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Hi, AbbyNormal.
A couple of years ago, I also got the idea of becoming a motorcycle mechanic. I contacted "MMI" (Motorcycle Mechanics Institute) after seeing an infomercial. They have two campuses (one in Arizona and one in Florida). Costs were about $10K per year for a two year program. They had financial assistance and so forth just like any other school. After speaking with a representative (she was very polite), I decided against MMI. Why?
One of the reasons that I wanted to switch to motorcycle repair was to relocate from Metro D.C. area. When I asked MMI representative where the good places for motorcycle mechanics were, she said that where I lived was one of the best places in the country. So, I checked the local job market for motorcycle mechanics in this are. Unless someone died or a new dealership opened, jobs are few and far between for motorcycle mechanics even in a supposed good market. Maybe part time and seasonal, but not full time and year round. What to do?
I decided on a compromise. My idle thoughts turned toward action when I was told that I likely would be laid off from my regular job. I enrolled in a two year night school program at a local community college. Not motorcycle mechanics, but auto mechanics. The tuition was much less; jobs are more plentiful; and much of what I'm learning lends itself to motorcycles as well as to automobiles (I've diagnosed and fixed a couple of problems on my Legend that I otherwise couldn't have, and I've been able to help some others).
Ironically, after finishing my first year, I my regular job was taken off the excess list. So, I don't have the same urgency to complete the auto program in two years. It was a little too much for someone my age to go full time night after a full day at work. So, while I intend to finish, I'm only taking two courses instead of three this coming semester.
Moral: Check out the job market, tuition and alternative programs at different schools. Good luck whatever way you go....Jerry
[ This message was edited by: jerrysussman on 2003-07-31 06:05 ]
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