Son wants to go into Automotive Tech

Rob's right. I guess it depends on how smart someone is. By smart i mean capacity to learn. If you're smart get the highest level of education you can. Go for the best paying job you can tolerate. With an upper level education you'll have the money to enjoy your hobby. Skilled trades is the way to go if you find advanced learning difficult. Welders, electricians, instrument fitters, refrigeration, commercial plumbing/pipe fittings. All respected hands on trades. I started over 50 years ago with an associate degree in automotive machine. While looking for work as a machinist I took an opening for as apprentice high pressure weldor. I've never looked back. Never once was laid off. Always ample money plus happy. You can choose a brain job or hands on job.