Not going to go deep into the backstory but here are the basic details:>25yo>uni grad but degree is useless>was a Audi tech for 1.5years as temp job after graduating>locked out of chosen career options due to disability (didn't anticipate it being as big of a problem as it has been)>really getting desperate for a stable job having recently moved states>only real skills I could make a job is being a wrencherI worked as a quick service tech at an Audi dealership and within months of hiring me, they wanted to move me up to the advanced training group and get me on Audi's fast track training program to get me into the main shop. I declined because I knew I was going to move soon and I hated being a tech. In retrospect, I hated it because I was quick service and Audi aren't the easiest to work on, t. the senior techs. If it comes to it, I'm not entirely opposed to becoming a tech again. My only qualifications is being a DIY wrencher and working at Audi. Don't have any ASE certs or anything like that. If anything, I could get a job at a quick service shop while I study for ASE certs to broaden my job opportunities. I've heard that being a fleet tech is the best way to go. That true? Being a tech at independent shops is ass and being a dealer tech is a bit better, but you have to bust your ass all day to make good hours based on what I saw at Audi. If being a fleet tech is out for whatever reason, and becoming a dealer tech is the best I can land, what brand would be the best to go for/least shitty to work on?
>>28111866Fleet tech or go diesel if you can… or heavy duty off-road. Pretty much all of those blue collar gigs are still hurting for guys. If you did some work at the Audi dealer, you have a decent shot. Look for municipal jobs too, like most cities and park districts and bus transit authorities have fleet shops, pay pretty well with good benefits. The upside to working for a fleet compared to a mechanic’s shop is that you’re mostly going to be doing PMs and simple parts swaps, they always send out big jobs to the dealer, and those places often buy most of the big tools so you only need the basic stuff and don’t have to spend $23k/yr on the tool truck for every specialty VW and Toyota and Chevy tool plus your Snap On scan tool subscription. And the fleet shops are likely going to be hourly, depends on how you work as to whether that’s good or bad, but at least it’s consistent and you’re not getting recall jobs that pay 1/3 what they should. Seems like average around most places for basic car techs will be like $20-$25/hr, but diesel techs that honestly have an easier job are doing $30-$35/hr and more in demand right now.Worth checking out your local electrican, HVAC, and plumbing unions. IBEW and Pipefitters? Double time on Sundays all day!
>>28111923Very informative, I really appreciate it. I’ll mull it over and think about applying to some fleet positions. My county currently has one open for a truck/heavy equipment tech. Worst they say is no, best is they offer to train me and get me certified in stuff.
