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.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

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

__________________
BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

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

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

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.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

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.

__________________
-1983 VW Rabbit LS Diesel (5speed, VNT/Giles build)

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.

__________________
Paul