Porsche Mechanic Certification

[RunningonMT]

I've recently retired from the normal working world. While my honey-do list is still incredibly long, I'm thinking forward to a time when I'll be looking for something new.

Hence, my questions . . .

How do I become a certified Porsche Mechanic? If you were taking your car to a new mechanic, what would you be looking for in terms of education?

I've done a general web search and Universal Technical Institute seems to be the school of choice right now. They have an agreement with Porsche that gives some access to the employment market, but that doesn't necessarily mean the best education.

[Uncle ENzo]

Out of college I followed my dream of becoming a certified tech. (parents were thrilled). I left that world about 10 years ago but I can tell you how it worked for me. I basically called every Euro indy in Cincinnati until someone would give me a shot. I then spent a year working on BMWs in a total shit hole for peanuts. After that I started to hit up dealers and ended up with VW/Audi. They then sent me to their respective schools where I was certified.

It was a long way around but so very worth it.

[type954]

I was once advised that I should not make my hobby my work. Aren't places like UTI a couple of years to complete and not local at that (Atlanta and Denver come to mind, maybe incorrect...)

[BlackTalon]

Uncle Enzo's path mirrors that of some others I have spoken with. They took low-paying jobs at indy shops doing some of the real grunt work, learned a bit form the seasoned mechanics and jumped to Porsche dealer shops who then sent them to school.

Sees a better way to go than dumping $40k in a multi-year full-time tech school and still needing to be trained by Porsche after that.

[Uncle ENzo]

Jim is correct. It really killed my passion for wrenching. The big up side was I could clear 500$ every weekend doing side work and since it was my occupation I didn't feel bad about charging friends.

Now that its back to a hobby, all side work is done for a pound of good coffee. As it should be.

[Vicegrip]

Are you under 30 years old?

[ausgeflippt951]

Now that its back to a hobby, all side work is done for a pound of good coffee. As it should be.


I think you mean beer.

[RunningonMT]

Thanks very much for your thoughts.

Maybe a little background would help to better frame my question.

I retired after over 40 years of designing, starting up and operating major chemical facilities. While I have a chemical engineering background, much of my work work dealt with mechanical equipment and control systems.

I've wrenched on my own cars since I got out of college, but have always wanted to know more. Everything I've learned has been by reading books, word of mouth and, more recently, by internet searches. I've got a small (~$5k) training fund set aside, but not sure that is anywhere near adequate.

I'm not planning to make a living doing this, so it would be only an extension of a hobby. I'd probably pursue something part time or, as Colin suggests, wrench on friends cars for beer (but NOT the cheap stuff!).

Maybe I'm being totally unrealistic, but that's why I asked the question.

[Uncle ENzo]

I would totally reach out to some local indies and tell them your situation and that your not looking to get rich but just get dirty and learn some new skills. You might be surprised.

[vranko]

Congrats Rick on the retirement!

Drive up north. I have pleanty of work for you :shock:
39376

[Vicegrip]

Thanks very much for your thoughts.

Maybe a little background would help to better frame my question.

I retired after over 40 years of designing, starting up and operating major chemical facilities. While I have a chemical engineering background, much of my work work dealt with mechanical equipment and control systems.

I've wrenched on my own cars since I got out of college, but have always wanted to know more. Everything I've learned has been by reading books, word of mouth and, more recently, by internet searches. I've got a small (~$5k) training fund set aside, but not sure that is anywhere near adequate.

I'm not planning to make a living doing this, so it would be only an extension of a hobby. I'd probably pursue something part time or, as Colin suggests, wrench on friends cars for beer (but NOT the cheap stuff!).

Maybe I'm being totally unrealistic, but that's why I asked the question.do you think you have enough skills to make some side money now? if so you might find a part of automotive that you are good at and do that when the work presents. Older cars are a place where someone that is not hampered ny making $$$ per hour can carve out a slice of pie. Older cars that might be close to a money total can be carefully brought back by someone that has time and skills to do so. Get an older car that is a good car but needs some love, work when you want and sell it when you are done.

[APKhaos]

do you think you have enough skills to make some side money now? if so you might find a part of automotive that you are good at and do that when the work presents. Older cars are a place where someone that is not hampered ny making $$$ per hour can carve out a slice of pie. Older cars that might be close to a money total can be carefully brought back by someone that has time and skills to do so. Get an older car that is a good car but needs some love, work when you want and sell it when you are done.

^ This. There's a recent thread started by a guy who bought a Boxster dead cheap. It was blowing clouds of oil smoke and generally had enough apparent faults to scare the PO witless. A little bit of minor work and it was good to go. No high dollar repairs, and he could have sold it on for a nice gain if he hadn't wanted to keep it.

[cmartin]

make some side money now?

Great advice. Buy a few manuals or get info online and start turning wrenches for $$. Great potential if you dont mind getting dirty and can stomach a little risk. Let your interest dictate your skills and jobs you tackle.

[type954]

With the recent added facts, I agree with the advice to buy a car, restore it and sell it. That white SC talked about recently is an idea; engine is out and needs to be built ... scotty b is in Richmond and might be a body and paint contact/finisher. Do you have a garage and trailer?

[ausgeflippt951]

That's a good thought: rather than making money as a mechanic, you could make money flipping cars. Wheeler Dealers-style.

[Potomac-Greg]

That's a good thought: rather than making money as a mechanic, you could make money flipping cars. Wheeler Dealers-style.

Yes those guys always make a fortune! :roll:

Even valuing their own time at zero, Mike and Edd rarely make a killing! Luckily, they have a TV show that probably pays them decent money!

Edd China is on my top 25 list of people I'd like to have a beer with.

[ausgeflippt951]

Hey, I never said it would be that lucrative.

Agree re: Edd China. He seems super cool.

[RunningonMT]

Thanks, guys for all your ideas and comments.

I really like the idea of buying an older car that needs for TLC. As you point out, I can use the skills I already have and take the time to develop the ones I need. Having the freedom of schedule is a plus since I have activities I enjoy. You know, things like family which now includes two your grandsons.

G has me working on the house. Painting inside and out! So while I won't be able to act on this, I now have lots to think about while I "wax on - wax off" all day long!