online course question for career change

[Kohrah]

First off sorry about title coming down with a cold and meding myself up so I can work. So Im a lil fuzzy atm. Second doing this from my phone so please forgive any spelling/grammar errors. Third tapatalk hasn't been able to update iboats for me. I've gotten the other forums I use the program for to login and update so im using my phones browser.

Ok early I had asked about MMI and have since told them to forget me. After talking to you guys and thinking about the attitude towards me and trying to push me into signing up that day. My stubborn side kicked in and dug my heels in.

I've since called the local marinas and either a) they close for the winter after boats have been serviced. Or b) the year round ones have a line of people waiting for a job or they want someone with 3-5 years experience.

Im mechanically inclined as I've been turning wrenches on the family farm and keeping tractors, mowers, cars etc running. Yet I do not have that little piece of paper nor the experience with marine applications other than what I've learned here. I've found I enjoy working on the boat and can see myself doing it for a living and actully would enjoy going to work.

I realize at some point ill actually have to turn some wrenches to get the experience but in mean time do any of you know of any online courses for the theory parts? Or would my better option be just to stick it out til end of winter and try the marinas again? Or any self study books as well that would be helpful.

And as always I appreciate and thank you for your time helping me. Also if the mods feel this is in the wrong section please move it to the proper section.

 

[ziggy]

Re: online course question for career change

do any of you know of any online courses for the theory parts

don't know if this helps or not. but when i was a us power squadron member, one of the classes was on marine engines. it was a very good class i got a piece of paper from '81 for cars. never did me any good as to getting a job as i didn't have experience.. fwiw. i thought the usps marine engine class crammed most of my schooling into one short class. no hands on though like school. but like i said, even the certificate wasn't enough to get me a job in autos in '81. there was a recession then too ya remember. anyways. us power squadron was had a good class i thought.
fwiw. i don't work on autos or boats for a living. i do maintain mine though. i'm 51 and not sure that if i worked on boats or cars for a living that i might not like them in the end for over exposer. specially boats. i want to keep boating a fun thing to do for me. working on them everyday might change my attitude.

 

[cr2k]

Re: online course question for career change

Find a one man shop. Maybe he can use you part time for cheap. You will get the experience. Very similar to cars, motorcycles in theory, just different configurations, sealers, etc. This will give you the exposure you need to even see if you want the job. I started out PT for my friend with just MC and auto experience and now 17 years later I have been doing side jobs for several years. (I am a retired firefighter and it keeps me busy during the summer)

 

[sschefer]

Re: online course question for career change

Are you sure this is what you really want to do? It's definitely seasonal unless you live somewhere with year round boating or near a year round fishing port. This economy isn't being very kind to boat shops either and as you've already found out, most shops want experience. If your really serious about this, get on the hunt for a one man shop with a owner that's getting close to retirement and ask him if he'll take a chance on you. You sound like a good hard working guy and that goes a long ways. If you can find something like that you might just end up owning the shop and that's how you make money at this game.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: online course question for career change

As with any inclination to change something major in your life, there's never going to be a "good" time to do it, so just do it if you can. Here's my recommendation, worth exactly what you're paying for it:

Get a loaner/damaged/broken/free engine from and marine service shop. Get a manual for that model/year. Read it, start disassembly and rebuild. Start logging your wrench time and learn as you go. Don't be afraid to ask questions or look up info. When you're done with that engine, sell it and get another. And then do it again.

Get with a shop that's open year 'round and request to hang around/work for free in exchange for asking a billion questions and learning/honing your skills. EVERY job has this, they just call it "clinical training", "on-the-job-training", "training periods", etc. You have to realize that part of theis training includes sweeping floors, taking out the trash, cleaning parts, etc. It's the only true way to get your feet in the door. This is the perfect time to do it. It doesn't have to be an every day affair, but if you can stick it out over the winter months (when things are slow), that gives you the time to learn without being rushed, ask the questions that you need to learn, and gives them the time to answer them without being annoyed at you. When the season picks up in the spring, they will have an idea of your compentency level and you may be asked to actually go on the payroll then.

I wish you the best of luck in your future. If you love what you do, you'll never go to "work" a day in your life.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: online course question for career change

Get a loaner/damaged/broken/free engine from and marine service shop. Get a manual for that model/year. Read it, start disassembly and rebuild. Start logging your wrench time and learn as you go. Don't be afraid to ask questions or look up info. When you're done with that engine, sell it and get another. And then do it again

That is great advice! If this is something you really want to do, start off by making alittle money doing it part time this winter. Throw a couple ads on CL in April and see what happens

 

[NetDoc]

Re: online course question for career change

Check the community colleges for help. Florida Keys Community College has a whole study on Marine Engine Mgt and Seamanship. They also have a diving school and a marine science school as well. I will be starting classes in the winter... only a single class at a time. I am already working on my Captain's license and want to add an Engineer's license as well. Never stop learning. Never stop developing your skills.

 

[Kohrah]

Re: online course question for career change

Thanks for the info and directions. Gonna check the two local colleges and also going to go back to a couple of the shops and talk to the guys again and see what all I can do to get my foot in the door.

I realize its a hard life right now with the economy heck im in the hotel business atm and it's a job that pays the bills. I also realize switching careers I have to start at the bottom rung and work up again and im fine with that.

-=EDIT=- How would you suggest logging wrench time? photos, written, or another option?