Whats your view on Wyotech

[Woody22]

Ok heres the deal. Im setup for a local college but i honestly don't wana go. My buddie was talking about how hes going to wyotech in blairsville pa for high performance drivetrain. I wana go for collision repair and business management. But i did a quick search and eveyone says its Wyoshit. So shine some light on this for me. Thanks guys.

[Slamd_S_Dyme]

I've heard mixed reviews on Wyotech but more bad then good.

[Woody22]

what would be bad though. me and my father are going to drive down and take a look if i still wana go.

[Slamd_S_Dyme]

I hear alot of people saying they thought it was alot more of an opportunity than it ends up being. A couple guys I know graduated from there and can't get jobs anywhere, not even as the shop bitch. Turns out they spent all that money and time just to go right back to the job they had before they left for school.

[sonomanator]

i was talking to the guy who teaches the body shop class at my local community college and he told me that he knows teachers at those types of schools and they say what they have is better since you get attention and that they fell bad that people pay so much for it.

[Woody22]

yeah. i just don't wana pay 30 grand and not get shit outa it except an experiance. Its my life.

[autotrim]

ok, every school has its pros and cons, wyotech is a very reptuable(sp?) school, they give you the knowledge its up to you to learn it and the outcome of your future and career, i got a scholarship to go to wotech($4,000),itt tech($4,000) unho($3,000), nadc ($13,000), and some others. i could only choose one, i am attending nadc because im pretty much going on full ride and its an hour and a half away, i have talked to many people that went to wyotech,nadc,uti and others, i have had people say bad things and great things about each school. if its what you want to do and if you apply your self they you will benifit from the education program no matter which school. i can not say if wyotech is a great school i am not enrolled there. just show up dont miss a day and study.

[hub_01_69]

Pretty much get out of it what you put into it. You can drag ass and mooch off of your buddies and pass a class as long as you were to get lucky on the comps. Or you can pay attention, try your hardest, ask lots of questions and learn a lot. Is it overpriced? Yes, imo. And classes were a little too large to get the one on one training that students needed when i was there. I now just use what i learned out there for personal projects and have taken a different career path but did have a job secured and multiple job offers from other companies before i graduated. *I've kept in touch with some of my old classmates (class of '05) and some of them have awesome jobs in the automotive field and love it and some hate ever attending the school and claim it's a waste of money and time. I enjoyed attending the school and would probably do it again if it wasn't so ****ing expensive considering i basically paid nearly 30k only to advance the skills of one of my hobbies.

[Woody22]

Both of those were good to hear. im honestly thinking that what i want to do. cuz when i set my mind to something thats what i do.

[Purplepimp]

I know a decent amount of people that are going threw wyotech and have been threw and from what I get:

1. Go the the jobs! My neighbor went for 2 years, came home and didnt want to move so hes the manager of Big-o 3-4years later.

2. Learn everything you can! A lot of guys have experience fixing cars or doing body work from growing up. You have to make sure you learn everything you can and be better then them so you stand out for jobs.

3. Don't expect your gonna get handed a sweet job. Most shops, no matter how much experience you have, they will start you as shop bitch and you have to work toward the job you want.

Good Luck

[hub_01_69]

What are your plans after wyotech if you were to attend? Eventually open your own collision shop, work for dealer, private company or what?

[Woody22]

Thanks man. and starting as the shop bitch is ok. life is a bitch. you just have to work through it.

[Woody22]

Quote: Originally Posted by hub_01_69

What are your plans after wyotech if you were to attend? Eventually open your own collision shop, work for dealer, private company or what?

Id like to open up a shop of my own. a body shop. but first i would get myself established as a dealership. give me a honest look on how a good shop handles things. i wouldnt jump out of college and start my own shop. no. id like to start a shop that does suspention work and body work.

[hub_01_69]

Sounds like you've got a good idea of what you want and a good mind set of how to accomplish it. Experience is key and working at a dealership would really show you the in's and outs on how everything operates. There seems to be good money around here doing body/collision work. Just keep your mind open and make sure wyotech is what you want to do. They were very strict with us on dress code, conduct, shop cleaning and organization. Just keep in mind that they're just making sure you're willing/able to listen and follow rules and directions and not just being complete asshats. Although i'm convinced that some of them are just that.

[Woody22]

Im a very neat person. if somethings messy i freak. so cleaing is not a prob. I refuse to buy a premodified car or truck cuz most likely its a freaking hack job. thats why i bought my blazer in stock form. I evenutally want to work for myself have my own shop and raise a family in comfort without haveing to worry about how im going to pay for something. Im def not looking to get rich i just want to do something i love and get paid for it.

[Prostreet10]

oops

[TheFue]

I'm a mentor (gray shirt) at Wyotech in Blairsville, and All I want to emphasize is this;

Make sure you know what you want AND you check this place out first!

The number 1 complaint I hear from the "newstarts" right after the phase gets rolling is "Well, it's not what my recruiter said" or "It's not what i thought" hate to say it bu the recruiters DO gain a commision, and, sad to say, a few of them will tell you ANYTHING to get that commision. Is it right? No, and we've gone rounds time and time again trying to deal with this situation...

But just because you see some video on Youtube and some one says something, or your recruiter does, or etc make sure you take the time to check out the school, and talk to other students. Come take the time to take the tour, ask an ass load of questions, Nathan will be your tour guide, he's pretty knowledgable about what actually goes on here. And worse comes to worse come find me, Fue.


THAT being said, here's my experience:

I took Collision/Refinishing with Street rod, and when I was in Collision, I added ASM for the fast-track degree. Of all the classes I've been in thus far, Street Rod is where i learned the absolute most. The teachers there (Jay-Rich-Gary) are VERY knowledgable and willing to share it. Not to mention the ammountof hands on we had. In that class I shaved the ass-end of an S10, making my own tail light fillers on the English wheel, and chop-topped a 54 Pontiac. And even if you don't have friends or a project of your own, theres always stuff around the shop to play with.

Of course though it hasn't been all daisies. Let's face it, a lot of us (car guys) do do some stupid things when we're driving, and all it takes is for one idiot to ruin it forever. The police in general are more active around campus and Indy park, the State boys and Sherriffs Deputies are pretty fair though. The Blairsville cops will pull you over for anything, but the magistrate is pretty fed up with their BS tickets, if you get one, fight it, you'll more than likely have it thrown out.

As with any college, you get a lot of kids right out of highschool, out from under mommy and daddy for the first time and they act like idiots. Now not EVERYONE does, but again, it only takes a few. Last year a student was in an altercation with another at private housing, off campus, and he wound up getting shot in the neck, and dying. Because of this, and continued problems, Wyotech enacted stricter rules and regultions on it's owned housing (Indy park and Oakland-Rooney) and its a VERY tight ship now. Indy park unfortunately is also starting to fall apart, and Oakland-Rooney's been doing that for years, so I advise you and strongly encourage you, get private housing.

This kinda turned into a novel, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask me, I'll either answer them myself or get the admin to, depending.

EDIT: oh, and since I see it's relevant to the thread, the "Whistle Tips" video is a required part of the ASM education....

[TUCNRIM88]

i have had four wyotech grads come through our shop one is a roofer two are still doing body one with us and one went batshit nuts. the problem with autobody is that everybody thinks its a fall back type of job. it isnt good techs make 60-80k a year you have to be inteligent. im sorry but i bet a lot of the problem with the people that attend wyotech and bomb out is more than likely those people only have the ability to manage mcdonalds its a real job with real consequences you can kill somebody putting a car together wrong.


sorry bout the rant

[Jake]

I know two people who went to wyotech. One is a tech at a toyota dealership making tons of money, the other did the cab corners on my friends truck in exchange for letting him sleep on the couch for a week or two. So i guess you get what you put in. I knew both of them in high school before they went and i expected almost exactly what happened. If your serious you will probably be alright, but if your a tool then dont even bother.

[topdragster5051]

I know a kid who went to wyotech and when he got out couldn't even tell his car was skipping... then he had to have someone fix it for them.... that says a lot right there.. go to alfred state thats where i went hell your in jamestown already.... plus wyotech will cost you tons more

[Dr.pRymer]

my buddy went there and just graduated about a month ago.

He said it was kinda a joke up there. but he did learn to do some kick ass interior stuff though

[Woody22]

yeah i looked into alfred. i guess its all in how much effort you put into it...

[Dr.pRymer]

Quote: Originally Posted by Woody22

yeah i looked into alfred. i guess its all in how much effort you put into it...

thats like it is with everything man.

but some people go there thinkin its all easy and dont bother to even learn or therefore want to learn a trade.

Ex. Im going to school for Mechanical Computer Aided Drafting and Design because ive done it in the past in high school and i really enjoyed it. When im in school im trying hard as hell to understand it all and always asking questions and shit because i wanna learn it. Hell theres some kids that are MAYBE there 3 outta the 5 days a week. and they bitch and moan when something new was taught and the dont understand it, and they dont even ask questions to try to understand it.

Its a shame to just watch them was the money to go there when half the time they dont even show up.

[BTE]

I went to UNOH. It was a great school, and it accredited. So if you decide to go to another college down the line, the credits will transfer. And you can get either an associates or a bachelors degree too. The only experience I have had with Wyotech is from people who started there and quit to come to UNOH because they hated it or didn't like Wyotech for whatever reason.
The only complaint with UNO, is they suck ass at helping you find a job after you graduate, no matter how many times they tell you they will.

[monoxide_child]

there coming to my house on the 26th to talk bout the custom fabrication class

[Wicked Mayhem]

i know a kid who went there.. he is now working back at discount tire. he did good in school. but the main problem is him having a big head. he thinks since he took the paint and collision stuff that he can start off as a head painter at a shop. he wont start off as a shop bitch or anything cause he thinks he's number one.

[blazerlow]

Ok, I can't speak for the Blairsville location, but I did go to the Laramie Wyoming location. I graduated Dec. 07. I took Collision/Refinishing, Street Rod, and Trim/Upholstery. The price is very high, but from the knowledge and experience I gained, I say it was worth it.

I have found that Most people (not all) that bitch and complain about this school are the young just out of high school hot head pricks that think there sh*t don't stink. To succeed in this school you have to have an open mind, be willing to learn, and work hard.

With that said, be prepared for very strict rules such as, keeping your shirt tucked in, keeping your hair cut short, and shaving every day. (no beards allowed). I think some of the rules are a little over the top, but they have to do it because of the dick heads that ruin it for everyone else.

As far as getting a job after you graduate. They are pretty good about giving you many opportunities and letting you know what is out there.
Now, I am currently back at my old job, but that was my choice. I also have gained a $2 raise as a result of going to school though. I did however find a job in restoration and customization. I worked at "L'Cars" (www.lcars.com) in Cameron Wisconsin for 3 months after I graduated. The reason I don't work there anymore is because they treat their employees like crap so I decided to quit. It was an awesome place to work other than that. I was doing full custom interiors for street rods and all kinds of upholstery work.

Since that didn't work out for me, I'm planning on staying at the dealer ship for a while and probably gonna start doing some upholstery work on the side myself.

So anyway, there's my story and my 2¢
feel free to pm me with any questions or comments

edit * as a matter of fact I just noticed they still have my name and description up on the L'cars website under the "our people" section. (Brian Reilly)

[Big_Bake]

damn it's $30k to go there. i'll take 4 years and that much to get my bachelor's in engineering. lol. but they are all right. you get what you put into it. my first semester (last fall), i totally pissed away by skipping class, dropping classes, and all kinds of dumb shit just to chill with people and party and shit. i feel like a dumbass of course (even though i'm pretty responsible). so now i'm taking that shit serious now, going to class and trying and save my GPA so employers will think i'm worth a shit. also gotta go to summer school the next couple summer so i can graduate in 4 years. i'm about a semester behind now. i'm not even technically a sophomore cause i don't have enough credits going into my second year now.

[ezekieL]

I'm tired of reading and hearing the whole "I know a kid....", "A buddy of mine..." story. I attended, and i put a lot into the school, and got a lot out. Seriously, its the effort and drive you have towards the school, if you are lazy and dont want to be there, then straight up dont waste your time and money. But, if you're going to really try and do the most you can while there, then more power to you. I went from a computer tech to a fabricator at a motorcycle shop because i attended wyotech, and because i learned a lot there. In response to topdragster5051, just because someone attends wyotech doesnt mean they know everything, to be honest, its practically an introduction to "the field". Hell, im not going to lie, i still have a bunch to learn.

[lee-mill]

i know about 4 people that went there and all have shitty jobs, ones working at valvoline and the other three are working at firestone tire, they all had good grades and did well, but somehow they have shitty jobs, IMO i wouldnt go because 30k is too much

[Wrkn prgs]

I know two people who graduated from Wyotech.. they are both in a factory. They will help you find a job - if you are willing to move.

[Woody22]

well its mostly the area too that you live in. my area is shit for custom work. no lie. thats why im planning on moving somewere. and for all you guys saying 30k you can't put a ****ing price on education cuz a good education pays off in the end. im not worryed about the money end of it. I want to do something that i love to do. and also get paid.

[blazerlow]

Quote: Originally Posted by Woody22

well its mostly the area too that you live in. my area is shit for custom work. no lie. thats why im planning on moving somewere. and for all you guys saying 30k you can't put a ****ing price on education cuz a good education pays off in the end. im not worryed about the money end of it. I want to do something that i love to do. and also get paid.

agreed. knowledge is priceless.

So far I have noticed that anyone that talks bad about Wyotech, is either going by hearsay, or hasn't backed up their reason for why it "sucks".

I'd like to hear some legit reasons and opinions why Wyotech "sucks". Some people just think that it's gonna be all fun and games to work on cool cars and trucks. That's not real life though, it's a PITA to try to do restoration or customization for a customer. You have to do it how they want it, not how you want it.

[dngrous_dime]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dr.pRymer

thats like it is with everything man.

but some people go there thinkin its all easy and dont bother to even learn or therefore want to learn a trade.

Ex. Im going to school for Mechanical Computer Aided Drafting and Design because ive done it in the past in high school and i really enjoyed it. When im in school im trying hard as hell to understand it all and always asking questions and shit because i wanna learn it. Hell theres some kids that are MAYBE there 3 outta the 5 days a week. and they bitch and moan when something new was taught and the dont understand it, and they dont even ask questions to try to understand it.

Its a shame to just watch them was the money to go there when half the time they dont even show up.

No shit. I don't get why people don't show up to class, when they're PAYING to be there.

I'm taking the same major as you, btw... Fun stuff..

[ezekieL]

Quote: Originally Posted by blazerlow

agreed. knowledge is priceless.

So far I have noticed that anyone that talks bad about Wyotech, is either going by hearsay, or hasn't backed up their reason for why it "sucks".

I'd like to hear some legit reasons and opinions why Wyotech "sucks". Some people just think that it's gonna be all fun and games to work on cool cars and trucks. That's not real life though, it's a PITA to try to do restoration or customization for a customer. You have to do it how they want it, not how you want it.

To be honest, the only really thing i saw that "sucked" at that school was some of the people who are there and dont give a shit and get in the way of us who are trying to learn and putting effort towards the school. Theres also a small thing with there not being 1 enough tools, but other than that, thats really all i remember...

[Curly]

not to sabotage the thread, but if anyone has any experience with UTI, pm me. I have heard mixed opinions on wyotech, and so I didnt know if it was the same for UTI. my younger brother is thinking of going there.

[blazerlow]

Quote: Originally Posted by Curly

not to sabotage the thread, but if anyone has any experience with UTI, pm me. I have heard mixed opinions on wyotech, and so I didnt know if it was the same for UTI. my younger brother is thinking of going there.

Don't quote me on this because it is only hearsay. I have heard that UTI doesn't have nearly as much equipment and tools as Wyotech. Like I said, that is only what I have heard from someone so don't take it as a fact.

[The Griff]

i know 2 guys that went to Wyotech and 1 that went to UTI

1 works at goodyear
1 works at o'reilly
1 drives a tow truck

that is all.

[SweetS10V8]

Look into The University of Northwestern Ohio. IM just copying and pasting what I posted in a similar thread. UNOH is red because its the keyword I used to search an old post.

UNOH is an awesome college to attend. Every person I knew at UNOH, that took college seriously, has an awesome job now. Plus you get an accredited degree at UNOH.

I now have the coolest job I could ever dream of, the one I thought if I work for 20yrs and then get extremely lucky, maybe I can get.

But it came straight out of college because major companies are always looking for young talent to drive the future of the automotive world.

UNOH took me to SEMA twice in Vegas, In college Ive met Chip Foose 3-4 times, Boyd twice, Vic Edelbrock a few times, Gale banks....etc The list is much longer now that I actually have a job in the field. Now famous people are just people to me, you have to work with them so they are just like anyone else.

Its really worth it if your willing to put in the effort. Think of it this way, you have to suck it up for 2-3 yrs. Goto school every day, study, learn, get good grades, and your reward is a lifetime of job you love with good pay. Working a job you hate sucks.

People offer to do my job for free all the time, just to hang out with me while I work. I always say "My worst day is better than most peoples best day" and "Ill be honest, I never hate Monday mornings"

How many people rave about thier college after they are gone?? I have a great life now and its because I decided to goto UNOH and apply myself.

[Qsbodydrop10]

i know 3 ppl that all went... one of whom was there for every class they give and NONE of them work in the field they went for .... job placement is BS..... the one kid that went learned how to bag stuff and come back and i stilll know more about it than him.... waste of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ if u ask me

[hub_01_69]

Quote: Originally Posted by Qsbodydrop10

i know 3 ppl that all went... one of whom was there for every class they give and NONE of them work in the field they went for .... job placement is BS..... the one kid that went learned how to bag stuff and come back and i stilll know more about it than him.... waste of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ if u ask me

I dunno about the job placement being BS. I was offered dealership and custom street rod shop jobs. They don't offer a "bagging stuff" class but do offer custom chassis fab and suspension and go over how air suspension works. Maybe that kid just couldn't manage to put the two together. Now, I have learned more on the forum than at school as far as air suspension but like i say, they don't have a class devoted to air suspension. Or at least not while i was there. Going to a dealership core based school to learn air suspension sounds like a silly reason to go imo.

[GriMSysTeM]

I hate hearing this I know so and so went to Wyotech and now works at a tire joint stuff. Half of those people that say that are proably fresh out of high school. You can't blame Wyotech for that. Now I agree having Wyotech on your resume might not help much. But you didnt pay all that money to put Wyotech on your resume and sit on your couch and expect a call offering a 6 figure job. You paid for the time to learn all you can, pick the instructors brain etc and when you do graduate have a wealth of knowledge. So at least you wont be completely clueless when you finally get that job. In the end its up to you to put your name out and apply for jobs. Dont expect jobs to call you sometimes your going to have to call back maybe even go to the shop and talke face to face.

I went back on 04, I thought I learned alot, and ever missed one day. I took every course except automotive and ASM. Upholstry and chassis fab was my favorite. Recovering two bucket seats was great and I built my cantilever setup in the chassis class. I had small amount of experience before going in but I wasnt happy what I was doing and wanted to do it right. I got lots of offers at dealers, rod shops in the TN area, even Devious customs offered me a job when I emailed them my cantilever setup but I want to say close to home. Like I said in the end its up to your how bad you want the job, seems like that go get attitude is gone with students nowadays. Anyways the bodyshop i work now is nice and a family owned shop. i make well over 1000$ a week even have benefits.

[Qsbodydrop10]

Quote: Originally Posted by hub_01_69

I dunno about the job placement being BS. I was offered dealership and custom street rod shop jobs. They don't offer a "bagging stuff" class but do offer custom chassis fab and suspension and go over how air suspension works. Maybe that kid just couldn't manage to put the two together. Now, I have learned more on the forum than at school as far as air suspension but like i say, they don't have a class devoted to air suspension. Or at least not while i was there. Going to a dealership core based school to learn air suspension sounds like a silly reason to go imo.

i know they dont have an "air ride" class ...... they taught how to do 4 links and suspension " chassis fab" yea he got "A"s in everything and didnt walk away with much.......

1. my that went for diesel mech. tells everyone he knows that its a joke
2. my old nieghbor went for autobody tell everyone its a joke and now works for himself doin heating and cooling in houses
3. my good friend that spent 50 grand cant get a job in ANY class that he too and works in a sign shop and tells everyong he knows that the place is a joke.................


i have never heard any first had positive feedback from anyone

[GriMSysTeM]

Not to step on anyone toes but I think the ones that say they went and end up in some other field or whatever find out that Autobody just isnt for them and realize how difficult it can really be. And instead of saying it just isnt for me you just blame the school and say it is crap. I dont think it means Wyotech didnt do their job. Lets be honest here not every single person attending is going to enjoy doing autobody. There are tons of people in college changing their major all the time you dont see them blame the school. lucky for them they have the opportunity to change and still say in college. Cant really do that in a tech school have to stick it out or just quit the school.

[Woody22]

this thread is helping me alot on making my mind up on what i want to do.

[TCossuto]

You need to visit like the instructor said. I personally thing it's a stupid waste of time and money. But I learned by rippin shit apart and puttin it back together till it works. Everyone learns different. I don't think I'd learn a damn thing there that I haven't from working at the shop I work at for the last year. PLUS I feel confident enough to know that I can fix ANYTHING no questions. That's a feeling you can't get from school.

[chevyDime98]

i would guess that u would get out whatever u put in when u go to a school like wyotech. all i know is that all the techs that have worked at my work that went to wyotech didnt know a dam thing...

[andizzle]

a friend of mine went up there and liked it but had a hard time finding a decent job even as shop bitch..i was going to go untill i talked to a few local shops that all said the same thing..they all would rather teach u what u need to know then try to un-teach u the wrong way of doing things...not sayin wyotech teachs the wrong thing...but every shop has a certain way they want things done

[Big_Bake]

for all you saying wyotech is a joke, so is real college. you don't learn any real world type things until maybe your last year. all the rest is just BS cause you are a "scholar". graduating college just proves you can stick with something and get it done. your GPA will tell them how well you did it.

now as far as jobs, you have to put yourself out there and go where the jobs are. a lot of people don't want to leave their families for various reasons, but i bet that good job will pay for plenty of plane tickets and stuff. my step brother graduated with a bachelor's and associates after 5 years of college and barely got crap. he ended up moving to wisconsin to manage a welding gas supply store. that is a far shot from non destructive testing, which is what he set out to do. the best words of advice i got from my mom, the best time to look for a job, is when you already have on.




on another note here. two summers ago i set out to get my MECP basic installer certification, figuring it would help me get a job as an installer, since my previous attempts failed. i have never had a job doing it which equals no experience to a shop even though i know what i'm doing. so i go and spend the money and pass with flying colors, but realize it's not worth a shit. only BB and CC might have cared, and even they didn't hire me. i mean i guess i just need to put a little portfolio together for these sop managers to show them what i can do.

END RANT

[blazerlow]

Quote: Originally Posted by GriMSysTeM

Not to step on anyone toes but I think the ones that say they went and end up in some other field or whatever find out that Autobody just isnt for them and realize how difficult it can really be. And instead of saying it just isnt for me you just blame the school and say it is crap. I dont think it means Wyotech didnt do their job. Lets be honest here not every single person attending is going to enjoy doing autobody. There are tons of people in college changing their major all the time you dont see them blame the school. lucky for them they have the opportunity to change and still say in college. Cant really do that in a tech school have to stick it out or just quit the school.

I agree. Lots of kids go there expecting all fun and games. "I'm gonna go pimp my ride!" Then they find out that it's hard work and get pissed off and give up. The end result................"(School name here) sucks!"