I know first hand. While some of your points are valid, you don't know his situation. Maybe he turned wrenches in his town for a few years before deciding to go to UTI. Maybe he will have to come out as a trainee for 6 months before becoming a line tech. Maybe he won't. But to slight someone for trying to better themselves is a real dick move. He was just saying he had UTI as a resource to help with the car.

 

This. I'd like to know, also.

 

i have a feeling that's an on/off battery switch.but knob removed.correct me if i'm wrong.

 

Yep, looks like a Longacre kill switch, the red handle is removed (probably only put on for track use).