thinking of making this my life...
 

i'm considering entering UTI's manufacturer specific training program to become a mercedes tech come this fall (i'm a graduating HS senior). are there any folks out there who did this, or similar, or are a mercedes mechanic and can share what i can expect? difficulty in finding work? income? etc.... thanks a lot for everyone's help on this forum, without this i would've gotten rid of my 240D many many miles ago!

good luckto you. fixing things that are broken is always a needed skill. it is an honorable profession to be in.

we always need more honest people in the profession.

good luck

tom w

Paid my bills for all of my adult life..didn't get rich..don't have much retirement. feet & legs get tired,, have NO regrets & hope to fix cars at least another 10-15 years.

I graduated from an excellent Auto Tech program in my community college. At the time there weren't any manufacturers' involved, so the training wasn't specific to one brand. I worked full-time at various local garages during the day and went to school at night. With the high-tech boom just around the corner, I considered leaving the field in the mid-eighties and enrolled in Technical school to study digital electronics. After two years of night school I graduated with a diploma as a Digital Electronics Technician. As cars became more reliant on electronics I thought I could put my training to good use, so I stayed in the car business. I figured I might as well aim high, so I walked into an MB dealer and asked for a job. I was hired as a trainee even though I'd been a mechanic for seven years. That was eighteen years ago. Since then I've had the chance to attend MB training in New Jersey, Alabama, and California. I've gotten to know Technical Specialists, Engineers, and various other factory reps. I think that how far one goes in their chosen profession goes hand in hand with how hard they're willing to work. Oh yeah, a few lucky breaks along the way doesn't hurt either:D

Can't hurt to discuss this with a Mercedes dealer first.

Perhaps if you work as "lot boy" or the like for a while, they'll finance some of your training. It will be your chance to prove your stick-to-it iveness and that you can get to work on time every day.

Consider BMW, too.

About a year ago, my son thought he'd do the UTI thing. UTI was telling him he'd be making $100,000+ per year in a couple of years. I'm sure the school is good and will help you land a decnt paying job at a dealership that could lead to a rewarding career. Just don't listen to the heavy-handed sales guy pitching 100k+ per year right off the get go.

My son is now working at a large metal fabrication shop, learning the ropes with the owners help, and buying good used equipment as it comes available. His boss is helping him get into the business. And he's going to start his shop with no bills, because everything will have been paid for.

Much better path than UTI in my mind.

My neighbor is a Mercedes tech at Penske Mercedes in Covina, California.

He really enjoys his job, and makes very good money.

He also gets good benefits: health insurance and a 401K for retirement.

ayrtonsenna - before you throw down the cash at UTI, go talk with the local dealership and ask if they have an apprentice program. This is becoming a very common program these days. Locally car dealerships are advertising this on TV. You work part-time and they flip the bill to the local CC for auto engineering. Now of course the catch is you have to repay them by being a loyal employee or repay them the dollars they invested in you.
Here is a link to the program
http://www.hindscc.edu/Departments/CareerTechCenter/Programs/AutomotiveMechanics.aspx

Check your local community College for an Auto tech program that way you get college credit. Get some training in Welding as well.

Agree on the welding training. Kids just don't do this anymore. There will be a shortage in a few years of welders that know more than one process. Most employers will train people, but in a very specific process. Not really welders in the classic sense. In my mind, a welder can weld any commercial metal, any position, any process.

What's nice about welding is that it is practically instantly rewarding - you know if you did a good job as soon as you are done. When I retire, I am going back into fabrication. I've always enjoyed it. Can't wait for my kid to build his own shop - that'll be my retirement hobby.

I've compleated going to UTI myself; But the closest I can get is Chicago.


This is after two years of HS shops (a 2 1/2 hour class; five days a week) Welding, lathe, mill; we did all that.


I'm looking at getting into the Diesel mechanics program at my local CC. Far cheaper than UTI/Wyotech and the like. Shorter drive also.

ayrtonsenna,
In the USA 30 percent of the MB techs are graduates of UTI. This number continues to grow. I have worked with several and been to school with many. UTI is a springboard into the dealerships, not a write your own check that I am going to make a lot of money. Hard work and many hour spent learning are required.

"I think that how far one goes in their chosen profession goes hand in hand with how hard they're willing to work." ILUVMILS are words worth repeating because UTI is only the beginning of a long journey.

Read, study, and never stop learning. I go to work every day looking forward to todays challenge.

I've been considering this as well. Mainly if I would consider BMW,Mercedes or Audi as the companies to work for. I just don't know what I would like more in the long run. Engineering (lots of math classes which I hate) or Master Tech for one of those manufacturer specifics. If I go to UTI and do good, dont you have to apply for the specific manufacturer and hope to be allowed in?

Their diffrent programs, it's built just as any normal colleges.

when you get done with the standered classes, you can then go into the diffrent makes of autos.

MB's
 

Mercedes require a lot of repairs, so you'll certainly be in demand!