Originally Posted by Florida Floater (Post 3724495)

A local facility was looking for a "certified" technician.

Advertised the position, contacted all sorts outlets; employment agencies, state offices, newspaper listings. You name it, the opening was listed.

A shade tree mechanic a number of us know and like suggested he apply. Wasn't even given an interview because not "certified".

The facility hired another "certified" technician. A mechanic we also all know who puts on a great front. He seldom ever finishes anything, has more jobs come back than you can imagine and always has wonderful excuses. BUT, he is certified!

The shade tree man, while not certified, can readily diagnose intake, exhaust, internal, electrical, ignition problems and has a knowledge of out drives and marine transmissions likely second to none. Gets jobs done on time and usually less than estimated! Can't get an interview!

The "certified" man is still at the facility, still has come backs, and still makes excuses. Have I mentioned he is certified!

The shade tree mechanic was hired by a commercial concern with a number of boats and he is doing nearly all their mechanical work on boats, trucks and everything else they have; single handedly! He has been there for about a year and the owner has said his repair costs are down 30% and his equipment is much more dependable.

Granted, this is not a very common set of circumstances. BUT, he is not certified, just extremely competent! And only in his late 30's.

That is where the problem comes in. He is so busy, doing such a great job, making a handsome income and bonuses; he seldom has time to work on our stuff!

Originally Posted by mrfixxall (Post 3724738)

+1 you nailed it rite on the head.
i was certified years ago and all it did was get me a job...its just a piece of paper telling people what a can do or have done in the past...it don't mean chit because i have met some dumb azz that couldnt figure out a hot dog from their own dick! i have always been the go to guy every where i worked at or Moor or less the lead tech..I would always fix everyone'S come backs and never really got paid enough to fix someone else's mistake.....as for the owners of the copany's i have worked at..THEY ARE ALL A BUNCH OF CHEAP AZZ'S AND MOST WONT TAKE CARE OF THEIR GOOD LEAD TECH'S..

AS FOR MY CERTIFICATIONS,,I USED THEM FOR TOILET PAPER ONE NIGHT BECAUSE I RAN OUT OF PAPER TOWELS....


For the ones that cant find good help!!!!! Pay them what they are worth and quit penny pinching and crying that your not making enough money and then fill up your fuel tank on your 80' yaught from the money that took from me to feed my family...agggggg i better stop b4 i hit a nerve...

Originally Posted by Raylar (Post 3724797)

Real knowledge and ability comes from many years of learning and experiencing real on the job work, performance and success as a real technician.

"Certified" many times today is really a sales tool to convince prospective customers how your business is more qualified and worth more charges and support from customers because you are going to provide superior work and results! Sadly today this is most of the time not the case from a results standpoint.

Real quality "technicians" are experienced, reliable, dedicated, motivated, successful, productive and a real rare individuals in the service market today. If you are going to find one, you are going to have to test and verify their real knowledge and capabilities, pay them well, treat them well, respect them and their knowledge and capabilities. If you have one or some, consider yourself lucky and smart at the same time, If you don't have any, don't look just to "Certified" to get you the real prize! That's just plain stupid!

Best Regards,
Ray @ Raylar