The best time is when you are offered apprenticeship by your employer. Usually this happens when you've worked for a shop for 1-2 years. Because if you've managed to stay there that long, that already says something. Most people don't last that long in a shop when they start out.
So when the employer sees that your worth investing into the next 2-4 years for their business, this would be the next logical step to bring you up.
In some cases employers could even pay part or all of your tuition. It will all depend on who your employer is and whether they deem it worth it or not to cover your expenses. And if they don't offer to pay for some of your tuition, you could always ask if they could.
What's great about apprenticeship schooling is that it usually requires a shorter time to get technical training in order to be certified. Which means cheaper tuition costs, lower debts, and a higher chance you'll walk away with more money in your bank account.
Then there is the good time to go to college. This is when you have absolutely no experience in working with cars and you have no credentials. Going to places like community colleges where you only spend up to 4-6 months to complete a course is ideal. It won't cover everything in detail, but you'll still get a sense of how the whole overview works with automotive theory.
And once you've got your certificate, you can easily approach independent shops and dealers with a higher chance to get in the door. Taking those 4 month courses will put you back maybe $3,000 to $5,000, but compared to the 4 year programs I think it's much more worth it. Loans in that dollar range are usually very negligible to your expenses and they usually have good terms with them.
Then there's the ugly. The one year, two year, three year programs. Don't get me started on the four year programs. Definitely not worth it in the long run and may not be good for your financial health. Sure some people make it out, but they've got a huge balloon debt always hovering over them for a long time. Don't be that guy.
If you have no experience and you really want to go to college, attend a community college that offers a 4-6 month course. You'll learn almost everything the 4 year programs learn in a brief manner but most importantly you'll be out the door running after 4 months. While the other guy is shackled to his desk for 3 years and 8 more months, you're out there getting a job and earning income.
If you have to go to college, this is the way you've got to go.
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