Amy emailed in the following tip:
We were recently told that we needed new brakes and rotors on our minivan, but we didn’t have the $346.24 quoted us to replace them. And we had just paid off one of our credit cards so we really didn’t want to throw almost $400 dollars back on the card just days after paying it off.
Instead, we saved a lot of money and gave the business to our local vocational high school. The grand total for getting our new brakes and rotors at the vocational school was only $161.59 — including the labor charge of only $30!
If you want comfy waiting rooms, quick service and a ride back home, this is definitely not the way for you to go. But if you want to save money and don’t mind being mildly inconvenienced, this is a great alternative.
We’ve used the services of this vocational school in the past for other jobs and it really is a fantastic option if you have one close by. All of the work is supervised and inspected by certified teachers who have often worked in their fields for many many years before deciding to teach. -Amy
Frank Salamone says
This is exactly what I a looking for. Does anyone know of any of these programs on the gulfcoast in MS
Gino says
I have gotten decent haircuts at the school for cosmetology for a low price. Even adding in the tip beats the local walk-in places by several dollars. Usually there is no wait but the actual cut itself takes a little longer than when the stylist is experienced.
Christine says
thanks for this reminder !!!!! we have several voc schools in 25m radius that offer incredibly inexpensive hair cuts and other salon services, restaurants run by culinary students, plant nursery, childcare from early ed students and malls run by banking/marketing/retail students. altho they have automotive and construction services but it’s on a lottery basis. they also offer many post graduate programs to certify and license that are free to former graduating students.
Suzanne says
We always do! My son is now a senior in automotive and if you work on your own vehicles all you pay is for parts. So we have really gottten some fantastic savings as he can fix it at cost:-) It is not always as fast–as he does have to work on customers cars, but hey I have saved a boatload so I can wait…LOL!
dawn says
This is a great plan if you’re nearby a tech school and have the time. This summer when we had a leaky tire fixed they said we needed rotors and brake pads and it was going to cost over 200$. My husband looked at the rotors and determined there was some rust but a lot of “meat” left on them. We called a parts store and bought rear brake pads for $20 and we had the job done in 30 minutes. Thankful for my hubby being a great fix-it man. At the same time we believe our time is valuable. Sometimes it is better to just have it done.
Jen says
My husband attended three semesters at an Automotive program at a tech school via the GI Bill before finding his current job. We took our vehicles to his program for all their work while he was in school, as well as all of his parents’ vehicles. Not only is it cheaper, it is SO HELPFUL to the students! My husband personally learned new things on many of our vehicles, and he is so much better equipped because of the hand-on learning. It can take a couple of days for some work, but the incredible savings were worth it to us at the time. I’m hoping to get hooked up with a program near our current home soon. My husband just doesn’t have the time to do the work himself at this point in our lives and I love the idea of training up the next generation of professionals!
PHYLLIS GREENSPAN says
Having studied to become a Certified Speech Pathologist, we relied on the community to use us for our required practicum hours. We were closely monitered by Dr level professors. I in turn used and continue to use their School of Optometry where I can also get fashion frames for about a third of the retail price. I’ve had massages at nmassage schools. Pretty good. I’ve known about car repairs but have never tried. Maybe now I will too. There’s a school about 6 blocks from me.
Katie says
What a great tip – I knew our local technical school (literally less than a mile away) has a great bakery, but I just checked on their website – massages for $30 an hour!
Dawn says
I have used services multiple times at the local technical school. I have had computers repaired and a refrigerator repaired for the cost of parts only. Once we had the electrical students come out and do some work. That also cost parts, but we served them lunch since they drove 20 minutes to get to us. Even with the cost of a full meal, we still saved much more than we might have spent.
Brie - BreezyPinkDaisies says
I work at a highschool and have had the auto shop kids fix my car before. It’s awesome!!
Renata says
My husband actually just finished going to vocational school for automotive technology. They loved having people bring vehicles in. At his school they only charged $10/hr for labor–which is a great deal! The only thing that people need to keep in mind is that, because they are students, it takes much longer than normal. If you can afford the time, it is well worth it, and helps the students out!
Beth says
Prob a stupid question, but how do you find Mechanic students? I’ve never heard of this before, but sounds like a great idea!
Elizabeth says
Check your local high schools. I had my brakes fixed for super cheap at my local high school. The only downside is that they kept my car for a couple weeks. Luckily I was able to walk, carpool, and borrow my mom’s car to tide me over while mine was being fixed.
Holly says
Our local vocational school has a wonderful preschool program. They work with local high school students who are interested in going into early education. In our childrens preschool there are high school students along side the adult teachers. Our 3 year old attends 2 days a week for 2 hours and our 4 year old attends 4 days a week for 2 hours. They have a great program and the best part is that it is only $150 for both for the whole year…it’s $25/day/child the the entire year!
mindy says
only cost about $125 if you do it yourself
sarah says
My husband does all our car work too, but I told him this story and he said “that’s a good deal”. From what the writer is saying, the labor portion was only $30, so in theory, that’s all my husband is saving by doing it himself. That’s nothing! But you have to find a school that offers this.
Julie @Logger's Wife says
Check with your local vocational school before getting too excited. I contacted mine when we had two broken cars and very little money last summer/fall. Due to liability, etc. mine will only work on cars that belong to people who either go there, work there, or have students there. Such a bummer. 🙁
Lauren says
This is such a great moneysaving idea. My family goes to the University of Michigan school of dentisty- they take my insurance as well, which makes it practically free, even for more advanced work.
I also get my haircut at a local hair school. I have long hair and just get basic layers, so I don’t have to worry about them messing it up too badly. It can be long, but it is kind of fun and the students really need experience working on real hair so I enjoy doing it. An instructor is always on hand too, so if there are mistakes she will touch it all up at the end.
I had never thought of going to a vocational school for car care, that is a great tip! Thank you.
Abigail's Mommy says
My husband did one of these programs in high school. Very helpful! My car has never been to a shop. We just pay for parts. http://www.Rockauto.com has the best prices most of the time.
Karen says
What a great idea! I’m going to check that out the next time I need work done on my car.
Jen says
This is FABULOUS! I would love to know how you track down these places though? Do you just call the local high school/trade school? I wouldn’t even know where to begin to look? HAHA
Thanks for this great tip!
Shannon says
Yes! Check with your nearby high school or school district.
Carrie B says
Yes, I work at a vocational massage school and our student clinic, featuring senior students, offers full hour massages for $40. As a practicing therapist that beats me out of the water, at least for a basic massage. Of course they’re still learning, but it’s great when you need some work but can’t pay full cost. Also I go to an Aveda cosmetology/esthetician school. Haircuts are $16, take two, luxurious hours (scalp massage and oil and wash and cut, etc) and you aren’t allowed to tip there (always ask if you’re unsure). It’s the best $16! I’ve only had a mediocre experience once… The rest have been phenomenal! I go there for manis and pedis, too. 🙂
Whitney says
Our Aveda school is great, too! I had the best pedicure ever there – and I’ve been to all the big salons. That girl seriously had magic hands – and for a third of the price!
Shari Lynne @ Faith Filled Food for Moms and Grandmothers says
I love this idea!! As my son nears the age of graduation and is thinking of vocations and schools…I love that you trusted the school and these young adults to do a great job. It’s like going to the Cosmetology Schools and getting your hair done for VERY inexpensive!
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings!
Lana says
Our son works at a technical college and the automotive repair dept will fix his vehicle for free because he is an employee. All he has to pay for is parts! Since he is fresh out of college and drives an ancient truck this is a blessing for him.
Lesley says
I had my braces and other dental work done at a dental college. It saved my parents quite a bit of money at a time when we didn’t have dental insurance. I’ve also had my haircut at a local beauty school when I was in college and didn’t have much money. I took my daughters to a beauty school last summer for free haircuts before school started. It took a little longer than at a regular salon but we were all very happy with the results. There is a large vo-tech school near where I live and I will have to check out what services they offer. You never know what bargains may be had. Good advice!
Brighid says
A local community college has a dental hygienist program and they are always looking for children to participate as patients. Very good deal for parents or preschoolers or home schoolers who can take the time during the day for a cleaning.
Michele says
This is a great suggestion! My husband recently purchased a vintage jeep in great condition. The previous owner told him all about the work done on it by our local high school’s vocational program, including a full paint job. The work was well done, and it is in terrific shape for little out-of-pocket. He did have to leave the jeep with the high school for approximately three months, though, which would be a consideration for many people. Would be a particularly good option for people with more than one vehicle.
Leeroy Buissereth says
I’m located In brighton ma, I’m having trouble with my 2012 optima kia lx, my engine seized, so I’m trying to find out what school will help fix my engine
Shannon says
I actually used the horticulture section of our vocational school to prepare the flowers for my wedding! It was way cheaper than purchasing the flowers through a florist and they did a beautiful job.