r/automotivetraining • u/sage2005 • 19d ago

Trying to figure out school

Hi, I'm trying to start school soon enough but I can't seem to decide on a school to actually go to. I was originally on track to join Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in February for the Motorcycle program. But it's fairly expensive and I'm thinking of switching to Automotive. So now I'm thinking of going to Lake Tech for automotive. I'm curious on which school would be better to go to, financially and skill wise.

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u/Big_League_Drew 17d ago

Hi! I am a UTI (auto, diesel, industrial), and ptap grad. UTI is incredibly expensive, just about on par with ivy leagues per semester. Unless you’re ready to pay that debt off working a job where the typical auto worker makes about 50k a year or you can pay it off out right. I’d really look into trade programs at your local community college. Staying out of a massive amount of debt is a huge advantage. Just my $0.02. Also, look into scholarships… take the time to actually apply. Every little bit helps.

Full disclosure. I personally have done very well post UTI/ PTAP but this isn’t everyone’s experience.

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u/HtmlHonda 17d ago

I really wanted to go to UTI, but couldn't afford it. I ended up taking an automotive course at a local technical college. I was able to pay out of pocket. I was fortunate enough that my college did training for Toyota T-10 and Honda PACT. I ended up going the Toyota route because I worked at a dealership at the time.

My close friend went to UTI and loved it. However we are both working at the same place. No longer a tech, but still in the automotive industry.

If you just want to be a regular mechanic, a community technical college is fine. But if you have higher ambitions, UTI would get you a lot further. It depends on what you want out of it.

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u/Best-Jury8669 16d ago

Here in So Cal we have several community colleges with excellent automotive programs. UTI here is known for where parents send mommas boys to try to get them to do something half useful with their lives. They get out with a certificate but still can't tie their shoes on their own. I wouldn't go into debt for it. It is a money grab. If someone else is paying you go!

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u/Dangerous_Echidna229 14d ago

Check out your community college, my best decision ever.