Car Audio and Electronics Jobs

[ynot]

I was wondering if everyone could give me some tips on getting into the car audio field . I am really interested in the auto electronics field and have been trying for several months to get a job in the field . The only problem is I have no professional experiance in this area and every place I talk to says I need experiance . I did the install in my truck and some friends and family cars. I would like to get a entry level position so I can start getting my MECP certification . Any tips,ideas and/or suggestions are welcome .
Thanks in advance,
Tony

[ibthumpin]

I thought one gets thier certification through some sort of schooling/tech program. there are prolly none in your area (seems to always work out that way), but I know I've seen advertisments for them in different stereo mags.

[ynot]

From what I understand you can either get it through school or if you are working in the field .

[rollinstyle]

I know there is a school here that's 5 weeks and you can take your MECP installer test after the first week. Maybe there's on in your area.:( :read:

[ynot]

I do have a school in my area it is about an hours drive from me and I am checking into it . I was hoping to get a job in the field so that I could learn and still have some $$$ coming in . Do you think if I go to a school and get the cert. that would give me a boost in the experience area ?

[rollinstyle]

I'm sure that if you went to a respectable school and got your MECP certificate a lot of places would hire you. Seems to me like thy would anyway.:confused:

[2k1Slvrdo]

i know that some copanies will sponsor u while u get ur MECP.. Maybe thats only in cali... i tried getting one awhile back, but i ran out of time.

[ynot]

Originally posted by 2k1Slvrdo
i know that some copanies will sponsor u while u get ur MECP.. Maybe thats only in cali... i tried getting one awhile back, but i ran out of time. I have called several car stereo places by me and only 1 of them would talk to me . The others basically hung up on me . I would really like to get into this field and/or doing suspensions (Lowering,bags,lifting etc.) . I have also been trying to find a mechanics apprentice type position (Something where I can get experience) and that isnt working either .

[BigChevMan]

Last time I checked into it, you didn't need to be working for someone as an apprentice..but maybe the rules have changed. I have the mecp study guide from like 4 years ago..it's so basic and stupid that to me MECP cert doesn't mean squat. There is only one installer in a 40 mile radius that has his mecp certification at the local shops.

All you used to have to do was pay the fee to take the test...they offered it a few times a year at certain locations.

YOur best bet is to take pictures of your work and stuff and show it to local shops to get involved in the scene. Fiberglass work really wows them..that's how I got my job in the car audio field.

One word of advice though. if the shop expects you to pay for stuff that breaks on accident...look elsewhere...any good shop will be insured and bonded and that sort of stuff to do that work. They tried to shaft me at my job for breaking the flasher stalk off of an s-10...so I told them to try and sue me for the money considering I never signed anything saying that I would pay if I broke stuff.

[ynot]

I checked into the MECP test and they dont offer them anywhere close to me . I am seriously considering going to school for it . There is one school in Jersey (is about an hour ride for me) . I am just not sure if I want to do the home study or go to the school and get some hands on training . Here is a link to the school http://www.metro-auto.com/new2/ostrain.htm . I think before I choose which I want to do I am definitely going to check out the school .

[2k1Slvrdo]

I;ve seen the mecp test.. it ain't that hard... some classes u can do it in like a week. But if u really need experience, i guess the only way is to offer to work for free. My friends have done that at muffler and import shops. Its worth a try.