SHOP OWNERS: Trade school grads?

[chopshopcustoms]

Whats your experience been with trade school grads? So far- Im none to keen on ever hiring another guy who came from a trade school.

So far Ive had a few Wyotech grads and one part time UTI kid and each one has felt they should get top notch pay and had beginner level skills. If I say experienced help- it doesnt mean in a classroom atmosphere...:hmm:

Even the ones who have come in looking for a job- they all have seemed to have the same 'Im as good as you' attitude- do they actually TEACH that in their courses?

Maybe its just the area I am in ? Maybe it was just the guys who came here? Not sure- but it really turned me off hiring help in my shop from trade schools.

Can anyone else chime in?

[BMF Machine]

Vocational grads are great! I feel if they went on past high school for a vocational trade, they are slackers that did not want to work yet. Experience in the working field is the best way to learn a trade. I worked with a machinist that went to Vincennes U. for machine trades. He was the most worthless piece of sh** I ever met, he was overpaid and thought he was good because he built a 4 inch grinding vise in one year at school? IMO

I did go on past high school but it was an apprenticeship(state authorized program). The job I had taught me everything I knew. The school part was just for the piece of paper from the state. Now I have been machining for 20 years and for 5 of those years I have had 2 jobs. One of them is the shop that I own operate and work in(occasionally, anyway I am the only person in that picture). I still learn something everyday at both of my jobs, school can not prepare someone for a trade. IMO

[Fesler built]

I think its in the person, I have had a few guys that have done the school and agree that the majority think they know everything. Because you learned it in a school means nothing in the shop. I think the schools are good for learning but if they cant apply it well you know :hand:

[Air Daddy]

Some total disasters have rolled into our shop and we were told that Wyotech grads had done the damage.
Any collage is simply a starting point or tool for the real world. You still need to hone that skill.

This is a neat article that may explain some of today's collage grads.
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2007/02/27/study_college_students_more_narcissistic/

[streetk14]

Hiring people from UTI or Wyotech seems to be hit or miss for the most part from my experience. Graduating from one of those schools really means nothing as far as talent, experience or work ethic. It really just depends on the student, and you really are just going to need to use your best judgement and take a chance if you need people in the shop.

Right now, I have an apprentice working under me that came out of one of UTI's BMW programs. He has been working with me for 7 months at this point and he will continue to do so until he has about a year under his belt. At that point he will be on his own as a beginner technician. This guy is motivated and a quick learner and he will do well in this business if he keeps it up. I cannot say the same for others I have seen come from the UTI programs.

These UTI/Wyotech guys are usually hired on a probationary period basis. You should know within 3 months whether he is going to be a useful and productive addition to your shop or if you are wasting your time. Some guys just don't pick stuff up, or lack common sense (can't teach that in school). Being in a real-world shop is usually very humbling to the ones who are cocky. At least that has been the case with the high-tech cars I'm dealing with. They realize very quickly how little they really know/learned from school and that there is no substitute for experience.

Oh, and with all that said, I did not go to any trade school to get where I am. I worked my way there the good, old fashioned way.

Andy

[79_GBody]

I think its in the person, I have had a few guys that have done the school and agree that the majority think they know everything. Because you learned it in a school means nothing in the shop. I think the schools are good for learning but if they cant apply it well you know :hand:

Being a student at WyoTech, I totally agree with you on this one. It all depends on the person, I'd say 80% of the kids here came into school with that, "I already know it all" frame of mind so they really don't learn anything and another 10% couldn't tell you how to change a tire let alone oil. :eek: So when they finish school they really feel like they know it all, and like you said if you can't apply what you know your worthless to an employer. I've learned alot while being here, but can truely say I'm far from an experienced body man/fabricator.

[GPI]

I would tell you to kinda test the guys out before you hire and see what the level of skill and interest is. I went to UTI Collision repair/refinishing about two years ago after completing previous college level automotive schooling and working in the trade for a few years. Was there almost 7 months before I dropped out. Not worth the time or money in my opinion(even carrying a 4.0gpa), unless you just want that certificate. These schools are good for someone that has almost no knowledge of automotive, but if you do you will not get much out of it. Its very beginner pace and only teaches the bare basics and gives you a certificate, and the school will tell you that throughout. Just check the guys out, were some talented guys but few and far between.

[XLexusTech]

Here is my opinion having been in the exact same shoes. I believe the schools hype themeselves to attract students. Making them believe they are further ahead then they think.

With that said I think sourcing those schools for top quality people is a great Idea. You do need to make them understand they need to walk before they can run. Thier not as prepared as the schools Hype.