David Eastman ⋅ Gresham, OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Hello, David

First of all, thank you for your service. You are so right. Vocational schools are terribly expensive and, although it is not their intent, price many people wanting a vocational experience out of the market.

The type of vocational experience you are seeking, automotive repair and maintenance, is experience you can get at most community colleges and these programs often are run by local dealers or manufacturers of cars, i.e., the Ford Motor Company.

In addition, dealers who have large automotive service organizations--they might own multiple dealerships--send their mechanics and new hires off to automotive schools either subsidized by them or, again, that represent manufacturers. I would look into these local training schools for the training you are seeking.

I also agree with Matt Tilley. Talk to some owners of small automotive service businesses in your area, tell them you will start at the ground level doing oil changes, flat repairs, etcetera and that you would like to learn the more complex automotive service work from their master mechanics. Nothing like on the job training to fast track you into the work you want to do.

I hope these suggestions are helpful.

Regards,

David F. Eastman, CEO
Gamma Therapeutics, Inc.
US Navy, Vietnam-era, Avionics Technician, P-3 ASW Warplanes

Matt Tilley ⋅ Waynesboro, PA Deloitte ⋅ 17 years experience

Hi David -

That's a frustrating problem, finding a passion for something but not being able to pursue it because you are lacking a certification / degree. Have you looked into some of the local garages in Chambersburg or the surrounding area? Not like dealerships, but the smaller privately owned garages? I've dealt with some in the area, and think that if you can get into a conversation with an owner and let them know that you are a veteran and are really wanting to pursue this field, you might find a good fit.

The problem becomes balancing your need to obtain a job that will pay enough for you to support your family, versus the reality of starting new in a career field that you are lacking the degree / certification for. I know that the VA does have vocational programs, but I don't know much about them. Chambersburg has a good VSO representative that has helped me fill out forms and give me info in the past, I would recommend reaching out and setting up some time to talk to them.

Address: 425 Franklin Farm Ln, Chambersburg, PA 17202
Phone: (717) 263-4326

Good luck to you, I hope you are able to find something soon!

Matt

Elizabeth Raddatz ⋅ Orland Park, IL Kopka Pinkus Dolin, PC ⋅ 25 years experience

David, thank you for your service. It sounds like your income is low enough to qualify for tuition assistance at a trade or technical school. Why not find a community college or technical institute in your area that has the certification classes you desire and make an appointment with a financial aid counselor. You may qualify for grants, scholarships and/or loans. Good luck to you and your family!

Cynthia Tomei ⋅ Geneva, IL Valley Industrial Association ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi David,

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for your service. Have you checked out your local community/junior college? They may have the program you're looking for and many have advisors who can make you aware of scholarships and grants just for veterans.

Good luck!
Cindy Tomei

Kathleen Dunn-Knudsen ⋅ Brooklyn, NY ioby ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi David,

Thank you very much for your service and for using ACP AdvisorNet. Have you taken a look at the Jobs section of the site? There’s many diverse positions posted and it’s possible some of them might be a good fit for your skills and experiences.

I would also recommend you take a look at RecruitMilitary’s Job Fairs which held throughout the country. You can find the schedule here: https://events.recruitmilitary.com. I’d also suggest you create a LinkedIn account which can be very helpful for networking and job searching. LinkedIn offers a free, year long job seeker subscription to veterans. You can sign up for your account here: https://linkedinforgood.linkedin.com/programs/veterans.

Thank you again for your service and for using ACP AdvisorNet. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Best,
Kathleen
ACP AdvisorNet Staff

David Haynie ⋅ Chambersburg, PA U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 3 years served

Unfortunately the laws of the land say that at 42 I am too old to re-enter the military. I would love to go back in and finish my 20 and am in the best physical shape I have ever been in since I got out of active duty in 96. As for college...that is a no go. With only one income and 3 children my wife and I were forced to short sell our house and move in with her parents. Though she makes good money we are still a paycheck to paycheck family. I am honest with myself in that my situation is totally a result of my poor life choices in the past but I still cannot figure out a way to overcome them.

John Green ⋅ Cary, NC Information Technology ⋅ 40 years experience

The simple answer is obtaining the skills that an employer values enough to pay substantial money for. So, your question becomes how to do that?

One way people do that is through Active Duty military. They choose a career field in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard that provides them the skills needed outside.

Another way people obtain skills is through college, and various funding options there. If you take student loans, be sure to successfully pursue a vocation that will provide enough income to pay the student loans back. There are also grants you can qualify for.

ASE certificates are easy to get : http://www.ase.com/tests/ase-certification-tests.aspx ASE tests require only a $36 registration fee which is paid only once during a registration window—no matter how many tests you take. Tests are $37 each, except L1, L2, and L3 which are $74.

Best wishes.