Allright I'm going to NADC this spring. I already have everything set up but I cant decide what to go for. For those that dont know it is auto and deisel mechanics for 13 months or collision, paint, and custom paint for 16 months. What should I do? I feel like there will be a greater need and probibly better money in mechanics which I have been doing fo the past eight years but all I want to do is paint. Thats all I have ever wanted to do. Is there decent work out there for painters, honestly? Any intelligent input would greatly appreciated.

 

Man if you have always wanted to do it, then do it! Look at ford and gm right now, lookin bad, granted cars still break down and need mechanical work, but if you're good at painting(NADC has a good program) you can make damn good money, and think...that job will always be needed, people will always have accidents, hit deer, have vehicles vandolized and so forth. I say go for it if its what you want to do.

 

Thank you. The first logical answer Ive gotten. The only reason Im worried about money is cause I have a family now.

 

I went to WyoTech and worked at a variety of shops for six years. I stayed with hot rod and restoration shops because I didn't want to work in a production shop. You make a much better living (the first 1-5 yrs or so) in the production field (either maintenance or auto body). I just liked custom stuff more. If you want to paint, I'd do that. You have to earn you're stripes but if you have a passion for it you won't regret it. Good luck in any case.

Slim

 

Nashville Adult Day Care?

No, really, I've heard the program at NADC is a joke. I'd go to Tennspeed.net and ask those guys for some honest opinions on the school and the programs offered, alot of people have been there and can tell you more about it.

 

Tennspeed, man I havnt been on there in loong time. I will though. I never thought about that. It may be a joke too some people but I have already looked into some jobs and they like the creditials, more in other states. If you do it right you can come out ase master certified and I-car platinum certified. Thats kind of the glimmer of hope I have, is that if jobs get scarce companies will look at certifications for new hires.

 

I think as long as you have enough motivation and desire to succeed, you'll be successful. Good luck with it. I don't mean to knock your choices, just think some advice from people who've been there would be valuable to you.

 

I agree. If I decided I would go for paint and body. Thats why I posted on here for some insight.

 

PAINT & BODY IS A GREAT FIELD IF YOUR HEART IS REALLY IN IT. I WORK IN A RESTORATION SHOP RIGHT NOW, BUT I HAVE BEEN IN EVERYTHING FROM SMALL SHOPS TO DEALERSHIP COLLISION SHOPS. BEST ADVISE I CAN GIVE YOU IS TO BE VERY GOOD @ YOUR TRADE & MAKE YOURSELF A VALUABLE EMPLOYEE.ON THE OTHER HAND,IN THE DEALERSHIP WORLD NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE....YOUR JUST A # TO THEM..GOOD LUCK IN YOUR DECISION

 

go with what u like doing would be the first. i personally like auto mechanics im currently have 3 more months of school. Its something i enjoy doing even though i dont make as much as other jobs i had. some guys mite agree with me when i say a " a job that u love and pays less is better than a job that u hate that pays more"

 

I definately agree with that philosophy. Thanks for everyones input. Unless somehting drastic changes my mind I am going for collision and paint. Thanks again.

 

I manage a Body Shop and quality collision repair tech's are getting harder and harder to find. That's what I would do if I were you.

 

If you got the money and passions for cars then go for it. I would do both so get more experience.

 

Thats makes me feel better. So you sayin I have a job when I graduate? j/k