r/automotivetraining • u/[deleted] • 12d ago

Help with a career path in automotive industries.

I'm a 17 year old with a GED in the US state of Florida. I'm wondering if there's anyway for me to enter the automotive industry? I've tried applying to an entry level service e technician job but they rejected me which I expected. Are there courses I can take that would allow me to start off earlier or do I need to wait until I'm 18?

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u/claudial12 11d ago

Start as a quick lube tech. You can learn some basics and dealerships are always looking for good employees. Show up when your supposed to and make sure you keep yourself busy. Managers will recognize the work ethic and be a lot more receptive to helping you become a full time tech.

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u/waynep712222 11d ago

start reading articles. there are thousands of them..

https://www.underhoodservice.com/

learn this test... https://imgur.com/SnzhDh0

practice it with a digital multimeter.. this is a test i perform on every car...

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u/Hezigrimm 9d ago

If you really want to start with lube tech. I personally would stay away from dealerships. A lot have a hard time pulling lube techs into full fledged techs. If you are absolutely wanting to do dealership work, you are just going to have to go and feel it out. You can usually tell if they will pull you in or not. Another word of warning. There are a lot of dealers that will want to put you on flat rate faster than you should be. As someone on the low end of the totem pole you will be doing a lot of warranty work and shit work all around. Meaning hours will most likely not be great. I say this as someone who went to a tech school and tried to get out in the field as a tech. Many wanted to throw me straight to flat rate. I had the know how but not the experience and that matters a lot. I left the business because of management and mostly because of like I said about not getting good jobs. I get that's kind of how it goes but I still had to take care of me in the long run. This is why I suggest mom and pop shops or even get some local training at a trade school if you can, some experience, and join the local state fleet service department. A lot of mom and pops aren't going to pay you flat rate. Heck even Firestone or something like that would be good. I would suggest going to firestone as a tire or lube tech and either studying for ASE certs or go to a local trade school and try to work your way up.