Mechanical Trade Schools
Attending mechanical trade schools in mechanical repair is the most direct path to entering the field. Quickly get the skills you need to enter the workforce as a qualified auto mechanic through the programs offered by mechanical trade schools.
Find the top mechanical trade schools for auto mechanics near you so you can enroll, graduate, and launch your career quickly.
Others, however, want to be mechanics despite the profession’s reputation for being physically demanding and financially unrewarding. The other group enjoys the process of fixing things. Although you enjoy fixing things, nobody will hire you only because of your passion. You can see that you will require formal training and accreditation.
This article will explain why mechanical trade schools are the best option for obtaining the necessary education. We would also provide information on some top technical colleges offering auto mechanics training.
Mechanical Trade Schools
It is our firm belief that you do not wish to begin your career working as a trainee technician or technician assistant. Because of this, we are providing information about top-tier technical colleges for aspiring car mechanics. We can also provide a list of recommended mechanic trade schools if you’re interested.
However, it’s important to note that certain regions in the United States are known for having excellent mechanic tech programs.
Places like these include:
- Arizona;
- New Mexico;
- New York; and
- Texas.
For this reason, we have checked to ensure that NATEF recognizes each school on our list. This levels the playing field for elite educational institutions. What truly differentiates them from one another, though, is the variety of courses available and the average class size.
Meanwhile, we focused more on how many mechanic-related courses each institution provides.
Arizona Western College
There is a public community college in Arizona called Arizona Western College (AWC). It has been open since 1963 and has served approximately 11,000 students with associate’s degrees, occupational certificates, and transfer degrees.
It’s a great place for aspiring mechanics to get the kind of hands-on instruction they need to get a job or earn a degree. Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, Basic Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Service Technician, and Welding programs may be studied at AWC and lead to degrees or certificates.
In addition to general automotive education, AWC offers manufacturer-specific courses in areas such as Automotive Computer Fundamentals, Engine, Performance, Diagnostics, Automotive Brakes, Suspension, etc.
Universal Technical Institute
To put it simply, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI) is an Arizona-based private, for-profit mechanic tech school. Established in 1965, it now numbers over 11,000 alumni and has locations across the country.
The Automotive Certificate Program at UTI offers instruction on BMW, Ford, and GM vehicles, among others. There are also programs for welding, motorcycle repair, marine mechanics, diesel mechanics, auto body work, and computer numerical control machining.
UTI is a leading auto mechanics trade school with campuses all across the country.
Arizona Automotive Institute
You can also pursue one of the best mechanic programs at Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI), another great mechanic trade school in Arizona. As soon as it opened its doors in 1968, the institution began providing a top-notch education.
AAI, on the other hand, provides only four mechanics-related courses: three (3) degree options and one (1) certificate. Programs leading to diplomas in Automotive Service Technology, Combination Welding, and Diesel – Heavy Truck are offered by AAI.
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Basic Refrigeration Certificate Program, on the other hand, combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
IntelliTec College
Among the top mechanic tech schools in the United States is IntelliTec College. In 1965, this institution opened its doors in Colorado Springs as a private, for-profit technical college. However, if you live in New Mexico, you can attend the New Mexico campus of this mechanical trade school and choose from various associate’s and professional degree options.
The two auto mechanics programs at IntelliTec are among the best in the country, but it doesn’t change the fact that IntelliTec only offers two such programs. However, these courses lead to a certificate and can be completed in as little as ten and a half (10.5) months.
Both an Automotive Technician Program and a Refrigeration and HVAC Technician Program are available from IntelliTec.
Central New Mexico Community College
Another of New Mexico’s top auto mechanics schools is Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). This school, which initially opened in 1964 as the Technical Vocational Institute (VTI), is now a community college specializing in mechanical engineering. Over 22,000 students take advantage of the college’s full-time and part-time associate degree and certificate programs, making it one of the largest community colleges in the country.
Additionally, two Mechanics programs are available at CNM. The Automotive Technology and Diesel Equipment Technology courses are what you’re looking for. These are high-quality, reasonably-priced professional certificate programs.
NYADI
The New York Automotive Institute (NYADI) College of Transportation Technology is regarded as one of the nation’s top institutions of technical education for mechanics. The technical college not only caters exclusively to the field of mechanics but also offers more mechanic-related courses than any other trade school. Additionally, NYADI’s program is flexible, with options for Day and Evening programs and accommodating for military personnel.
There are two (2) degree programs and three (3) certificate programs in mechanics at NYADI. You can major in either Automotive Technology or Automotive & Diesel Technology. However, it offers three certificate programs: Truck & Diesel Service Technology, Automotive Service Technology, and Collision Repair Technology.
Texas State Technical College
Among the several institutions of higher education in Texas that offer programs in automotive mechanic technology, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) ranks well. It started in Waco in 1969 and expanded to ten other locations across Texas. Furthermore, TSTC is one of the greatest technical schools in the United States for mechanics due to its consistent provision of high-quality mechanic programs across Texas.
In addition, TSTC is one of the technical universities offering a selection of mechanics-related degree programs. Auto Collision & Management Technology, Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, HVAC Technology, and Welding Technology are just a few of the specialized mechanical courses offered.
Southern Careers Institute – Austin
Another top-tier Texas institution for car mechanics is Southern Careers Institute (SCI). Its flagship school is located in Austin, but Texas also hosts seven additional campuses in cities like Brownsville, Harlingen, and San Antonio. In addition to employing employable professionals, SCI provides 22 degree tracks and 31 certificates.
The mechanical courses offered by SCI are under the umbrella of the Skilled Trades department. Programs like Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Welding, and Electrical Technician are also available.
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute – San Antonio
One of the top auto mechanics schools in Texas and the United States is South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT). After completing one of the school’s programs, students should be well-prepared to enter the workforce because of their extensive practical training. More specifically, STVT offers courses in health and wellness, skilled trades, and business.
The Mechanics program is under the umbrella of the Skilled Trades. Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration, Automotive Service Technician, Commercial Driver’s License, Combination Welding, and Diesel Heavy Truck are just some of the programs offered here.
Superior Auto Institute
Another school in the United States that focuses solely on automotive mechanic technology is Superior Auto Institute. It has been serving the community since 1992, and its Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) service is highly sought after. After 27 years of teaching PDR, the school has earned the respect of prestigious car manufacturers, including BMW, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari.
However, SAI is among the top trade schools for aspiring auto mechanics who are interested in the interior and exterior appearance of vehicles because they provide training in Interior Repair and Automotive Detailing in addition to Paintless Dent Repair.
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech is a well-known American vocational institution. Established in 1946 in Wet Orange, New Jersey, the chain has expanded to 23 locations throughout 14 states. Lincoln Tech is one of the best trade schools for auto mechanics to acquire a degree or certificate because it has over 10,000 students and teachers with years of expertise in the business.
There are a variety of mechanics-related courses available at Lincoln, including Automotive Technology, CNC Machining & Manufacturing, Collision Repair & Refinishing, Diesel Technology, and Heavy Equipment.
SAM Tech
If you’re looking for a great place to get your automotive mechanic tech training, go no further than the School of Automotive Machinists & Technology (SAM Tech). Students interested in working in the high-performance racing business can get the machining and technical education skills they need at this mechanic tech school. As a result, several graduates of SAM Tech have found employment with championship-winning teams in NASCAR, NHRA, and IndyCar.
Also, SAM Tech provides courses leading to certificates and associate degrees in Engine Block Machining, Cylinder Head Machining, CNC Machining, and EFI Tuning.
Luna Community College
One of the few colleges in New Mexico that specializes in teaching people how to fix cars is Luna Community College. This institution of higher learning for the technical arts opened its doors to the public in 1969 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Some of the top programs for mechanics can be found at this college, despite the fact that the school nearly lost its accreditation owing to poor governance in 2017.
Vehicle Collision Repair Technology and Automotive Mechanics Technology are the two main courses. These courses lead to a professional qualification and are taught in intimate settings.
Online Mechanical Trade Schools
In fact, if you want to learn more about this topic, there are classes you can attend online. However, the standards set forth by ASE are not met by these courses. Therefore, if you want a profession as an auto mechanic, don’t bother with an online degree.
An online program is a convenient option whether you’re interested in mechanics as a hobby or you need to brush up on the necessary text-based knowledge to sit for the ASE exam.
Online training in mechanics is also available, with courses including “Vehicle Systems,” “Inspection Techniques,” and “Engine Repair” available 24/7. However, practical experience is essential for any aspiring mechanic, and many schools may not provide you with that.
- Penn Foster
- Ashworth College
- Texas State Technical College
- NYADI – The College of Transportation Technology
- Southern Careers Institute – Austin
Conclusion
Simply wanting to enter the field of auto repair is insufficient. To be competitive in the job market as a mechanic, you need both classroom and on-the-job experience. Good news for those interested in working as mechanics: entry-level employment is possible after completing a six-month training program.
But for that, a mechanical trade school is required. Get more training under your belt as a mechanic than what a six-month certificate program can offer. Earn an associate degree in two years, get a year of job experience, and then take the certification exam.
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