AKDSLDOG, I am not familiar with the term "Bennies". Could you explain it to me?

 

I think Pistol Whiped is a big boy and he'll get over it, or just slide under the table.

 

Bennies = Benifit's, such as retirement, health insurance, paid time off, and so forth. Just a slang term.

 

Ok, I know about benefits. I just never heard them called bennies before. thanks

 

Been away from the computer for the last couple days ... not ignoring your comment nor will you EVER find me sliding under the table.

I wasn't talking about running a business and not paying taxes I was talking about doing some small time, independent work on the side. I do not see where me supplementing my income with some work on the side is going to kill the economy or affect YOU for that matter. If you would rather pay a mechanic a couple hundred dollars more than you would pay me for the same job ... go for it, it's your money. My $$ is too hard to come by to just waste it.

As for the flag waving comment ... you are definately barking up the wrong tree there, my friend. I have spent the last 18 years of my life, flying the flag and WEARING the colors of my country (paying my share of the taxes each and every payday) in support of your right to talk out of your tailpipe !!!

Get a grip... and get it quick. We could talk ethics and patriotism via PM if you would like. Out of respect for this website and the people who use it, I will refrain from saying what I really think of your comments.

Over the years the USA has gotten carried away with taxing it's people.
Can I ask you ... does part of YOUR paycheck go towards paying your NEXT paycheck ?? Mine does. When people in the military pay taxes, part of that tax money goes for funding the military (in which ... my paycheck is part of it). My taxes also go towards supporting crack addicts with too many kids and too little ambition, living off of the welfare system. So yes, I have heartburn with it, but all I can do is pay some more and vote like anyone else.

I understand what taxes are and why we have to pay them all all that crappola ... I was just stating my view. Didn't mean to ruin your life YNOT.

TIMETOGOFISHINGPISTOL

 

Not all shops base your rate of pay on flat rate anymore. Freightliner, Cummins, CAT etc. all are an hourly shop (In OKC anyway). Here at Freightliner, they will still grade your efficiency every month by the book time, but you will get a full days pay for a full days work. The avg. tech here is bringing home 18-20 an hour with the senior techs around 25.

Alot of times when a shop goes by flat rate, you actually weed out the good techs that may take a little longer to do a job but do it right with no comebacks. Whereas the guy who beats the SRT time will find himself with a comeback because he was in a hurry to get it out and missed something.

As for jobs on the side with any of the companies mentioned, you will find that they have a very strict policy on "moonlighting". Basically if you are found performing the same duties on a side job that pays, then you can be terminated on the spot.

As for a program that offers an Associates, take a look at www.osu-okmulgee.edu They offer a sponsored program in CAT, Freightliner, Komatsu, or Natural Gas Compressors. They also offer a program in , Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, and Toyota. All paid internship every other 7 weeks.

You will find that CAT does most of there hiring of new recruits through this school. Freightliner in Ft. Worth, Dallas, OKC, and Tulsa ONLY hire through there program.

 

A lot of community colleges also offer Diesel Technology programs, some geared toward heavy truck and equipment, and some not. A lot of employers will hire apprentices from these schools in their local areas.


Boyd.

 

I would think becoming a certified tech would be no problem if you are already experienced. Look at this site: asecert.org

As far as a visa goes, the United States Department of State is in charge of that. (unitedstatesvisas.gov)

Arnold Schwarzenegger (Ahhnold) came to the US, and he's Gov. of California now. I'm sure you could do it if you want to.

Good luck.

Boyd.

 

Well ive been a tech for 17 years now and while i make good money.I got to tell you theres a lot most people dont realize, i went to uti in arizona ,cost 12,000 for the auto diesel course.After school it takes the average guy 5 yrs to get real good at what he does and lots dont make it .Over the last 17 yrs ive spent 67,000 on tools .And every year the car companys keep introducing new fasteners ,which means i have to buy the tools to service the cars.I work flat rate and always beat the book time but not all guys can with out comprimising quality and having comebacks which bye the way are on you to fix it for free the second time regardless of how long it takes.The bennies suck at most dealers and independant shops.For what you invest in a career in auto repair you can get a degree in just about anything you want to .Not to mention the damage your body will suffer .And all of the harmful chemicals you expose your body too.I Wouldnt recemend this line of work to any body .Find a healthy 70 year old that turned wrenches for a living. The money can be good but at a high sacrifice

 

If you ever run out of room for some of these tools, I have some room in my garage you can use if you want.

Mike

 

Marcus as far as opening your own shop in the US it is just rent or buy the building and set up shop. There will be a business license, not that expensive. Some states (NY CA) will have more expensive licensing and whatnot but small business is the lifeblood of America. I'll make you a bet, you come over here, get used to it, you won't go back unless there are family considerations. Being an immigrent is not a negative, actually can be a plus depending on the type of work you do. On European cars a lot of people will feel like you know more because you are from Europe and that may just be so.

I have been to a lot of really beautiful places that I enjoyed. But in the long run I would not consider living anywhere in the world that was not in the US or close enough for the benefits that we have here. You live in one of the more beautiful places in the world, breathtaking. But we have peanutbutter

 

http://g.msn.com/0US!s5.31472_315529/61.c3913/1??cm=MainImageStandard

some thinsg\s to think of

 

Hmmmm, the last two posts paint somewhat different pics.
Actually some friends of mine went off to China to earn more than they do earn now.
I'm still considering going to the US for some time or maybe even to immigrate for good. But on the other hand I still can make a living here, and can drive a Ram and some nice folks can send me some peanut butter as well.
The other statistics that say that car mechanics will be needed are interesting though- over here most interpolations say that due to the improved reliability of the modern vehicles, increased service intervals etc the number of mechanics per mile driven will decrease- and there isn't too much growth to be expected in the number of miles too.

Pondering AlpineRAM

 

Exactly. Chemicals kill you slowly. Body work is even worse.