#1493218 - 17/09/08 07:55 PM
school for MECP
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chipperoh
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Registered: 07/08/07
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does any one know of any good schools where I can get my MECP?
look in Wisconsin? or any place in general ?
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#1493634 - 18/09/08 10:43 AM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: chipperoh]
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keep_hope_alive
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Registered: 24/04/07
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Loc: Quad Cities, IL
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http://www.mecp.com/home.asp
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#1494297 - 19/09/08 06:43 AM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: *316Flattop*]
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IamMurph
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See that is a problem with many shops. MECP has three levels for installers.
Basic - The first step in your career.
Advanced - The next level. It shows you did the work to go a step above.
Master - The highest level. These are the guys who have gone above and beyond to prove they not only know their stuff but they have the license to prove it.
MECP is the foundation behind the skills.
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#1494320 - 19/09/08 07:15 AM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: *316Flattop*]
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IamMurph
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Wouldn't surprise me.
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#1494788 - 19/09/08 02:19 PM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: Sadistic_customs]
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keep_hope_alive
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great info. Thanks!
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#1495639 - 21/09/08 03:10 PM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: keep_hope_alive]
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hergy916
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Loc: vancouver, wa
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Here's the problem with the schools. They don't teach what you really need to know to start working on cars. They teach basic theory, but that doesn't mean you're ready to start doing remote starts especially on some of these newer vehicles. I've had guys come in with their MECP certification fresh out of school looking for a job. They show me pictures of what they did in school, but can't explain how to wire up reverse polarity door lock relays. They can explain ohms law, but don't know how to get the radio out of a 1995 Honda Civic. I'm not saying MECP is a waist of time, but it's not the answer to getting a job in the industry. Years ago, I worked with a cell phone salesperson that had her basic certification but didn't know the first thing about putting in a head unit. Her boyfriend was a manager at a local chain store and they used this as a sales tool against MECP.
Just last week I had a guy in the store that was all excited to head off to some school for like 10 weeks of training. It was going to cost him around $10k. I looked over the website and told him not to waist his time with the last 7 weeks because that wouldn't help him get a job. The first 3 seemed o.k., but he would still be looking for some kind of entry level trainee position because he wouldn't have any real in shop experience.
If MECP would implement some kind of real world environment training, I would think more of it, but at this point it doesn't mean a lot to me as an owner. I used to be First Class certified through the 90's, but haven't waisted my time since. I think MECP is a good basic idea, but it's just not what I'm looking for when someone comes in looking for a job. It's the difference between book knowledge and hands on knowledge. Just because you know how to read and test well, doesn't mean you know how to figure out where the amp is in a newer Trailblazer.
I think getting your basic certification is a plus and possibly better certification later, but you can do it without spending a bunch of money on these schools, which you have to remember, are ultimately a business trying to make money. I would suggest getting the book and taking the test on your own. Don't spend the money on these schools. Then, find a local shop and show them you're certified, but also show them you are motivated to learn and are dependable to have in their place of business.
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#1495661 - 21/09/08 03:52 PM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: hergy916]
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IamMurph
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Have you picked up an advanced book? It's worlds away from the old first class. Then there is the master book. That is a fun read.
I agree that a certificate doesn't make you an installer but it's a start. Basic is just that basic. Would you hire someone with 0 experience or someone who is trying to break into the industry?
Without 6 months verifiable experience all new installers at Best Buy are SUPPOSED to be tech trainees. There are too many clueless managers out there for this to happen in every store. It's a great process where you learn theory and work hands on with an experienced tech.
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#1496374 - 22/09/08 02:57 PM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: chipperoh]
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chipperoh
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don't you get your masters degree if you do 10 weeks at these schools? is there any books out there where are can learn from?>
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#1501056 - 29/09/08 08:47 PM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: thumper88]
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chipperoh
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what class^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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#1501057 - 29/09/08 08:48 PM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: chipperoh]
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chipperoh
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i know there is not really to much money to be made in car audio working at a shop. Down the road I want to get my own biz runnning.
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#1504172 - 03/10/08 11:22 PM
Re: school for MECP
[Re: IamMurph]
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hergy916
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don't you get your masters degree if you do 10 weeks at these schools? is there any books out there where are can learn from?> No You can only be basic with no professional experience. I am going to tell you right now. There is no future in Car Audio installation. Install while you are in school and get a degree. Then leave it behind.
I know plenty of people that are making a decent living in installation and their belief as well as mine is that cars aren't going anywhere. They will always be around and people will always want to customize them or at least make them more enjoyable to be in. You need to keep yourself flexable and not just limit yourself to basic audio. OEM integration is huge. Those places and people that aren't getting a grasp on it are falling farther and farther behind. The big boxes around here are turning away customers left and right and I am greatfull for it. Customers walk in to my store all the time that tell me some kid at a Circuit or Best Buy just told them something wasn't possible because their car has some crazy bus system in it. Makes me look like a genious when I get the job done.
Troubleshooting is also a big part of it. Being able to figure out how to do an alarm without a tech sheet or knowing how to find the factory amp in a car without online support keeps you ahead of the guys that only know how to do the basic plug and play stuff.
I agree that a job as a car audio installer wouldn't be high on my reccommended career list but the industry has been pretty good to me. Tough... but good. A good installer works LOTS of hours and doesn't get the recognition they may deserve. This job can also put a strain on personal relationships. Girlfriends don't always understand why you can't get off on time... ever. Keep the ones that do.
As for hiring someone with little to no experience, well that's what I'm looking for. Motivation, drive and good common sense are more appealing than someone that just did 6 months to a year somewhere learning the wrong way to do something. Right now I've got a guy with very little experience but I keep him on a tight leash. Heck, I barely let him pull in cars. Lots of observasion and basic instruction. He's motivated and puts in way more hours than are asked. When he's not doing anything, he asks what he can do or will even just pick up a broom and start sweeping the shop. We give him a review every 30 days and his first 30 he was simply an apprentice working as a volunteer with the understanding he may not have the job after the first 30 days. He's not afraid to ask questions and does anything that is asked. Find an experienced installer like that and you better not let them out your door without at least getting a resume.
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