Thoughts about WyoTech? [Archive]

REVEREND JAKE

11-12-2004, 01:00 AM

Levi Green, fabricator at Rad Rides by Troy went there. Built the green 32 roadster that won Street Rod of the Year. Not bad for someone straight outta there.

I've heard, but do not know, that it's ran pretty straight laced. No piercings or long hair. You gotta where a suit, tie, or something to business class. Things of that nature, but that's only rumor I've heard from someone that was seriously thinking of going.

The great thing about that school is the Hot Rod and Custom course they offer. I don't know I'd go way out in the middle of nowhere for just a regular trade school. There are plenty of those all over the country.

There is an really nice school here in Oklahoma. OSU-Okmulgee. I graduated from there with a degree in Auto Body Technology. They have an amazing collision program, no hot rod stuff, though.

Reverend Jake

DollaBill

11-12-2004, 02:07 AM

I am the Lead Chassis Fabrication and High Performance Engine Instructor ( and will be leading the Street Rod and Custom Paint program soon) at WyoTech in West Sacramento.

I can tell you that WyoTech offers an outstanding opportunity. State of the art equipment, skilled instructors, and the ability to learn the fundamentals of chassis fabrication and custom bodywork in an environment that is disciplined and rewards excellence.

Yeah. You have to cut your hair and shave and take out your piercings. Hardly a sacrifice for access to the best fabrication and bodywork facilities imaginable.

If you'd like more info, PM me offline and I'll be glad to answer any questions.

bufordtjustice

11-12-2004, 02:35 AM

Im signed up for Jan-Sept 2005 in Business management and Body/collision refinishing. The housing situtation for PA is a bitch but I found a place none the less. Not cheap by any means but I seem to hear nothing but good about the place. Were it not for the costs I'd be in HotRod, chassis, performance engine, and so on! I have to learn how to tie a tie before I leave too, that kinda sucks.

Greg

Tim

11-12-2004, 02:40 AM

hmm no opinion on this myself, though i did have some freinds atend and looked at the information myself. but this topic does come up frequently try a search and see what you can come up with.

DrDano

11-12-2004, 04:24 AM

GT, there are a few instructors on the board here. Beings your in Denver I imagine you'll end up in Laramie. Fire a PM to Brickster. He is an instructor out here at the street rod school and a helluva nice guy. I'm sure he can answer any questions about the school you might have.

Now, for my opinion: I have a lot of friends who attended in the past, are currently attending, or are instructors at the school. I have a lot of respect for the school and think its the number one place to go to learn the things they teach. I also have a lot of respect for the students, actually moreso than the majority of the jackasses I go to school with at the university here. Several of my friends who went to WyoTech have ended up in pretty damn good jobs right out of school, a few have had multiple appearances on some of the hot rod shows, and a few work either full time on a show, or in one of the big name rod shops.

But. . .one or two have ended up doing essentially nothing with their time there. Its all in how far you want to take it, as it is with getting an education at any school. There are guys that end up at dream jobs and losers who end up cooking your fries at lunch. Which one you'll be depends on you and how far you want your education to take you.

The Harpoon

11-12-2004, 08:53 AM

I have two friends that went there for diesel school.
Diesel school is a great place to go if you like $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in your wallet

Django

11-12-2004, 10:44 AM

[ QUOTE ]

Yeah. You have to cut your hair and shave and take out your piercings. Hardly a sacrifice for access to the best fabrication and bodywork facilities imaginable.

[/ QUOTE ]

Can I ask why? Is it to breed young republicans or to teach mechanical skills? I'm not asking because I want to go, I just want to hear the benefit to the school by eliminating individuality within the student body.

12packo94s

11-12-2004, 10:51 AM

I was all signed up to go out there about 6 years ago. Then Summit Racing Equipment offered me a job so i never ended up making it. I've had a extremely good string of jobs afterwards but i always kinda regret not going.

Landmule

11-12-2004, 12:02 PM

Django - The school is designed and run to teach the students not only the trades, but general work ethics. Classes operate much like ordinary workdays do, with brief breaks for lunch, smokes. Students are expected to be on time, dressed appropriately and behave as professionals. It's all kind of a boot camp. This way graduates will have not only the skills but the work ethic. It is surprising how many people lack that even if their skills are really good. That is one element that I think sets WyoTech apart. Graduates really do understand what employers expect. The piercings/long hair things are partially safety issues as well.
Many Wyotech grads won't go on to work in the tolorent and artsy areas of the trades. If a guy is going to have a real chance at a good job as say a BMW service tech, or working in the service dept of a Ford dealer, they're probably more likely to hire a clean cut looking person than a pierced and tattooed individual with equal or superior skills. Public impressions are important when these people have contact with the consumers and I think that's what Wyotech is trying to reinforce with their dress code.

Sorry to sound preachy, I just happen to know alot of the staff and administration at the school.

Tman

11-12-2004, 12:09 PM

We just hired a Wyotech grad, not because of his schooling but because of his skill and the fact we knew him through his dad who does the interiors on most of our cars. There are huge gaps in his education from a sheetmetal fab standpoint. We had to re-learn him to work to a higher standard and he is doing fine. Remember, the school is for profit and the recruiters job is to get swinging meat through the door.

REVEREND JAKE

11-12-2004, 12:29 PM

No matter what we say or question about their ethics is not gonna change their minds on how to run their school. I know for a fact, by being that way, it turns away business. It looks like they're not hurting in the student body factor.

I'm fence riding on this issue. I understand as an adult and a business owner, how you portray yourself projects "who" you are. BUT I also was the guy with piercings, funky hair, and tattoos in college. My school taught all of the same stuff Wyo does: Ethics, Business, Information Technology, etc and the trade. And I am proud that I went to a school with such credentials. At that time in my life I don't know that I would have sacrificed my personal lifestyle for an education I'M PAYING FOR. Luckily I didn't have to make that choice.

Like I said, I can look at it both ways, but I don't think ethics or morality breeds from a haircut and removal of jewelry. Individuality makes this world go round (Columbus, Einstein, Hankcash).

Reverend Jake

Django

11-12-2004, 12:31 PM

That makes sense Landmule. I was only thinking of the school in terms of ending up at a hot rod/street rod shop, which is the only way I would have wanted to go to a school like that.

zman

11-12-2004, 02:04 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The school is designed and run to teach the students not only the trades, but general work ethics. Classes operate much like ordinary workdays do, with brief breaks for lunch, smokes. Students are expected to be on time, dressed appropriately and behave as professionals. It's all kind of a boot camp. This way graduates will have not only the skills but the work ethic. It is surprising how many people lack that even if their skills are really good. That is one element that I think sets WyoTech apart. Graduates really do understand what employers expect. The piercings/long hair things are partially safety issues as well.
Many Wyotech grads won't go on to work in the tolorent and artsy areas of the trades. If a guy is going to have a real chance at a good job as say a BMW service tech, or working in the service dept of a Ford dealer, they're probably more likely to hire a clean cut looking person than a pierced and tattooed individual with equal or superior skills. Public impressions are important when these people have contact with the consumers and I think that's what Wyotech is trying to reinforce with their dress code.

Sorry to sound preachy, I just happen to know alot of the staff and administration at the school.

[/ QUOTE ]

I gotta call bullshit on all of that. It's like they're saying that because I have tattoo's and piercings (I cut my hair off a couple years ago) that I don't have a good work ethic or that I'm not safe. BS. Even when I had long hair it was not a safety issue. You wear a hat just like you were safety glasses for your eyes. Hell they'll let 'em take a smoke break but bust balls over BS like that. That just sucks. Hell the worst offenders morality/law wise I know look as clean cut as they can be. BS stereotyping and they're just perpetuating it instead of doin something about it.

Slide

11-12-2004, 02:41 PM

zman, they are prolly just trying to keep the lawyers and insurance company happy on the safety issues. If no one has hair long enough to get caught in machinery, then it seriously reduces the likelihood of a lawsuit or insurance claims for such. If you don't have long hair to begin with, then they don't have to police whether or not you have it tied back or whatever.

I know they have females in the programs there, so you'd hafta expect they would allow SOME length of hair, just not down to yer belt.

If they don't hafta spend money on insurance and lawyers-on-retainer, that frees up (theoretically!) $$$ for better equipment, etc.

Landmule

11-12-2004, 03:11 PM

zman - I couldn't agree more about some really bad clean cut guys. For example, the Laramie Police seem to favor shaved heads and a storm trooper stance - jack booted thugs.

With regard to the dress code at the Laramie campus, I know that school officials also are VERY concerned about the impression that their students make on the locals. The Wyotech students are scapegoats for all kinds of crap that happens in Laramie and have been since the school was founded in 1966. Any tagging, street racing, loud cars or speeding are blamed on "techers". That has quite a bit to do with the dress code at this campus as well.

The reality is that people that are not into tatoos and piercings are freaked out by them. I know of places where people are required to wear long sleeves to cover tatoos. No business owner wants to scare customers. The Wyotech students in the Service Advisor program wear white shirts and ties too. Their school, their rules.

Spitfire1776

11-12-2004, 04:26 PM

No offense, Ladmule (this isn't directed at you just a comment in general) but the whole concept of work ethic and relation of appearance is bullshit, and an outdated concept. It does sound like a breeding of young republicans. In many fields, including auto mechanics, body shop, comp.sci., all the way to day trading, some of the most "ethical" people have a sleeve of ornamnet or a septum ring. Been through all the fields too. Some of the most shady were really "straightlaced" in terms of appearance.

I worked for an electronics firm for a number of years that dealt with the likes of United Defense, Boeing, Lockheed, Harley, GMC, and I had a septum ring and my nostrils pierced 3 times. Never had a problem, and why you ask. Because I conveyed myself with a confident attitude and put forth a respectable of air of not just knowing what I was talking about but also a willing to learn and exhibit inquisitive. If they really want to help out their graduate allow them grow a sense of confidence (if they don't already have it) by being and individual and focusing on developing an inquisitive mind instead focusing on your appearance. Also did body work on the side for a Jeep joint and nobody gave a crap what I looked like, cause I did good work.

A suit doesn't mean shit if you're dumbass screwing people over. Allow people to be who they are and base your opinion on that.

Brickster

11-12-2004, 05:09 PM

Because this discussion has centered on the appearance code here is the deal.

To attend WyoTech you must have your haircut so that it does not come past your eyebrows, the middle of the ears or over your collar. Facial hair must be trimmed neatly, only a mustache and side burns are permitted. Mustache can only come to the corners of the mouth and sideburns cannot be lower than the bottom of the ear.
No visible piercings.
To my knowledge there is not a policy on tattoos. Unless they are sexually or racially offensive. In the almost three years I've been here their have been no issues with tattoos.

All of the standards we put in place as well as the curriculum we teach are found to be important by the professionals from the industry that advise us.
Once a year we hold an advisory board comprised of shop owners in the fields we teach. These owners give up three days of their busy lives to come to Laramie, WY to tell us what is important to them. The appearance of the students is always an issue. As long as it is it will stay the way it is.

To all shop owners/managers that are thinking of hiring a Wyotech graduate, Please ask to speak with at least one of their former teachers, just as you would check anyone else's references. Also ask to see pictures or examples of the projects they worked on while they were here.

Django

11-12-2004, 05:19 PM

I agree Ol Skratch, but consider the Muffies' going in with the high end euro sedan that their husbands bought them and they need to have it worked on. They are not going to be receptive to people creative with their appearance. Those kinds of attitudes are the more prevalent attitudes you would expect from that clientel. It all goes back to the tattoo thread. My long hair has been gone for years. Hell, it all fell out! But I do have a goatee and two piercings in my ear and I would not appreciate that directive from the school to remove both. It's not the military. It's a school. But I am also in my mid 30s too and not an impressionable teenager just out of high school.

Tinbender

11-12-2004, 05:23 PM

Does the dress code apply to instructors as well? I'd fail on two of the rules http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Spitfire1776

11-12-2004, 05:32 PM

Ahhh, muffies,....they just get uptight because they wet their panties and stick to the seat everytime they cross the proverbial "wrong side of the tracks". http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Wars have started over sexual tension.

Landmule

11-12-2004, 06:21 PM

Thank you Brickster. As much as we'd like to think otherwise, people do make snap judgements on appearance. First impressions matter whether it is a "Muffy" or a guy looking to have some work done. I would grant that if you have your own shop, you can look however you want to - and, work does speak for itself. A crapped out shop run by a grungy looking charactor is not going to attract the majority of people. A clean shop run by the same grungy guy would not face that snap judgement.

I am a business owner and I decide who I hire based upon the job I'm trying to fill. The lady with no teeth and bad grammer does not greet customers, she runs a machine and does a great job. The well groomed and well spoken college boy does greet customers. I do this because it is important to my customers to be comfortable. They don't have to do business with me, they can go elsewhere. I'm not a large defense contractor, I'm a small business person. I have to strongly consider things like the appearance of my business and employees from the perspective of my customers. Frankly I'm not a big enough operator to try to make a statement with pierced septums. I'll choose the attractive co-ed everytime as a primary customer contact.

It really is bullshit at the root, but the reality is that most folks are shallow. Since there are more shallow people out there than not, I'll go with the numbers and play along. I need the money and so does a kid that has spent $30,000 on WyoTech and has to pay it back.

DollaBill

11-12-2004, 06:43 PM

Wacky hair, earrings, jewelry...these are all relatively new cultural expressions...trendy appearance appliances intended to seperate one from the norm...

...although, the frequency of black t-shirts, ink, piercings, cuffed jeans, and strap boots these days rivals the occurences of black primer and red wheels, which leads one to ask...how does one remain outside the norm, when one IS the norm...

But thats another argument.

Relative to WyoTech, we teach welding, metalshaping, and painting discipline. My experience in this and other training venues is that your average 20yo comes from a generation of entitlement, has no basic knowledge of things practical, and is as style concious as your average "rockabilly" type, which is about the MOST codified style on the planet. In short, he/she hasn't ever had the opportunity to apply him or herself in a dynamic environment that requires significant skill.

So...we require them to have decent looking hair...which allows for a LOT of latitude. We require them to remove body jewelry, which is arguably a safety issue, but more importantly is representative of their willingness to dedicate themselves to learning a skill at the expense of being stylish...you know, personal and professional discipline.

So, yeah. We require students to actually show up at work. And not do drugs. And spend a few months focusing on learning a skill as opposed to buying the latest Hot Topic shirt...

...and most of us, students and staff, are inked...well, here in Central California, anyway http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Interestingly, I have never heard a student complain that he doesnt get to wear his earrings often enough...and the only complaints I hear about the apparel is that they want DIFFERENT shirts for Chassis Fab.

And think about it....WHO has long hair, anymore? Name me ONE hot rod or custom icon or current practioner that has huge hair.

Exactly.

Our people LOVE the opportunity. They LEARN from it...they CREATE. They have the opportunity to be INTERNALLY validated.

Finally...not every graduate is a superstar. The law of averages says that not everyone is gonna have the aptitude...just because you do through the process, doesnt mean you're gonna be successful, no matter how hard you try.

Special Ed GT

11-12-2004, 07:33 PM

Thanks for the thoughts, everyone. Here are mine:

1. Dress code: I work in a professional job right now and am used to dressing business casual. Even a tie is ok with me. As long as I don't have to wear a suit everyday, I'm fine. As far as hair etc. goes, I'm fine w/ that.

2. I already know how to do some stuff but I would like to learn to do more, and to do things the right way. I have no delusions that at my age and experience level, that I have any chance of becoming an expert. I would like to develop core skills to build on and gain enough knowledge to buy into a shop and make a little $ doing what I love.

3. I am really interested in the street rod/fabrication and chassis/high performance programs but my understanding is that to be guaranteed a spot in these, I need to enroll in one of the core programs. This adds 6 months of additional cost (especially, needing to maintain my house in Denver plus an apt in Laramie for a year versus six months) to the equation. So, I'm still debating enrolling in a core program. We're talking 6 months worth of additional $$$$$ for training that I could get locally (Denver Auto and Diesel College, for one). This is a tough decision.

(Can any of you insiders vouch for this? Basically, for $7k cash, I would think that I could register and attend one of these specialty programs without needing to take a core program)

Again, thanks for your input!

Special Ed GT

11-12-2004, 07:37 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Personally I think if you just saved your 30gs and swepted floors at a real rod shop and helped when you could, in no time you'd know more than what wyotech could teach you.

[/ QUOTE ]

$30k would also buy a lot of tools.

Any shops in Denver need a floor sweeper with his own metalworking equipment? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Tman

11-12-2004, 07:59 PM

Funny, our Wyotech Grad was just talking about HOT TOPIC this afternoon http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

buffaloracer

11-12-2004, 08:23 PM

I only know one student who attended Wyotech. He was a pretty good hand before he started. Was not overly impressed, especially for the money spent.

zman

11-12-2004, 08:43 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you Brickster. As much as we'd like to think otherwise, people do make snap judgements on appearance. First impressions matter whether it is a "Muffy" or a guy looking to have some work done. I would grant that if you have your own shop, you can look however you want to - and, work does speak for itself. A crapped out shop run by a grungy looking charactor is not going to attract the majority of people. A clean shop run by the same grungy guy would not face that snap judgement.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok now if you don't conform to the WyoTech dress code you're "grungy"... That's pretty f#cked if you ask me. So no if you have piercings and tattoo's or long hair you're dirty. that's some BS sterotyping right there...

And the other comment about "who has long hair now?" That's some BS right there as well. I know a few bike builders that are seriously good fabricators with long hair. Don't make snap judgements you never know who you're judging or what their skills are...

Merge

11-12-2004, 09:08 PM

GT, I am currently in my 8th month at Wyotech, I went through the collision/refinishing program and am currently in the street rod coarse and will continue to take ASM and the trim class. It seems that you are pondering the reasoning behind taking a 6 month core coarse just so you can get into the specialty coarses?

From my experience, the collision refinishing coarse did wonders for my very very basic sheet metal skills that have greatly aided my extended learning in the street rod and custom fabrication coarse. I can truly say that the six months of collision/refinishing was money well spent in preparation for the street rod coarse. The principles taught in my core classes relating to welding, sheet metal work, painting etc have definitely aided me in my recent success on the street rod tests as well as shop work. Yes, a bit of the material covered in street rod may seem to be a bit redundant to a student who just completed the collision/refinishing core BUT even taking classes on something that you may have a bit of knowledge about doesnt mean that you arnt gonna learn something new. hell I've taken the same coarse multiple times at a university (not automotive related) just because of different instructors teaching the coarse and have learned something new EVERY time! Im not saying that the street rod coarse doesnt teach anything new from the collision/refinishing coarse, because they definetly do teach all kinds of new principles, its jus that a lot of the basics of the core coarse are reviewed thats all.
I think what Im trying to tell ya is that even guys who have owned a shop for 40 years and have welded, painted, or whatever that whole time still don't know it all and quite often have been doing some of that work wrong for just that many years. The greatest princilpe that I have witnessed at Wyotech from the instructors is to get a student headed in the right direction and make them aware of all the little mistakes that take place in the field that can be avoided with just some time and consideration. I recently had an instructor really make me see the light on being open minded and learning the basic mistakes in a shop when he was telling a story about being a young graduate of a welding school and went to work in a shop with a guy who had welded for 40 years. I'm sure you all know the type "You can't teach me a thing, I been doing this for 40 years!" My instructor told him "Who cares, you been doing it wrong for 40 years!" My instructor said that it wasnt that the guy was a bad welder, but he hadnt been educated in the standard way of doing a certain weld and in his mind thought that he was doing it correct all those years. Its that kind of thing that I have really seen instructors stress and appreciate because once you are aware of what the rights and wrongs of something are then it just sets you that much farther ahead of the pack. That is if you always carry an open mind toward learnign something new about your trade and never a "you can't teach me something cuz I been doing this forever" attitude. Just my 2 cents on this, GT if you have any other questions just PM and Id be glad to help ya out in your decision to attend the school.

Merge

11-12-2004, 09:21 PM

As far as the dress code, it is my understanding that the advisors to Wyotech, (employers in the industry) are the ones who request employees who are clean shaven with a straight-laced personal apperance when seeking someone for employment. Now I don't agree with that completly and by no means does ones skill level have anything to do with their personal appearance (thats my opinion), BUT I do respect that the school tries to instill this type of personal presentation in the students due to the requests of the advisors. By the way since the advisors are employers they are the ones who will be putting money in students (as technicians) wallets after graduation and when you work for someone you usually have to sacrifice something anyway so if its ones personal appearance then so be it. All I can say is that I can see the theory behind it and that the school isnt the one who is ultimately making these requests, its the industry that is making it known what they look for in a potential employee and YES appearance is a factor that they stress upon.

Cadillacin Marcus

11-12-2004, 09:38 PM

8 out of 10 students come out of there just as dumb as they went in...Just my opinion anyways..lets see ...last night i worked on a car worked on by a wyotech student..the car was missing a top rad hose clamp...alternator was junk.timing was way off..carb was out of tune, valve cover leaked...oh yeah but he's a "Tech"!! hahaha LMAO

Merge

11-12-2004, 09:48 PM

I don't know about your 8:10 statistic, but I can agree with you in a way. I see a lot of students already who sure talk the talk but am pretty sure they can't even find their shoes yet, I think a lot of guys let the "tech" or "graduate" thing go to their heads, but don't get me wrong there are some damn talented students here. Most of them are the type who are always willing to learn and keep that open mind of improving themself in their trade. never to whine or pout about making a mistake, they take what they can from the mistake and move on,and I think thats the key to anyone who is learning anything!

Evilfordcoupe™

11-12-2004, 09:50 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Django - The school is designed and run to teach the students not only the trades, but general work ethics. Classes operate much like ordinary workdays do, with brief breaks for lunch, smokes. Students are expected to be on time, dressed appropriately and behave as professionals. It's all kind of a boot camp. This way graduates will have not only the skills but the work ethic. It is surprising how many people lack that even if their skills are really good. That is one element that I think sets WyoTech apart. Graduates really do understand what employers expect. The piercings/long hair things are partially safety issues as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is the MOST important thing!!!! Work Ethic. Most folks dont have it.I WILL REPEAT...DONT HAVE IT!! Being professional is damn near #1. When we open our Custom Shop next year, you can bet thats where we start looking to hire from. Hiring your buddy is the WORST thing to do. Also get perfect grades. We have a few resumes from MMI come through and these guys have like 84%, 90% and 75%. If this is your life goal, then you better score 100%!!!

-Jason

Merge

11-12-2004, 10:00 PM

Oh GT the other major factor that the school stresses that plays into the work ethic principle is ATTENDANCE!!! And it stands to reason, cuz if you don't show up consistently to class then who says that you are gonna be showing up to work everyday? The school really stresses this and are not shy about taking points for missing class and I believe this is a very positive part of the Wyotech experience! It can really make the difference when applying for a job because who cares how good you are at something, if you arnt there to do it then it is really meaningless then.

Barn-core

11-12-2004, 10:24 PM

OK, I graduated Wyotech about six months ago. My opinion, I'm still undecided. I did learn alot, and I did get a job afterward, no thanks to their "career placement", I just don't know if it was worth what I paid. The Street Rod class was a review of collision/refinishing, with fancier tools. If you do have basic knowledge save your money. If you have any questions you can P.M. me. Barn-Core.

trey

11-12-2004, 11:07 PM

i only live a half hour from wyotech, and im dumber already!

im just kidding, i dont need a mob at my front door. unless they want to talk cars.

trey

Brickster

11-12-2004, 11:35 PM

[ QUOTE ]
i only live a half hour from wyotech, and im dumber already!

Trey

[/ QUOTE ]

That's not true, Cheyenne is more than half an hour away.

trey

11-12-2004, 11:40 PM

ok, 45 minutes?

choprods

11-12-2004, 11:44 PM

I personally have never been to the school -but have talked with and corresponded with several of their students.
I feel like they have qualified instructors and a solid curricuilum[sp]for that matter.
I dont envy them in that their job is not a simple one..
I think it would not be possible to turn every person who signed up and paid the tuition to attend WyoTech ,into a qualified custom car builder.
Sure you are gonna have some "naturals" who can easily absorb all the skills that are put in front of them,Then you will have another that no matter how much effort is put forth -that never quite makes the cut.
Whether it be from lack of natural physical skill or even in some cases a lack of dedication on the students part.
If they are lucky they can prepare even that student to be at least an entry level employee,capable of progressing from that point to eventually becoming a skilled practitioner of that occupation.
However the verdict on WYOTECH is in the end -I believe they do serve a good purpose and many will benefit as a result.
If I had one complaint -it would be that technical schools in general need to better represent an ACCURATE depiction of what the real world job availability situation is.

Tman

11-12-2004, 11:46 PM

As in every bastion of "higher education" be it Universities, Tech schools or barber school you need to realize when you are done that you dont know shit! All you have is a pice of paper that shows you can commit for X amount of time. Thats the one thing you learn with age and experience. Dont get me wrong, going to something beyond high school is a good thing to do, so is a couple years of Military Service but it doesnt ENTITLE you to the big money or make you better than some kid that worked his way up from pushing a broom.

Also, to some extent, you cant teach certain people certain tasks. I dont care how good a school is, some folk just cant do it. Be it law school or Wyotech.

Brickster, you guys need a course in tactfully telling a customer each week his bill is 5K http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif, those guys in the back need their paychecks and dont like Ramen, yes you really did order all those parts!

trey

11-12-2004, 11:50 PM

i think the idea of the school is great. i for one am not a student of wyotech, so i cant say how good it is, or how bad it is. but im glad to see a school that can keep hotrodding around for many years.

and lets face it, education is expensive. i know not everyone in the world can teach themselves.

i have gone out there for the open house. i think its great to walk around the shop and see the projects that the students build. its almost something i look forward too every year.

just my thoughts.

trey

demonspeed

11-12-2004, 11:57 PM

I plan on going there once i get out of high school (2006). Im taking classes now in auto mechanics at BOCEs. The only problems i have with it so far is the cost and i can't decide whether to take auto mechanics or auto body there. Anybody got an opinion on this? I plan on working in hot rodding so which would be more applicable?

choprods

11-13-2004, 12:33 AM

Demonspeed-Verse your self in BOTH fields as much as you can NOW and then at the time you graduate pick the one you feel you need help in to specialize in.
Also seek help and knowledge in Wiring/electronics and computer controlled drivetrain systems.

Tinbender

11-13-2004, 01:03 AM

Demonspeed, you might want to tour some local shops. Talk with both bodymen, and mechanics. Bodywork and mechanics are two very different occupations. The demand for quality skilled techs is high for both. You might want to base that decision on what suits your personality and interests. I've spent 30 years in collision repair, restoration, and street rod field. Now I get to teach what I've done for so long. I've enjoyed my career, and couldn't imagine doing anything else. But I know lots of bodymen, and mechanics that are very unhappy in their work. Body work in perticular, is hard, dirty, physical work. It takes a blend of mechanical and artistic skills and aptitude. Find what fits you, and you'll be sucessful and happy.

Special Ed GT

11-13-2004, 01:03 AM

Merge, thx for the post. That definitely answered my question about the need to take the core program. It seems like the core collision course will provide a good baseline for the street rod course. If I decide to do this, I'll just need to get comfortable w/ the $$.

I'll let y'all know how this turns out.

GomezGarage

11-13-2004, 01:36 AM

Cut my hair...To be a mechanic...What the fuck. I can't even believe that is a requirement. So now if Ive got tatoos and long hair Im unable to learn? Who the hell do they think they are? Your better off going to a REAL university anyway.

ray

11-13-2004, 03:19 AM

so i guess smoking pot while working and beer fridays are out?:(

what about "hamb time" in between work sessions? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

hey HARPOON: do you realize how fucking hard you made it to read this thread? it'd be mighty white of you to edit your post.$$$$$

Tman

11-13-2004, 05:57 AM

So it is Harpoon that mde me Duct Tape 3 monitors together to read this thread?! Tie him to the bumper and drag him! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

willowbilly3

11-13-2004, 06:52 AM

I think that most any school can only teach basics and good habits, real word experience is where you get good. I am a self taught welder and was blessed to be tutored by some great old timers. I have never attempted to certify but have had guys come to work with me that were fresh out of welding school with general certification and barely knew more that it makes a bright flash when it came to real world application. There is just no substitute for burning rod but if you don't have the basics and good habits you can burn a ton of rod and still be a crappy welder. Same goes for other crafts.
And on dress codes. Part of that in a school is for safety. You really can't have a bunch of baggy cloths and long hair around lots of moving stuff. Ever see long hair get caught in a lathe?
And you can disagree with stereo typing all you want but it's still there. You only get one chance to make a first impression and that impression is yours to choose.
Even back in the 70's when we all wore long hair, we knew when we went job hunting it was time for a haircut and a shave. No sense shooting yourself in the foot just to prove you are rebellious to the establishment. After you had a job landed and they knew what kind of work you did, you could usuially hair out and put the ear ring back in.

choprods

11-13-2004, 12:02 PM

As far as the dress code and appearance issue is concerned- I can see both sides.
As a younger man I probably would not have got several jobs if I had applied for them.
I had long hair as many of the time did.
I did not have any tats.
I will say this of that generation I was a part of and also of this generation,[whatever its initial is to differentiate it from ours].....Respect is not standard equiptment -its an option.....if you wanna stand on your own ,you can[be self employed] -
But if you are depending on being hired to make it you must be someone the employer feels good about hiring.
that is up for debate as to what that involves-so put yourself in his place and you will see why they want[and have a right to]have a certain image projected in -THEIR- work place.

hotrod54chevy

11-13-2004, 03:13 PM

[ QUOTE ]
And think about it....WHO has long hair, anymore? Name me ONE hot rod or custom icon or current practioner that has huge hair.

[/ QUOTE ]

just sturrin up shit here,but Larry Grobe has a pretty HUGE pomp (makes him close to 7 feet tall) and he's a current practioner http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
creepy

hotrod54chevy

11-13-2004, 03:23 PM

oh yeah..almost forgot to add,in the biker world..what about billy lane and his FUGGIN HUGE hair?just bustin yer chops http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
creepy

manyolcars

11-13-2004, 06:32 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Personally I think if you just saved your 30gs and swepted floors at a real rod shop and helped when you could, in no time you'd know more than what wyotech could teach you.

[/ QUOTE ]

$30k would also buy a lot of tools.

Any shops in Denver need a floor sweeper with his own metalworking equipment? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Does it really cost $30,000 to go there???

choprods

11-13-2004, 07:12 PM

sure does......

bufordtjustice

11-13-2004, 07:58 PM

For me, it is Just under $23,000 for 9 months...6 months of collision/body refinishing and 3 months for Business Management. PLUS figure in at least another $5000 for your housing and other living essentials. In PA I just got into a house where I get a bedroom, and there is a full kitchen bath and washer-dryer. Cable and A/C not included, otherwise all utilities covered. It cost $300 for the deposite and is $375 a month. I got lucky with it only being 5 minutes from campus. The regular dorms are 14 miles away! That should give you more of an idea about how it goes. If I took all the classes I wanted to, I would be an easy 50 grand in debt.

poop

11-14-2004, 04:46 AM

Howdy Special Ed Gt,

Education is expensive if you sweep floors in a Hot Rod shop or if you go to school.

You should also check out VC Tech in Alabama they now have a Sheet Metal & Chassis Fabrication Class.

When I went to tech, I got my mony's worth!!

POOP

BADPANL

11-26-2004, 04:36 AM

Well, i see both good and bad thoughts on wyotech here, i also heard them at school. I recently graduated, in september from wyotech. I was enrolled in both auto tech core class and street rod. When i went, my dad being a mechanic for 30 yrs, myself being a car nut since i was 16, already v8 swapped an s-10 and making it run 12's, the auto was still great. I knew nothing of fuel injection, some of the damn computer systems, lots. I thought i new alot, until i went there, and i know SOOOOOOOOOOO much more now. I just took auto cause i had a background, while the only reason i attended the school was for streetrod.

So i went in, and found myself and about 4 others the only "auto tech" core class kids, surround by all the red shirts(collision refinishing). Well, that still didnt get me down, except alot of them had more experience, but that was cool. Keep in mind, when i entered this school, i had never touched a welder, or tried to bend a piece of metal. So, first 6 weeks went by, i built a miniature roll pan, mailbox(i know they sound dumb, but trust me, they were good learning experiences), and had to master, and i mean almost frickin be perfect mig, alum and steel tig, and oxy welding. second 6 weeks came, first week being lecture, then, 2nd week was the start of the 5 month shop scramble. I call it that as you if you brought your own project in, 5 weeks to make it ready to roll out. Now keep in mind, i had only been through 7 weeks total of street rod.

i decide to roll, well, actually drive my 65 chevy panel in, for a 6" chop. People and instructors said i was crazy, it was a big job, and i wouldnt get it done. so a friend and i chopped it 6", i cut the glass myself, made the back windows only 3" smaller, and got it all done in the alotted time(i finished my windshield 2 min before last cleanup, lol. So yeah, i got it done, and people were impressed, mostly myself. TO think 2 months prior i couldnt turn a welder on. I migged and tigged the whole thing, and i think it turned out great. I then drove it 1200 miles home.

These days, i get more and more compliments on it, and people asking "hey, who did the chop for you?". WHen i tell them me, and im only 19, they ask how, i tell them "Wyotech". If it wasnt for Wyotech, i wouldnt be even close, id be mowing lawns for a living.

So you ask what about the dress code and whatnot. Ok, neat hair(who wants to look like they just woke up all the time), no goatees or sideburns below ears(I had joe dirt burns, and a goatee, oh well, its hair, it grows back), shirt tucked in, no holes in pants, no piercings, oh well, so you look neat. Tatoos, they have no problem with them. Keep in mind this is all set by employers, who hire the grads, they make the majority of the rules. They do stress the dress code, and i think they should.

Attendance - yeah, they stress that too. If you miss 25 hrs in a phase(6 weeks) your gone, have to rephase. If you are .5 sec after the bell, your late, thats points. YOu arrive, have 3 breaks, then lunch, then 3 breaks, then leave. Thats 8 chances a day for a tardy, better have a good watch. I myself had perfect attendance, no tardies or absences for the whole 9 months, yeah it was tough but show a potential employer that you had 9 months straight perfect attendance, that will make them smile.

Thats aboutall i have to say, Wyotech is a great school, with great instructors. I have to say thanks to Brick(Brickster), Dan D., Mark H., Thomas, and everyone else there, if it wasnt for you, i wouldnt be nearly as Cool as i am today, lol. Nah, really though, thanks alot, i owe you guys. Attached are a few pics of what i did while i was there. Enjoy!

BADPANL

11-26-2004, 04:42 AM

Damn thing didnt work here are the rest of my pics.
http://www.streetsourcemag.com/uploads/Ownerprofiles/BADPANL/11242004125451AM33421.jpg
http://www.streetsourcemag.com/uploads/Ownerprofiles/BADPANL/1023200410918PM54941.jpg
http://www.streetsourcemag.com/uploads/Ownerprofiles/BADPANL/1023200411045PM30851.jpg

I did this in 5 weeks, with 7 weeks of learning. It is chopped 6", back windows only 3" shorter. I had made the bottoms ofmy doors to rid the rust, repaired the front fenders, shaved the marker lights and seams on the hood, am making hidden hinges for the rear doors, making new floor pans, and much more all i learned at wyotech. Thanks again Brick.

superbell

11-26-2004, 08:44 PM

Nice job BRICK!!!! You put something in and you get something out, I hope you get a great job. Rick

Wild_47

11-26-2004, 10:58 PM

yeah i went to wyotech and im glad i did. I learned a ton expecially in the rod class. I just got a job up north in edmonton in a custom/body shop and am enjoying it so far. Just trying to get some experience now and learn all i can on the real projects that come in.

rodbuilder

11-26-2004, 11:13 PM

I am actually on the advisory committee for street rod and custom fab classes in both Wyoming and PA. I thought it was expensive till I went there the first time, they really have all the best tools and eqipment. No, I didn't go there(couldn't afford it). They have some very top notch teachers and some ...well...most all I have seen in the chassis and street rod are the good ones. I always say"just because you went to medical school don't make you a good doctor" the same goes with this, there are some very capable guys comming out of there, there are also some very questionable ones, but some of them also probably can not tie their shoes either, if a shop is thinking about hiring someone from there do call and talk to an instructor, if you can't get a hold of the right one let me know I can help get to the right people. Also if someone has a bitch or something they think they need to be teaching them let me know and I can bring it up at a committee meeting, I have to go to the PA campus next week.

hillbillyhellcat

11-27-2004, 01:03 AM

I thought about going there right out of HS... My folks weren't so impressed and I went to school for a couple of business degrees. I enjoyed that a good bit. But I presisted, so, out of school I went to a vo-tech school for auto body because I couldn't afford Wyotech, and also worked as a mechanic, and worked in a body shop... My skills are above rookie level AND the money SUCKS. How much do they promise you to make after sinking $30K into an education? I enjoy the work but I have got to EAT. You can't live to well on $8.00 an hour, especially after a $30K student loan. For flat rate, you have to break your back to make a good living, that's ok when your 20, not when your 50...Those are very worthy skills - but in most professions, you are paid based on experience, not on a diploma, especially in mechanics and auto body. Scratching out a living sucks, I'll develop my skills on my own project cars, it's better than working on other people's crap and being too tired to bother with your own stuff. I know I am on the other side of the spectrum, but don't gobble up all those empty promises. If you enjoy it as a hobby, you might hate it as a job.

It's just something to think about. Don't always have your mind set on one thing. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Sprout

11-27-2004, 01:03 AM

Looks like they I have gotten a little lapsed on attendence since I graduated in 2001. If you missed more then three days you were gone for the rest of the course with no refunds. Good school but take a look at Virginia Tech. www.vctechnical.com (http://www.vctechnical.com) The head street rod instructor at wyotech went there after wyo was sold to corinthian college.It is a very good school and cheaper then wyo.

Special Ed GT

11-28-2004, 10:05 PM

Badpanel, that's a BAD Panel! Sweet! It's also great to know that you developed these skills at school. It pretty much validates my decision.

Well, to update everyone, I put down my tuition deposit for an April class date. I'm doing Collision/Refinishing, Street Rod/Fabrication, and Chassis Fab/High Perf Engines. One year for everything. I already have a bachelors degree so I decided to go for the diploma in the hard skills instead of the degree.

I've heard good things about other schools (including VaTech) but I'm going to WyoTech because I currently live in Denver and it'll be convenient to come home from Laramie on the weekends.

The grand plan is to come out of school with the basic skills, buy into an auto body shop, and do hot rods on the side. Pretty much the same dream as millions of other guys, but that's the plan anyway.

In the meantime, I'll work on my Bantam altered project and do some other projects on the side (like paint my daughter's jr dragster). I'm looking forward to school, but I know it'll just be the beginning.

weekender

11-29-2004, 12:19 AM

rodbuilder, you do know what they call a Doctor who graduated with a "C" dont you???.........DOCTOR!

A joke son, I say a joke". I agree with your post.

Any education you can accquire is NOT wasted money. You can "get by" with "on job training" but you usually work for the lamest person there or the one who need the most help.

What do I know? Nothing. I'm just an old hotrodder who has "got by" all my life.

IMO you can get a degree in basket weaving and still land a good job IF you try hard enough.

Tommy Mc

sixstringsamurai

12-14-2004, 09:01 PM

I am about a week away from graduating from the PA campus. I took the automotive program and the street rod and chassis fab courses also.The school might be worth the time and money, depending on what you want to do with your skills. If you want to be a dealer mechanic, its probably OK, but if you don't know how to rebuild an engine before you come to the school, you probably won't be able to do it afterwards. Someone who didn't know better might think you could fix every problem w/ a DVOM and a wiring diagram. There are huge gaps in the curriculum.

The street rod and custom fab class gives you preety much theory only. They might have some nice equipment, but I've never actually seen anyone use their power hammer, so what good is it? Obviously some of this has to do with the instrucors you get and how much you put into it, but I think a big part of the problem is that Wyotech is now focusing on being a business rather than a school. They pack as many students in as they can, and if you're not really learning anything, that's alright, they've got your money.

Recruiters: These guys are great. They are independant contractors that get paid per student who actually registers. They don't know what goes on at the school and they will tell you anything to get you here. ,The tours they give at the school are even worse, since they know what's going on. I've stood two feet away from a tour guide and listened to him flat out lie to twenty kids and their parents.

As far as the housing goes in PA, every landlord you find through the school is way overpriced for this area. Abouy half of the places I've seen are shitty and half are OK, but if you can't come look, its just luck of the draw. If you're able, try finding housing through the local classified ads. I've paid $325/month for a small room w/ shared everything else. A friend of mine had a two bedroom apt. to himself for $275/month about 15 mins. from school.
WHEW! Sorry, guess that's been building for awhile. Anyone W/ specific questions about the school who has managed to read this far can PM me.

briggs&strattonChev

12-14-2004, 11:26 PM

[ QUOTE ]
So it is Harpoon that mde me Duct Tape 3 monitors together to read this thread?! Tie him to the bumper and drag him!

[/ QUOTE ]

lol, thats what I was thinking

Do you know toby wuarez?

JohnnyB327

12-15-2004, 12:54 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
So it is Harpoon that mde me Duct Tape 3 monitors together to read this thread?! Tie him to the bumper and drag him!

[/ QUOTE ]

lol, thats what I was thinking

Do you know toby wuarez?

[/ QUOTE ]
yeah i know toby we killed him last night, tied him to the bumper and dragged him...

truckboi09

01-22-2010, 01:25 PM

i honestly have to say i seriously agree with you my friend, i was really looking forward to goin to wyo tech this up cuming term, i have a recruiter coming out here sunday to talk with my mom about it, bt it was wayyyyy before i knew about any of this that i considered goin there,
my hair is one of the things that i value the most , i just started growin it nd i dont plain on cutting it for noone unless they payin me good to, i have tattoos , i have piercings, you know, when i look at being a mechanic i think who gives a shit how u look when you cum to work , long as ur the best at what you do nd you get the job done thats all that should matter, who the fuck cums to get there hands dirty in a suit nd tie with a clean cut?
nd u mean to tell me i have to change my personal features, when im payiing u a shit load of money, psssss yea right fuk dats da most dumbest shit i have ever heard like really,
can i ask you, what school did u go to?
and how has it made u successful? , because changing my lifestyle nd worth me cumin out of my own pocket
nd im willing to see what theschool you went to offered over this shit.

Django

01-22-2010, 01:36 PM

Master of None

01-22-2010, 01:36 PM

I'm a grad from 2004, yeah it was worth every penny i spent. I would strongly recommend going. As for the nay sayer's its like any other school or job.If you go into it with a I know it all attitude your not going to learn anything. There were a number of these people when i attended and most quit before the pase was up because they couldn't make it to class on time. If you walk into it with a open mind and are willing to work the instructors will bend over backwards for you. and even show you some neat tricks along the way. Yes it is a TON of money, but there are scolarships and grants and Federal assistance... Its all about how bad you want it.

big mean

01-22-2010, 02:50 PM

bigroy

01-22-2010, 03:09 PM

Before I go on my rant I would like to point out that I am not one of those know it all kids when I started at Wyotech I knew how to MIG weld and that's about it.That being said I did get a very basic idea of how to work in a collision shop.I put everything I had into learning and got very little in return.
I graduated from the Laramie campus back in September and in my opinion with the exception of a few things in the street rod program it was a waste of time and money. I could have learned the same stuff at my local community college which I will be attending next term and in comparison I will save roughly $10,000,get an associates degree in applied sciences and will come out with 2yrs of experience. With Wyotech there is no degree unless you take the ASM class which in realty is only good for managing a collisin shop and not much good any where else. Wyotechs housing is a joke I opted for the more expensive rooms with 4 rooms I got stuck with 3 idiots and had to move out as soon as i could, the rooms were dirty when I moved in, and when you check out to leave they charge you for every bit of damage even if you write it down on yor damage check list ( out of my $250 deposit I got nothing back even though the housing director checked my room out and said it was all good). I would highly suggest looking at community colleges before you sign up for Wyotech.

This is just a few of the many things that are wrong with Wyotech. They may have been a good school in the past but today they are all about money, I had 83 students in my street rod class paying upwards of $8,500 for a 3 month class you do the math. If any one wants to know anything else I will be glad to tell you more.

TurboShadow

01-22-2010, 09:38 PM

I agree with the guy that said you would be better off pushing brooms in a REAL shop. I wish that is the route I would have took. I spent 2 years at the local CC for auto body tech. They had a A+ program, but you can only learn so much in 2 years, 5 hours a day. My second year of school I got a job at a local body shop, I learned more there in a few months then I did my first year of school. Mostly because it was 100% hands on with no partners and no groups. Also instead of 1 teacher and 30 students I had 5 teachers and I was the only student. Also, didn't believe a WORD the recruiters tell you on what you can make once you are out of school. Go to local shops and ask them. Go to way more then one. The school I went to told me we could get 15-20 after our 2 years. I made 15c more then minimum wage at my first job, and 11.50 two years latter at my last auto body job. I ended up leaving the trade because no one wants to pay you anything. Especially when they can hire scabs and tweakers for less.

I didn't go to wyotech, I went to a CC. Ive worked with 5 or 6 guys from wyo thou. None of them were outstanding at what they did. Two of them would flat out tell you they didn't learn crap and it was a waste of money. The last one joked about suing wyotech because the recruiters lied to him about the wages he would make.

29nash

01-22-2010, 09:54 PM

Special ED GT; I suggest the school of hard knocks. I would recommend taking that money and putting it in savings for your retirement. Then, if working on automobiles is your bag, the school of hard knocks will get you where you want to go in life. There is absolutely nothing the best tech instructor in the world can tell you that you can't do on your own. Paying for higher education is one thing, for example one can't get to be a rocket scientist or brain surgeon without a degree, but paying somebody to teach you mechanical things is akin to pissing in the wind.

INVISIBLEKID

01-22-2010, 09:56 PM

Personally I think if you just saved your 30gs and swepted floors at a real rod shop and helped when you could, in no time you'd know more than what wyotech could teach you.

See above- It depends on what field you are looking for-IE: general,specialized,fabrication,custom.....apply at shops that cover the field your most interested in,and tell them your intentions.After going through a "program" many years ago,I would have worked for $5 an hour to learn"THE REAL WORLD". A book will only carry you so far. It's hands on that will be your teacher,shop environment,skills. Look at it this way- you'll spend $ for an "edjumacation",but if you get in a shop,and explain yourself to the boss,you might get lucky. Hands on is REAL. If I knew what was real after I completed my program,I would have done it for free!
BUT-There's that piece of paper that say's you know what your doing....
It could lead to better things later(the paper). it's your call,but by experience,and been and done,I encourage you to try to get your feet wet-even if it means being the shop gopher or boy. You won't know until you try......Good luck!

Roger O'Dell

01-22-2010, 10:12 PM

porter90

01-22-2010, 10:35 PM

i went to tech,the suit and tie is true for business, they have strict rules and most of them are bullshit. i really enjoyed street rod and custom fab i feel that i learned alot. i wish i would have taken chassis fab and then high performance engines. i do agree with the comments about hangingout at rod shops and learning. i wish i would have just gotten the knowledge from experience rather than getting a 30,000 dollar piece of paper saying i kind of have an idea what im doing haha. i learned alot from the place and it looks great on paper. im working at a restoration shop in texas and i graduated in september of 09. other than this man im working for no one else will take me seriously. my cousin also graduated from tech and took street rod/ chassis fab and hes working for vermont sports car building rally cars for the subaru rally america team. the awesome jobs are there, but the school is what you make it. there are times i wish i would have saved the money but there are also times im really glad i went.

FrozenMerc

01-23-2010, 09:32 AM

Through out the last 4 or 5 years, I have run into a bunch of WyoTech grads that aren't doing anything remotely related to their "degrees". Now, that may be for personal reasons, but I have the feeling that WyoTech has done a damn good job of saturating the job market (and this wonderfull economy isn't helping any). That being said, for the same or less money you could probably get a 4 year Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Industrial Tech, or other similar field and have many more job options. There is a serious lack of qualified engineers in this country, and I hate to see us importing Asian and Indian engineers to fill the ranks.

carbuilder

01-23-2010, 11:36 AM

I have had a few students work for me out of the trade schools & Wyotec they were clueless on how to do even simple rusts out repairs. They all have said basically the same thing 2/3 class time & maybe 1/3 in the shop. As a potential employer I would expect you to be able to hand you a basic simple rust out repair, explain to me how you would do the job & do it. Yes I would expect you to ask questions after you told me your thoughts about the repair then start the project.

Now I am open to teaching people in a real world working shop for less money then Wyotec charges. You would learn how to install replacement after market panels & hand fab panel work in real world working conditions the best way possible for that high end quality work. If you want the paper certificate I can supply that but I will supply you with a complete photo documentation of your work & skills which is better then any piece of paper. If you or any one Else is interested PM me I am 30 minutes south of Seattle Wa.

FORDY 6

01-23-2010, 12:20 PM

A degree in most anything, will get your foot in the door...one more thing on the resume the next guy might not have.

HR people will also know you've made an effort to get yourself some kind training & experiance.

KK Hickey Designs

01-23-2010, 12:46 PM

I'm also a former Wyo Tech student.

I went, I graduated, came home to Sacramento and started looking for a job. I searched for a month then finally came back around to one of the shops I first tried and got to talking to the owner. He actually told me he was going to give me a call till he read "Wyo Tech" under my education. I guess he had a bad experience with a few know it all jackasses who had gone there and didn't want to deal with that crap again.

I had actually heard this from a few more shop owners over the years. The general conciseness was if you came from Wyo Tech you were probably some punk ass know it all kid and they usually wanted nothing to do with you. Most shops prefer to groom you to there style and there way of doing things, the last thing they want is some punk kid coming in and acting like he knows everything. I actually took Wyo Tech off of my resume' and got a job about a month later....

It may be different now, I wouldn't know as I'm no longer in the auto industry but that is just my experience with the school.

As for the dress code and all of that bullshit, there was a lot of it I didn't understand but I've been told it was all about being in a professional setting and the safety of students. It was the only time I've ever had to shave my goatee and shave on a daily basis. They actually did a shave check every day to make sure everyone had shaven, they also checked your appearance and clothing to make sure it met there standards. I don't know about most of you but I never once had my boss ask me if I had shaved when I worked in an actual shop nor had them concerned over my clothing unless it was unsafe......

So my opinion on Wyo Tech? Don't go. Go sweep floors in a shop and work your way up, do it the old fashion way, you'll be happier with yourself in the long run.

FunnyCar65

01-23-2010, 01:13 PM

Well stated!Tech schools do nothing to prepare these kids for the real world.We have students come and observe at the shop I work for.They all come in thinking they already know it all.There is a big difference between doing the work in a lab type setting and doing it on the line every day.As in every bastion of "higher education" be it Universities, Tech schools or barber school you need to realize when you are done that you dont know shit! All you have is a pice of paper that shows you can commit for X amount of time. Thats the one thing you learn with age and experience. Dont get me wrong, going to something beyond high school is a good thing to do, so is a couple years of Military Service but it doesnt ENTITLE you to the big money or make you better than some kid that worked his way up from pushing a broom.

Also, to some extent, you cant teach certain people certain tasks. I dont care how good a school is, some folk just cant do it. Be it law school or Wyotech.

Brickster, you guys need a course in tactfully telling a customer each week his bill is 5K http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif, those guys in the back need their paychecks and dont like Ramen, yes you really did order all those parts!

demonspeed

01-23-2010, 01:19 PM

ahhh yes another wyotech thread.... i guess i should chime in here. I graduated wyotech in spring of '08 after taking almost every class there (a year and a half worth). Basically wyotech doesn't make or break your skills. If you go to wyotech as a punk-ass (and believe me, many people do...) you will also graduate as a punk-ass with less money, and still no skills. If you go in there, act like a professional, study hard and truly WANT to learn, you will most likely have a leg up over a lot of other people looking for jobs. There are plenty of students who go there, spend the entire time bitching about how much there spending and how they aren't learning anything. they then proceed to sleep through class, and then bitch when they graduate because they can't get a job. these are the people who give wyotech a bad reputation. So if you're attending wyotech-unless you want to end up like one of them, my advice is to:

1. Stop bitching and complaining about money, hard work, teachers, etc.
2. Cut your long ass hair, shave your stupid goatee, and stay awake (especially during the electrical lectures. As boring as they are theres good info in there.)
3. Do as much hands-on work as possible while you're there. seriously. anything you can put a wrench on, do it.
4. Realize that you are not Jesse James, Troy trepanier, or Jimmy Shine. be humble.

I went there wanting to be a hot rod builder, then after building hot rods for 8 hours a day, I realized it wasnt for me. I didnt have the patience or the natural skill to do that on a professional level. I also did not want to make 8 bucks an hour. I decided I wanted to become a technician instead.

When I graduated school I had a full time job lined up at a dealership (i got the job at the wyotech career fair and had to turn down other offers from there as well.) They paid me to train for two months at their shop, and put me in at a vw dealer. Two years later I'm 21, I still work there, I make a decent amount of $ hr. flat-rate (easily 40-50 hours a week) I mostly sit in front of a scanner or a meter or a wiring diagram most of the day diagnosing electrical issues that other guys with much more experience than me can't fix. I'm vw certified in electrical work and make a pretty good living for my age doing work that I love. And I come to work everyday with the attitude that I still need to learn a lot and in no way am i an expert.

spiderdeville

03-18-2010, 08:52 PM

trade school kids
out of all the ones I have had to retrain , only one worth keeping

today the shop gravy boy inquired why he is doing all of the tough jobs
he said 'I want to be the best '
you can't get that ethic in federal student aid mills like the aforementioned

the rookie

03-18-2010, 09:45 PM

i went to wyotech in 2005. got hired on a shop with no problems.
its all in what you put into it. ive worked for the same shop now since 2006. its a 84,000 square foot shop and i can hang with all the guys that have been doing it for 30 years. they have alot of respect for me and what i know. wyotech did help me get my foot in the door and help me learn my basic and theory bout collision. gave me a huge upper hand on the other younger techs.

there is another tech that started six months after me. he had no schooling or anything. just the love for wanting to work. he still is way behind on being able to a lot of work cause he never new the basics. and still has a long way to go. he asked me how to use a cutting torch the other day =/.

that 30k is a b*tch though on monthly payments but i would do it again if i had to

May Pop

03-20-2010, 02:04 PM

I went to Wyo tech in 1976. I graduated #1 in the body and paint course. The course cost about 2500$ at that time. The problem is you cant teach work ethics to kids who dont want them.PEROID The guys that did well live and breathed cars and trucks. We spent the weekends hunting the best junkyards I ever seen in Chyenne Wyoming. The classes cant teach COMMON SENSE to spoiled little brats. But they can add to someone looking to build skills. 20k is a lot of money but not to parents looking to get there pain in the ass little bastard out of their hair. No school can teach experience and floor sweeping may seem degrading but many of the students have NO other skills before they get there and dont have the desire to get dirty. Clean up is necessary in any shop or work area so stop bitchen.
In life you get out what you put in. As all of us know we get better as we do more. You cant get a whole lot of experience in a few months. Only the basics. Its up to each student to decide if he will excel or be a slug.
Ron

triumphgreaser1969

03-20-2010, 02:32 PM

i went to school there in 02 and personal thought it was a joke with the dress code and shaving if i wanted to go to school for professional business working on walls street i could see it but not in the hot rod industry i have tattooed sleeves so i didnt care for that and your only qualified to be a apprentice when you graduate
i wish i would have just moved to the city and saved my 25k and work as a apprentice in a hot rod shop and got payed to learn instead of paying them to learn
i also had to take wyotech off my resume just to land a job

29nash

03-20-2010, 02:40 PM

I truly believe that Trade schools delay getting started in the school of hard knocks. They are programs to spend taxpayers money through the student loan process, to occupy those that don't know how to knock on a door and ask a Manager at a shop for an entry level job. A diploma from a trade school is not a "Degree" in anything.
Save the money for other things. On the Job Training is more effective.

davis574ord

03-20-2010, 02:45 PM

A friend of mine sent his boy to the sacramento facility and learned chassis fab and engine building and worked at a rod shop in los angeles and now he works at california hot rods in sonora cal he is doin great he reccomends the school to anyone willing to learn

junkman8888

03-21-2010, 02:54 AM

Greetings! First off, holding to high standards of appearance and grooming will never be "outdated" when it comes to doing business, most of the people spending the big money at rod shops come from a generation that associates "tats", long hair and piercings with drug use and criminal activity and always will, you have to work hard to earn a customer's trust, looking like an ex-convict makes earning that trust that much harder. Secondly, long hair has no place in a shop, a friend of mine got his belt-buckle length hair caught in a lathe, luckily they were able to sew his scalp back on, too bad one of his ears got sewed back on a little crooked. Any kind of jewelry should never be worn in a shop for the same reason. And lastly, "Tats", long hair and piercings aren't signs of individuality, they are just means of attracting attention to yourself, your money is better spent on tools.

29nash

03-21-2010, 09:53 AM

Ha; If having long hair, five day unshaven, piercings, tatoos, hairy chests showing through armless t-shirts, un-polished shoes,etc. scare off a prospective employer because he counts that in any way, only means he's unable to interview a job applicant for the things that count.
As for impressing a prospective customer; Done right, the customer could give a shit less about such things.
"Bob, please meet my Shop foreman Skruffy. Scruffy, show Bob those widgets that we milled yesterday, and the headers you built for that T-bucket, because he is thinking of having us custom build him some"......................

Grooming a part of the curriculum? "Horseshit", said the papa sparrow, "Let's Eat!
Just another reason a bright kid that wants to learn a hands--on trade should bypass the bullshit of a trade school...........

OldSkoolIronJunkie

03-22-2010, 12:13 AM

I started at Tech October of '05. I took Applied Service Management, Collision, Refinishing, Chassis Fabrication, and Street Rod Fabrication. I graduated in December of '06, and have been working for a dealership since January of '07. All in all it is a really good school. They have a lot of rules that seem like bullshit but, it really isn't that bad. ASM you wear a white button up shirt and tie with dress pants and shoes. yeah you gotta keep you hair shorter and keep you facial hair trimmed but it ain that bad. They don't care about tattoos.

The only other advice I can give you is watch out for cops. They don't take any shit from a Techer and are out to get you. That is the worst part of Laramie. Oh and watch out for the University of Wyoming frats, there is a on going fued with a lot of them, just jeaous of the cars we drive and build. I met some of my best friends out there. It was a blast and would do it again tomorrow.