Well, Ive made it through my first month at the dealership. I have to say that I'm doing pretty well. They have me doing all sorts of stuff and I'm picking it up quick. I've made some mistakes, worst of which was leaving lug nuts on a wheel loose. Luckily the customer didn't get too far and there was no damage. I took it pretty hard but it turned out to be no big deal. I also chipped a brand new console panel on a Grand Cherokee that was like $700 to replace. I owned up to all of it and offered to let them take it out of my pay but they said don't worry about it, it happens, we'll get one from a lease return. Despite all that, I've been told that I'm doing a good job and am now part of the team. Got my uniform the other day so I'm in for the long haul.
I've learned a few things - working with trim SUCKS. I've had the interior apart on several cars so far and it's never fun dealing with all the plastic panels. Chrysler sure does love their Torx bolts. There is so much plastic crap on modern cars, everything is covered with a plastic panel.
Since the lug nut mishap, I've learned to double check everything and whenever the wheels come off, I take it for a quick ride just to make sure everything is hunky dory. Little extreme perhaps but just an added measure of safety while I'm still learning the ropes.
Most of the guys are willing to help out, lend a tool or a hand. The guy
I work with is one of the lead techs in the shop and I'm lucky to be working under him. He's shown me more cool stuff in a month than I learned in a year of school. He's told me on a few occasions that I'm doing well so my confidence is building.
I need more tools. Lots of them.
- Greg
