Just as the title reads, how do our trusted mechanics actually become Subaru Specialists. Do they undertake any formal training, as say BMW technicians do, or are they just self taught.

 

From my experience a `specialist` used to work for a dealers and then then started out on their own.

 

There is no real definition as far as I am aware.

I can call myself a "specialist" in my profession as I have undergone the prescribed training, passed the exams and pay my regulatory body hundreds of pounds to keep my name on a list of people who can call themselves "Specialists"...

Shaun

 

I guess they are all motor vehicle technicians at the end of the day, that,s what their nvq would say. However iff trained as an apprentice at Subaru, BMW etc then that would be on one,s CV. To become a specialist experience in a certain marque would be an advantage however i,m sure any body could start a business and advertise that they want to specialise in a particular marque

 

Basically all you do this: Put the word "specialist" after the description of what your company or job role does. That is all.

The word is worthless other than for the purposes of advertising.

 

I specialise in p1ssing people off and dont need to do any training, it comes naturally

 

+1 'Professional Hobbyist' describes some I could mention but calling yourself a specialist means you can charge more Some aren't even professional

Some are the real deal though

Bit like a few years ago when everyone was a Garden 'Designer' rather than a man with a lawnmower

People get promoted to their level of incompetence, the same goes for company names and accreditations.

 

there are a few subaru specialists out there that really are specialists,and know what they are talking about.then there are the specialists that talk a good job,but really a 4year old kid could do better.i have had to privalage to sample both.

 

So, it seems that many of our 'Specialists' haven't actually undergone any formal training from Subaru. Rather, they've just built up their familiarity of the marque, through the sheer experience of working on them.

I suppose that's still good though, especially if you only work on Subarus.

 

Main dealership training is not always best, as it can blinker mechanics and stop them 'thinking outside the box' when directly compared to a mechanics experienced in multiple brands. It can also 'train in' habits that are not always best practice for the customer...

Our old apprentice went from an independant garage to a Vauxhall main dealership, which included the 'specialist' training that comes with the role. He came back after completing his training and his opinions of the courses were "training on how to rip off the customer" (his words). Basically it was running up work that didn't really need doing, for example when the pads are worn, replace the disks regardless of their condition. And replace the pads if below 50% etc. Of course him being originally trained by an indy via college meant he had already learnt coorectly when pads and disks warrant changing, but someone new to the course would not know any better.

 

Just because one specialises in something, doesn't (necessarily) make them a specialist at said something.

 

As Bigarf said, there are specialists, and then there are specialists.

If you need advice on who to use for repairs or mods to your car, ask on here, then PM one or two who respond for any info.

 

Reputation is the best scale to base on these "specialists"

 

No offence to anyone looking at this but most main dealer technicians are not in the same league as a genuine Subaru specialist. A good specialist is a total Scooby nut able to deal with all aspects from servicing to monster power upgrades. All the best Scooby specialists will have a seriously quick car of their own because it's a passion not just a living.

 

........you mean like scoobynutter Rob84 who works for Stan Palmer Subaru

Shaun

 

The exception always proves the rule hence the word most in my post. Some main dealer techs are great but most are useless & few people on SN would recommend a main dealer over a genuine Subaru specialist.