I would like to upgrade my skills.
I workeed in a machine shop part time while I was in college, so I have some idea,.
However my auto skills are limited to fluid changes, wash & wax, and putting air in the tires every once in a while

There are several adult ed programs in the area and I'm sure some course is offered somewhere.

Anyone done this or have a better idea?

-m

 

I took one of these classes up in Vermont a bunch of years ago. It was in a high school auto shop, after hours.
It wasn't at all what I was looking for. It was more of a "here's some basics on how cars work, so you have a conversation with your mechanic" rather than a learning how to do stuff class.
I'm not sure what you're looking for, but I'd ask a lot of questions before signing a check.

 

Are you a Machinist or just worked in a Machine shop ?

Most of you Machinist skills will cross over. Diag is the biggest issue. You can have guys that have been tech for 10 years. If someone else or a comp does not tell them the issue. They have no clue. Best is to see if you can spend free time at a shop to learn. Much more valuable experience

 

I learned by doing. Started off with oil changes, fluid flushes. Progressed on to miscellaneous repairs. Radiators, suspension, brakes, etc. Most of it was me and a Helms shop manual, working on my old car and motivation that I would start a project on a Saturday morning and need the car running by Monday to go to work. It does help to have someone around to teach you the easy way to do things and I guess more importantly the right way to do them as well.

 

I have mad skills for working on cars with carburetors and inginiton points. If I took a class it would be in electronic diagnostics.

 

I was a low- level machnist

The hands-on approach seems best but I don't find lots of those opportunities around.I have so many gas motors (putboard motor, tractor, lawnmower, cars, weed whacker, leaf blower, etc.)
at home too, a great place to start.

-m