what is the chance of getting a job graduating from Nascar technical institute?
this year i am going to NTI and I was wondering since its only a year long to complete is it still just as likely for an employer to just over look me compared to someone that went to a 4 year college? #school #colleges #automotive #high-performance-cars #automotive-technician
2 answers
Jonathen’s Answer
Chris,
I'm assuming you are interested in maintenance and repair. The 51-week automotive repair program actually looks quite impressive and interesting. As an auto enthusiast, NTI might even be preferable as you will find many like-minded students work with. Your local community college will likely have a good auto program that you might consider.
I'd suggest you try to gather experience while studying. In all industries, Education + Experience is king. For example, nobody wants to pay big money to a fresh young tech with a degree, but who hasn't ever been under the hood of a car before. Likewise, some places simply cannot employ you if you lack the degree, no matter how many years experience you have. Try to get both whenever you can. Consider working part time for cheap at your local auto maintenance and repair shop to add experience. A year of changing oil, plus your NTI certificate should make you quite employable. Can you work for the school?
In addition, consider some of the following:
- Pay attention during all diagnostics. Don't get caught up in the specific repair, focus on learning your instructors general method's and approach to diagnostics and repair.
- Learn both Domestic and Foreign. I once worked for a shop where I was the only tech with the tools and knowledge to work on Domestic trucks. All that work funneled straight to me.
-Get State and IM certified. As I recall, this is cheap, takes about a weekend, and easy. You'd be surprised how many techs have to hand-off Inspections and emissions testing work to somebody else. You may be able to negotiate i higher flat-rate or wage if the shop is desperate.
-Get ASE certified. Take your ASE exams as you study the subjects at NSI while what you've learned is still fresh. ASE certs are very well respected and will be a strong supplement to your NSI credentials. They will serve you well regardless.
-Join a club- If you love Corvettes (or whatever), consider joining your local club of Corvette enthusiasts. You will learn a ton about something you love, and its more substance for the resume.
Hope this helps,
Jon