand how each part works and what it does. If you need to fix a problem, you need to know enough to find and solve it without making things worse. Technical school gives you the skills to do this effectively.
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Hannah’s Answer
Hi, Dean!
As a rule, trade schools are not only quite a bit cheaper and more streamlined than traditional universities, but you can get the career you want a lot sooner. With universities being so expensive in this day and age, I definitely recommend taking up a trade at this point.
This being said, definitely do your research on it, because like traditional universities, it does matter where you go to school: you want the best possible for your trajectory in life and your career.
I see that you live in New York City so there’s definitely no shortage of schools near you. Look for things like accreditation (i.e., past students can confirm that it’s a good choice and they can recommend it), curriculum (in that a school can give you the credentials that you desire), the facilities around it (being a mechanic is all hands-on so see if you can find out about things like the instructors behind required classes, textbooks, and workshops), and also transferability: opening your own dealership would require studying business as well as mechanics, so find out if there are schools near you that can transfer credits to a university and if the mechanical program offers courses in business as well, and when I think about it, this could also potentially help you be savvy with your finances and paying for school as well.
Best of luck!
As a rule, trade schools are not only quite a bit cheaper and more streamlined than traditional universities, but you can get the career you want a lot sooner. With universities being so expensive in this day and age, I definitely recommend taking up a trade at this point.
This being said, definitely do your research on it, because like traditional universities, it does matter where you go to school: you want the best possible for your trajectory in life and your career.
I see that you live in New York City so there’s definitely no shortage of schools near you. Look for things like accreditation (i.e., past students can confirm that it’s a good choice and they can recommend it), curriculum (in that a school can give you the credentials that you desire), the facilities around it (being a mechanic is all hands-on so see if you can find out about things like the instructors behind required classes, textbooks, and workshops), and also transferability: opening your own dealership would require studying business as well as mechanics, so find out if there are schools near you that can transfer credits to a university and if the mechanical program offers courses in business as well, and when I think about it, this could also potentially help you be savvy with your finances and paying for school as well.
Best of luck!
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Trade schools can help lay a solid basic knowledge. The big learn will come with hands on experience. Start out as a lube or apprenticeship.
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Abualgasim’s Answer
The technical institute is crucial because it offers both hands-on and classroom training. This combination helps you gain the skills needed to become a professional in your field.
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Mandy’s Answer
Trade school is a great place to start, or search for an automotive program at your community college. Learn the basics of internal combustion engines at one of these. Then search for possible apprenticeship programs, or find a job at a tire shop, or an oil changing shop to begin growing real world experience and understanding. Pay attention to details as you work. Take a moment to run the processes from start to finish in your mind as much or as far as possible. This will help the work be smoother and less frustrating. Don't rush learning, and lean on those with more experience from the outset, asking for advice where needed.
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Patrick’s Answer
First, it’s important to use modern terminology. Today, professionals working on vehicles in dealerships are automotive technicians or diesel technicians, not “mechanics.” That term carries outdated stereotypes that don’t reflect the reality of the job. Modern vehicles require advanced knowledge of electronics, diagnostics, and instrumentation, making this a highly specialized profession that deserves respect. Dealerships also expect this professionalism—technicians represent the brand and will interact with customers, so appearance and conduct matter.
Trade school can be a good option if the cost is reasonable. It provides a strong foundation, though it won’t cover everything. When I attended Universal Technical Institute 20 years ago, students were encouraged to specialize in specific manufacturers after completing the core program. These brand-focused programs trained students on current and older models, and schools often connected graduates directly with dealerships that were hiring. Dealers tend to favor applicants trained specifically on their vehicles.
As for opening your own shop, the industry has changed significantly. Years ago, many independent shops specialized in European or domestic brands because manufacturers shared common systems, which kept tooling costs manageable. Today, vehicles are far less standardized, and the cost of diagnostic tools for multiple manufacturers can be overwhelming. You’ll likely have to limit the makes you service or turn away work due to lack of specialized tools. This is something to carefully consider when planning your business.
Trade school can be a good option if the cost is reasonable. It provides a strong foundation, though it won’t cover everything. When I attended Universal Technical Institute 20 years ago, students were encouraged to specialize in specific manufacturers after completing the core program. These brand-focused programs trained students on current and older models, and schools often connected graduates directly with dealerships that were hiring. Dealers tend to favor applicants trained specifically on their vehicles.
As for opening your own shop, the industry has changed significantly. Years ago, many independent shops specialized in European or domestic brands because manufacturers shared common systems, which kept tooling costs manageable. Today, vehicles are far less standardized, and the cost of diagnostic tools for multiple manufacturers can be overwhelming. You’ll likely have to limit the makes you service or turn away work due to lack of specialized tools. This is something to carefully consider when planning your business.
Updated
Carl’s Answer
That is fantastic you are charting your future, Dean! A career as an automotive mechanic is in high demand and offers a hands-on path to success. Your first step should be formal training to build a strong, credible foundation. In New York, you have excellent options like **CUNY Bronx Community College, Apex Technical School, Lincoln Tech in Queens, or SUNY schools** like Farmingdale and Alfred State. When choosing, look for a program that is **ASE Education Foundation accredited**, offers extensive hands-on training on modern equipment (including electric/hybrid vehicles), and provides opportunities for internships or manufacturer-specific training. This education is your ticket to securing a better entry-level position and accelerating your path to Master Technician status.
The choice of school matters most for the *quality* of your start, not its name. The best programs offer a high return on investment by providing superior tools, experienced instructors, and job placement assistance. Community colleges (SUNY/CUNY) often provide a great education at the most affordable tuition rate, minimizing debt. However, regardless of the school, you must commit to earning your **ASE Certifications**—these are the credentials the industry respects and are key to higher earning potential. Think of your education as a critical step that substitutes for the initial years of on-the-job experience required for full certification.
Eventually, owning your own shop is an exciting, achievable goal! To get there, you must combine your technical skills with strong business acumen. Start by gaining experience as a lead technician, and then draft a detailed business plan that defines your shop's niche (e.g., specialized diagnostics), outlines your startup costs, and addresses all **New York DMV licensing requirements** for repair garages. You'll need commercial insurance, proper zoning, and capital for specialized equipment and lifts. With your dedication to both the wrench and the business side, you are perfectly positioned to turn this plan into a thriving reality. Good luck on your journey!
The choice of school matters most for the *quality* of your start, not its name. The best programs offer a high return on investment by providing superior tools, experienced instructors, and job placement assistance. Community colleges (SUNY/CUNY) often provide a great education at the most affordable tuition rate, minimizing debt. However, regardless of the school, you must commit to earning your **ASE Certifications**—these are the credentials the industry respects and are key to higher earning potential. Think of your education as a critical step that substitutes for the initial years of on-the-job experience required for full certification.
Eventually, owning your own shop is an exciting, achievable goal! To get there, you must combine your technical skills with strong business acumen. Start by gaining experience as a lead technician, and then draft a detailed business plan that defines your shop's niche (e.g., specialized diagnostics), outlines your startup costs, and addresses all **New York DMV licensing requirements** for repair garages. You'll need commercial insurance, proper zoning, and capital for specialized equipment and lifts. With your dedication to both the wrench and the business side, you are perfectly positioned to turn this plan into a thriving reality. Good luck on your journey!