Automotive Tech. (Toyota) or Diesel Engine Technician?
 

well my primary career choice is firefighting as i have completed my fire academy a few years back and will be pursing that career until i get it.

but while i wait, im looking at getting a secondary education, as most firefighters have seconds jobs. id like to move into either of these programs. im going to be hitting up a info session this week to get more info. but do you have any friends/family that have taken these programs, or work in these fields?

what do they think?
any info they would like to share?

Automotive Tech. (Toyota Foundation)

Diesel Engine Tech.

the reason i also put in diesel engine tech. is the fact that i run a Diesel JDM hilux, and my fiancee has a VW Tdi, and i find diesel vehicles are becoming more popular along with hybrids than their gasoline counterparts. but input on this unverified statement would be appreciated as well.

a big factor as well, is that this will not be a main career of mine, just something to do on the side. so im sure i wont grow to hate something i love as i will NOT be doing it 24/7. more or less, i want to be able to do anything on my own vehicles and friends/family vehicles...well more than what i can do right now.

go with the diesel education

its hard finding a good diesel tech without going to BD diesel or to the dealership

Diesel because there is a growing demand for that.

would the auto tech (toyota foundation) be better than the general automotive service tech?

^ Not really. It just focuses on more on Toyota Technology.

HD/Commercial Diesel Tech

Also check out the course at VCC

Diesel is the way to go, fucking great jobs in that industry compared to changing oil filters for toyota

buddy i know works for Cullen [aka detroit diesel] union job, 3 X 12 hour days, 4 days off, and if he worked on-call maintenance you get another like 4-5 an hour plus the OT you get for doing out-calls

seems like being a diesel tech is where the money is at compared to an auto tech, anyone wanna chime in on this for me? as i'm planning on getting into the auto service tech program at bcit

Definately go for diesel/heavy duty. Gas guys are everywhere. If you are good at diesels, you'll have a job pretty much anywhere with good money as well.

is it hard to find a job right now for aprenticing auto tech?

Yes it is. Also depends on the kind of experience you have as well. From what I know, the first and second year guys are having lots of trouble looking for work as nobody wants to take on a fresh guy especially during this economic down turn.

From what I see it isn't hard if you have the right attitude and show initiative. I'm not saying that you can just drive around for a couple of hours dropping off half ass resumes and end up with a job but it's by no means difficult. And a lot of dealerships provide opportunities for brand-specific training courses for things such as diesel where you can actually work with and learn about up-to-date automotive technology.

Regardless of which ELTT course you go with, you'll need to complete the entire apprenticeship program to become certified, which takes time, and isn't easily accomplished as a side job. This is not to mention that an ELTT course isn't a necessary part of the certification process.

i know a few people who took the heavy duty / CT / diesle tech program, and had a hard time finding an apprenticeship
if you don't have experience or know someone it can be a hard career to get started in
but once your a journeyman HD / CT pays better than most trade's and its easy to find a shop willing to give you three 12's or four 10's hour shifts

auto tech is a little essayer to find a job even if its washing cars or lube tech et least its a start, you can always switch over most automotive programs the first 2 years are common

thanks for all the info guys, some really helpful stuff here :)

i'd go for toyota because i think its safer and seems to be more flexible then just only focusing on diesel

You honestly need to keep your mouth shut unless you're actually in the field.

Diesel tech will pay better, but you have to know what you're getting into. Heavy Duty in general, sure the pay is better, and you get more days off, but the work can be far more grueling. I know heavy duty mechanics who are complete wrecks and they're only in their 40s/50s. By the same token, I know numerous general auto mechanics who are still skateboarding/snowboarding, just generally enjoying life and are in their late 40s/50s.

As far as toyota specific or general apprenticeship, be prepared for a lot of oil changes, but better pay as a toyota specific. You'll learn more across the board as a generalized apprentice though.

It can be hard, and somewhat daunting to find a job as an apprentice, and this is where the foundation/eltt courses come in handy. It shows the potential employer that you have some commitment towards getting into the field, and have some basis of knowledge prior to beginning work for them. Much harder to just walk in off the street and ask for a job when you have no idea what tools are what, or how to work an oxyacetylene setup.

And yes, I am a licensed tech at an independent garage.

hearing from my 3rd year instructor, most diesel techs. develop a respiratory illness some time in their career. =/

lol tryhard.
we know by your huge ass bold letters in your sig that you are an fucking Automotive Service Technician
no need to flaunt it
what i said wasn't much off then what you said idiot

back on topic please....we dont need this in FC

yup, i cant find a job anywhere. i finished my commercial transport eltt in november of 2008, i was working at my old job to save up a little money for tools, just after i finished the course, then boom.. recession hit hard, got laid off from the job i had. now im just wandering around like a dog with out a home, looking for some bullshit jobs that pay fuck all.

it may not be necessary, but no one will hire you without an eltt certificate.

I took the Toyota Foundation program
It's a really great program, and get to do a lot of hands on work.
Differences between this and the ELTT program is Toyota based teaching aids.

After finishing the program, it's always hard for a first year to find an apprenticeship. Most shops won't offer you an apprenticeship until you do some grub work.

I say if you can do heavy duty, then try that or like you mentioned, diesel.

I don't think OP will have to worry about that for a while due to it being on the side.

I applied for this program, and got waitlisted for the moment. Thanks for the brief overview, I made a good choice in applying for it while I'm still in high school.

However, for myself, if I suddenly lose interest in becoming a tech, I may consider going into parts. I know that !SG is one, anyone else have an opinion on being a parts person as well?

going for the toyota program will hinder you a little.... unless u plan on working in a toyota dealership, think about it for a second.

Diesel is a good way to go, more money and less people know it, but as of now, there is less of a demand. We dont have enough diesels now. I'd reccomend between diesel and normal auto tech, forget the toyota part.

There will always be cars to fix (more than toyotas) and there will always be diesel engines around, even more so in the future, so either are a great trade. Look into wait times and see what kind of careers are available for each, and go from there.