So I was thinking that a good way to be more comfortable working on my car is if I take a class in general automotive work. I live in Los Angeles. I was wondering if anybody could recommend somewhere for a class that I could take while still having my fulltime job (though I am self employed so my hours are flexible). I noticed that LATTC has a bunch of automotive...do I have any other options?

Most High Schools have closed their shops. Thanks to the ignorant state--as if all kids are going to college??-keeping shops in school-keep kids in school.Schools like LATTC are good and you can also purchase "how to books" that show you techniques in car repair.
x-auto teacher-33 yrs.
graemlins/beers.gif

yeah, u can take some auto tech class's and even auto body class's at the local high school, in their Vo-Tech programs. I take auto body at vo-tech, but i am 16. their are a few adults in the after noon class, that take it as well, so you wont be the only one.

good luck.


aaron

I'll definitely give that a shot...how bout you Al? You give tutoring lessons? I've got a shiny orange 65 to learn on smile.gif Doesn't hurt that you live 10 minutes away either (I live in Mar Vista).

--rO

If you are in Mar Vista, doesn't Santa Monica Community College offer classes in automotive technology?

I think they used to but budgetary constraints have let them to cut back on them. I was going to take a welding class there last year only to find out it had been cancelled.

--rO

I just called SMCC and they confirmed that they no longer have an automotive department.

many times the local junior college or community college will have these classes and they are very inexpensive.

I'm in the same position as you, just on the bodywork side. I wanted a place to do bodywork, but the community college here in AZ quit offering Collision Repair. Why? Who Knows :rolleyes:

From where I use to live, they had some pretty cool stuff at the local community college. I know it doesnt help you where you live, but its kinda cool anyway-

http://www.ppcc.cccoes.edu/CatalogSchedule/Courses/Courses.cfm?Course=AUT%20119

http://www.ppcc.cccoes.edu/CatalogSchedule/Courses/Courses.cfm?Course=AUT%20128

Pretty sure that only leaves LA Trade Tech then but that's over on the East Side. Little bit of a drive if the traffic is heavy.

I would check with a technical college. I started on a 2 year auto program right out of high school, then decided to go the business route. I keep saying someday I would like to go back just for my own knowledge. Until then I just sit in my office all day and read this web site. :D
Steve

robando, I live in mar vista too!
SMC also has an auto workshop, I think they offer night classes.

sorry about the post on smcc got a little excited....Did you check WLAC?

yup...checked WLAC's website and there's nothing about automotive classes on there. I can't believe there's nowhere that can help me out other than LATTC.

rafbo...what year and color chevelle do you drive? I might have seen you around.

--rO

This link work? Los Angeles Unified School District Adult and Career classes. I see auto shop, auto body, and auto electric offered at different levels.
http://daceweb3.lausd.k12.ca.us/classfinder/index.htm

robando, I have a 72 SS 350 red with black stripes. I just received a 454 HO that's going to go into it real soon
I've only had the car about a month now...
I live near centinela and culver bl.

John...the link did indeed work and I found a class at Westchester Community but as it turns out I'm not the only aspiring grease monkey in the area...the class is full. I guess it's too close to the start of the semester to find a whole lot. I'll keep looking though.

-rO

Originally posted by robando:
John...the link did indeed work and I found a class at Westchester Community but as it turns out I'm not the only aspiring grease monkey in the area...the class is full. I guess it's too close to the start of the semester to find a whole lot. I'll keep looking though.

-rO Save the link to your Favorites and sign up on the first day for next semester. It's probably easier to get in that one anyway. At least you found someplace to head to.

Originally posted by robando:
John...the link did indeed work and I found a class at Westchester Community but as it turns out I'm not the only aspiring grease monkey in the area...the class is full. I guess it's too close to the start of the semester to find a whole lot. I'll keep looking though.

-rO Might want to give them a call and see if there is some kind of waiting list.Many times classes like that have a couple of no shows.Thats how I got into an evening school welding course.

Not sure about the So. Cal scene, but sometimes the county (not associated with the school district - sometimes they are) offers adult educational schools.

We have a local adult educational program that has a wide variety of classes available. Including welding, mechanics, etc.

With all that demand and little supply, you'd think that someone like Al would take advanatge and open up a school/facility before Wyotech gets there. I noticed they have not only expanded to Pennsylvania, but now Sacramento as well.

Must be some money in it ;)

Scholarships for Chevelle owners? ;)

Steve

UTI has a lot of Southern Cali's auto-tech students. My cousin and a bunch of his/my friends go to UTI, its really expensive, but it's pretty much the only auto-tech school that goes to the local HS's and scoops up all the auto kids. I think if someone were to open an auto-tech school that was dedicated only to automotive (as in, not a dept. of the local JC/Community college), and was a lower-price alternative to UTI, they'd have a good business going.