how to get started as an installer?
06-22-2004, 10:40 PM
#1
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 37
so... i want to be an installer. I've gone to a few shops asking about how to get started. One thing I've been told is that you need to be MOT certified to be insurable, and no one wants you in a garage without that. I've been in touch with Algonquin College, and they don't know anything about any kind of course related to that, even though at one shop the head installer has a certificate on the wall from algonquin showing he completed a course there (Automotive Electronic Accessory Technician)
Then there's the issue of no one wants you without experience, but how do you get that? Store owner/managers pretty much laugh at you when you say you've done installs on your, but you need to start somewhere... not a clue where that would be though, and I'm having trouble figuring it out. If anyone could point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.
Troy.
[ June 23, 2004, 01:18 AM: Message edited by: leg0man ]
Then there's the issue of no one wants you without experience, but how do you get that? Store owner/managers pretty much laugh at you when you say you've done installs on your, but you need to start somewhere... not a clue where that would be though, and I'm having trouble figuring it out. If anyone could point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.
Troy.
[ June 23, 2004, 01:18 AM: Message edited by: leg0man ]
06-23-2004, 01:58 PM
#4
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 609
Another suggestion, once you have the certification, apply at other places that utilize needing that certification, such as aftermarket accessorie stores that install car alarms etc etc, you can gain your experience that way aswell.
06-23-2004, 02:30 PM
#5
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 149
I was fortunate and was "grandfathered" into the new system.. that is to say I had the hours/years of XP to bypass the schooling aspect of certification..from my understanding to work on a vehicles ignition system in Ont. (alarm/starter)you must have past the test "grandfathered" or schooled (@M.D. -how convnient for them..)or work at a shop that has at least one certified installer per 4 employed...so if you were told that you are unemployable is not true ...though certification might be preferable to them... fight for your right tooooooo INNNNSTALL...!
06-23-2004, 06:41 PM
#7
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 37
thanks for the responses guys.
Eli47: I've done 2 years of Electrical Engineering at University of Ottawa, I've got a pretty decent understanding of that stuff. I just decided it wasn't for me as far as a career goes, a little too in depth. I don't want to design products, I want to use them.
Eli47: I've done 2 years of Electrical Engineering at University of Ottawa, I've got a pretty decent understanding of that stuff. I just decided it wasn't for me as far as a career goes, a little too in depth. I don't want to design products, I want to use them.
06-24-2004, 10:12 PM
#8
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 952
Thanks for the heads up on your Electrical certification, that's a very big bonus for any employer.
A small portfolio of your workmanship if you don't already have one, should seal an opportunity to be hired, with your knowledge and enthusiasm.
Feel like moving out west?
Got an opening at www.speakercity.ca
A small portfolio of your workmanship if you don't already have one, should seal an opportunity to be hired, with your knowledge and enthusiasm.
Feel like moving out west?
Got an opening at www.speakercity.ca
