I'm considering a career change and going to Universal Technical Institute and applying for the Mini program. I've just a got a few questions for anyone who has been through this program. I have searched here and found a couple threads but nothing specific. Any info you guys can give would be greatly appreciated.

I don't plan on getting rich, and understand the first few years will be tough, but I'd like to go this route, have Mini pay for the school, and eventually move into the Mini performance/race area after completing my required time it Mini. Having been in the USAF for 10 years I am no stranger to hard work.

How difficult is it to get accepted into the Mini program? website claims very difficult. With it being so competitive is there anything besides exceling at the general maintence portion of the school that would make me stand out to Mini to put me ahead of other applicants?

Claims Mini will pay for the mini program via the hiring dealer, do you have any control of which dealer or just luck of the draw?

Because Mini pays, I am guessing you have to work for them for x amount of years, any clue how long this is?

With a automotive job like this, are you required to have your own tools, or do the dealers have tool/work stations already set up? If you do need your own tools, does it truely matter if they are Snap On or Kobalt? I only ask this becuase I know you get $1,000 Snap On voucher upon completion but I know with Snap On that won't go far. Not to mention I already have a bunch of Kobalt tools.

I thank everyone for their response, your thoughts are appreciated.

 

I'm finishing up a general automotive tech program at a local school here. This school has manufacturer programs for the big three. Those programs require a sponsor dealership before enrolling. They go there on coop every other quarter. After, they are under contract to work for the dealer for x number of years (perhaps length is negotiable). Not sure if you could arrange something like that with a MINI dealer near you.


Mechanics anywhere must have their own tools. The shop will have the equipment and machines.

Tools are a mechanic's livelihood. They make you all your money. Buy quality, and take care of them.

Kobalt, Husky, Ace, Stanley, Craftsman, etc tools will not stand up to extended daily use. Sure they might have replacement warranties, but a broken tool will leave you hanging and take time to go to the store to replace. Not to mention that they might not fit the fasteners correctly, could damage fasteners, and the tool itself might break easier.

Buy Mac, Snap-on, or Cornwell. These are designed for professional use. Those others are weekender grade. I happen to have Mac tools. The main difference between these quality brands is basically what shape handle you find more comfortable and what cross sectional profile you prefer on your wrenches.

Another word of advice, try not to spend more than $500 on a tool box. It makes you no money and all it does is hold tools. Spend the money you'd put into a bigger box on more tools. I only spent $300 on my tool box, and I have thousands of dollars worth of tools in it. Don't worry about cheap locks. The locks on the box only keep fellow guys at the shop out, if the crooks are in the building, they are wheeling everything away.

Hopefully some of this was useful.

 

We sent our son to Sequoia Automotive Institute(Wyo Tech now) about 8 years ago when he got out of high school.He was working at a Wal Mart in the automotive service center doing oil changes and tires during the day,attending class at night.
Anyway they did offer a BMW program but he did not go for that.
He got a job at a Chevy dealership starting out at the bottom of the food chain with basic jobs like oil changes,tires,etc-.He worked there for a while then went to another Chevy dealership.He started to get training from GM which expanded his knowledge greatly.

While he was working at the second dealership,it changed hands 2 times.When the third owner came in,he took away everyones vacation time,reduced the employee's pay and made them contribute more for their health ins.
Then the revolving door started.Mechanic's quit,GM's were coming and going.
The owner raised the shop labor rate from $120 to $140 an hr.The place was pretty messed up!
So my son finally got fed up and went to a new Chevy dealership making good money.(He was able to get all these jobs from other people that he had worked with.)
So in the mean time,he had applied with VTA(Valley Transportation Agency)as a union bus mechanic.Took him about 4 months to get in.
Now he has a job with great benefits,pay and can have a good retirement.

As far the tools he had to buy,he has Snap On,Matco,Craftsman and others.It's easy to get caught up in owing the big mobile tool truck guys with their easy payment plans,so be careful.
Good large tool boxes are very expensive.He started out with a couple of small used ones but found out soon that those would not cut it.
He ended up buying a new returned Matco box.It was still over $2500 for a descent size box which was still not large enough!

My boss's brother has been a Beemer mechanic for 10 yrs.His dealership has recently been bought out.The new owner is doing the same cut throat tactics like the owner did to my sons dealership he worked at.

Just be careful if you decide to get locked in to one dealership!

 

thanks for the info guys, it's greatly appreciated. i've been reading alot of about this school and different outcomes from about 12 different forums, lot of mixed emotions.

i completly understand that i'd be starting at the bottom and i'm ok with that. my goal would be to start a dealer, especially if i can get them to pay for the mini technician school. put my time in there while developing contacts and eventualy (meaning probably way down the road, unless i just pick all this up super easy, but don't see that happening) getting into the performance aspect, maybe even on one of the mini race teams, i know those positions are very limited and very tough to get, but that is why it is the ultimate goal and something to strive for, and not my plan to support my family.

so in the mean time i'll continue to accumulate tools and knowledge and strive to be the best i can be. PHL 4:13