A technician is more of a parts replacer. A true mechanic understands how mechanical objects work and can actually repair it rather then just tossing a new part at it.
Have you gone in to Ferrari of St Louis and asked the service manager what it would take to get your foot in the door? If not than I would give it a crack, dress well, be professional and see what advice is offered. Express your interest, show your passion but ask for advice not a job. Would you move out of state? Should you want to work in a dealership there’s one game in your state. I’d think that it’s a more or less a prerequisite for aspiring Ferrari techs to be willing to relocate. I’ve never actually been to my dealership, they pick up/deliver my Ferrari from my home. I’ve enjoyed talking with the transport crew and hearing how they came to work at my local dealer and learning what they did before working for Ferrari, their backgrounds are varied and all different.
Coming from the position of the person who would be hiring you, what am I looking for from non-Ferrari experienced standpoint: 1. You are a Master highline technician 2. You have been in the position for at least 5 years 3. You have your own tools 4. You naturally have a " find a way to say yes" attitude - Positive attitude is a must. 5. Absolutely clear driving record 6. Bondable 7. None Smoker 8. Reputation 1a. I want you to learn and have experienced mistakes on vehicles that you can get replacement parts for that also will not cost you tens of thousands of dollars to address your mistake. Examples: Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mercedes. 2a There is no way around time on the job, actual hands on experience. 3a You would be surprised the number of applicants I get that ask if I am providing them a tool box and tools ( I understand it ) 4a I want someone who when presented with a problem looks for ways to make it happen vs "its cold outside", " it's hot outside " , "I'm headed to lunch", "that's not my job", " I'm tired " , etc .. There is zero time for negativity in a Ferrari shop, respectful conversations, willingness to help each other, all required. You can't fake it, it always comes out, so we discuss it in detail during one of your multiple interviews 5a No accidents, no speeding tickets, no moving violations whatsoever. 6a The level of background checks we require are pretty intense. 7a Sorry, but you can't take a 15 minute smoke break then jump in a Ferrari and expect that you wont make the car smell.. Not to mention the loss of production. 8a. The Ferrari world is small, so your reputation becomes our reputation, it matters. If you meet these basic requirements, then you can expect to be a trainee for at least 18 months before you would your own cars to work with. ASE doesn't play a part whatsoever for me. These are the basics, I could write pages on the finer points. ;-) Steve
Is that because most techs who have been at a highline dealership for 5+ years probably already got their ASE at some point?
I was in Steves position years ago and I don't give a rats ass about ASE. I knew too many "technicians" who had an armload of patches who couldn't fix a tuna sandwich and way too many great mechanics who probably couldn't pass one. At one time FNA felt a little out of place in the industry for not requiring it. and the then head of SAT in the US, a guy named Ken McKay handed me a pile of forms so we could all sign up for tests and I told him straight up they were going in the shredder and did he want them back? He was a friend so asked why. I told him to take a few tests and come back and tell me if they were of any value. He wound up agreeing with me and the requirement went away. . A reputation in the industry actually has value. ASE not so much. That is one thing I preached to my people over and over. Protect your reputation. Professionally its all you have of value.
In the wrong business or maybe someone too impressed with himself. Real mechanics do it all the time.
I echo what Brian said. while it may be good for those just starting off, by the time they get to me, they've been in the business and should have acquired real world experience, which is more valuable IMO. Books smarts vs street smarts kind of thing. ASE has its place, just not here. Now, specialized training as provided by the factory, currently ( last 10 years for example ) has proven helpful. A trainee will start off with 40+ online video training modules, that will take 40-80 hours to complete, not counting the test after each module. Then each model has its own in person 2-3 day hands on training class at FNA. Then, specialty cars have their own training. Hybrid... yep, its own multi-day training + stand alone training. Oh, yeah prior to CV19, the factory has required training there as well. Total cost... upwards of $150k+ just to get from trainee to technician status. Everyone has their definition of what a mechanic is vs technician, my guys are the farthest from "parts swappers " They turn wrenches, diagnose concerns, work with the most modern ( yet antiquated ) diagnostic equipment Ferrari has ever offered. They also retain vast amounts of knowledge on the more analog cars from the 70's and 80's while balancing always changing P&P ... don't even get me started on the warranty processes... FWIW I consider them technicians Steve
oh I agree with you 100% and Steve confirmed it doesn’t matter for a Ferrari dealership or most independents, but I bet most highline dealerships require it. So if Steve’s requirement is 5 years highline prior, then easy to knock those out.
so you are saying ASE isn’t just required by you, but most highline dealerships aren’t requiring it either or anyone you got from highline would already have it unless you are just hiring older techs that have been doing it decades.
If you're looking to build experience, I'd say your best bet would be to start at a small independent exotic shop and cut your teeth there for a few years. Being from the greater Charlotte area, I can think of probably a dozen shops, maybe more that are constantly on the lookout for techs/mechs. Come to think of it, Charlotte would be a great place to land if you're trying to get into the exotic car repair game...
ohh, that’s a great question for @SAFE4NOW! Steve, would you rather have a 23 year old with 5 years experience at Porsche dealer or 5 years at Norwoods? I know the answer already, but I want to see how you answer it. . I know it will shock a few people.
Disclaimer: I would never take someone currently employed... unless James & I talked from the beginning about it. But I would strongly consider a Norwood trained technician over a Porsche technician, knowing James' work ethic and quality requirements, it's a no brainer! Steve
Some manufacturers at least did require it for the service department people. Not sure where it stands now
Speaking for me when I was in Steves position I would take someone from a good independent first. And relative to my advice on reputation. Part of that is only work for a company with a good reputation. One company alone I worked for has meant more than everything else on my resume. It was very well known and highly regarded in the Ferrari and exotic car world. As far as only hiring those needing a job as apposed to those that have one. I'd do it in a minute if I felt I was a better deal for him. Likewise I have wished employees well and not spent a second trying to keep them if I though they were leaving for good sound reasons.
Machine work yes, no big deal. Panel beating, no but I know some of the best and not a single one needs to give himself a title. Their ego doesn't require it.
