I currently work for Firestone as a C level tech. I'm just getting started out in my career in the auto tech world. The people I work for are GREAT (which I'm sure depends on the shop), I absolutely love my job. I'm paid flat rate and make 13 per hour. The shop is well maintained, all lifts, balancers, machines, etc. work well. The benefits are awesome.
401 K matched 50%
20% off Verizon, sprint and a few other carriers
unknown amount off of new chrysler and gms
vacation, sick time
The Firestone Credit Union is unbeatable.
You pay $5 a week for uniforms, they have your name and are washed weekly for you.
Good Health and Dental
Pretty bad vision insurance though.
If you have ASE certs that'll really boost your pay (if not you start out as a C tech). If you take the tests while you're working for them they will pay for the test and give you $200 for each one you pass.
Having your tools is definitely a must, at least at my shop it is. They supply, diag equip, oil drains, stuff of that nature, you need ratchets, sockets, wrenches, etc.
The only down side is (at least in my store) They work you pretty hard, which is great money, but I'm never scheduled for less than a 9hr day, and end up working 10-11 frequently. I work 5 days a week, a lot of the higher up techs in my shop work 6.
oh one other downfall. They make you do a courtesy check on every car. It pays 0.1 (6 minutes). You have to check and document the VIN, license plate, mileage, tire size, if the vehicle has TPMS or not, scratches, dents, missing hubcaps, cracked windshield, wipers, all lights, any check lights that are on oil, coolant, brake fluid level, coolant hoses,battery for corrosion, air filter, belts, and check and correct tire pressure, and measure tread depth and record it. I think i'm missing a few things to. It definitely takes more than 6 minutes.
One tip if you get hired. They will accidentally on occasion (once a week) pay the wrong person for a job you did. Get a legal pad, and write down each work order number, how much time it paid, and what the job was (oil, water pump, brakes, etc.) Then check your total hours on your pad each day to the total hours they actually paid you each day.
Go for it and good luck!
Cheers,
Drake
Also, you WILL have to pass a drug test and physical exam (paid by firestone). You must also be able to lift 60 lbs, they do a lift test during your physical.