About 69,000 openings for automotive mechanics are projected each year in the United States and the top 10 percent earned more than $75,100 in 2021. Mechanics in Canada earn a median annual salary of $45,600, according to the Job Bank.
If you are interested in pursuing this lucrative career path and want help finding the best automotive mechanic schools, you are in the right place.
In this article, we will look at the benefits of going to automotive mechanic schools and the top things to consider before selecting one.
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Things to consider when selecting the best automotive mechanic school
1. Accreditation
The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) recently merged with the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) to create the ASE Education Foundation. This non-profit organization evaluates and accredits automotive technology schools and programs against standards developed by the automotive service industry.Â
The ASE Education Foundation website is a great place to start when looking for a mechanic school that will provide a guaranteed, high-quality education.
Pro tip: Search programs by location so that you can easily find a quality one near you.
2. Practical training
The best automotive mechanic schools blend classroom theory with practical experience. It’s vital to pick a school with an on-site automotive lab. This ensures that you will be able to train on different vehicles using the latest industry equipment.
Many car manufacturers also have their own training programs at automotive mechanic schools. These programs are paid for by the manufacturer or local dealerships. Finishing such programs will make you more qualified to work at dealerships.
Pro tip: Find a school that has a strong relationship with local repair shops and dealerships and offers an internship program as part of its core curriculum.
3. Equipment
Never pick a school without getting a tour of its campus. A tour gives you a better idea of the overall quality of a training program. Take a look at the hands-on training space and the condition and amount of available tools and equipment. For instance, a good school would have the latest diagnostic equipment and specialty tools used by the dealers and manufacturers that are most likely to hire its students.
4. Certifications
The best schools would have a good track record regarding graduates gaining certification from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Their courses prepare students for the A1 to A9 ASE certification exams. The certifications are intended for technicians who perform vehicle repairs.
Are you wondering why it’s important to acquire this knowledge and sit for these ASE certification exams?
Employers in the US expect entry-level auto mechanics to acquire these certifications. Mechanics must also retest every five years to retain their certification. In Canada, while this certification is not required, it offers a great way for a mechanic to further demonstrate competence and usually brings higher pay.
5. Recommendations
Local repair shop owners and managers usually know about the best schools in the area. Ask them to recommend some programs or get their feedback once you have shortlisted a few. Remember to ask questions related to your concerns. This is also a great opportunity to build a network of contacts.
6. Class size
It is common knowledge that students learn faster and perform better in smaller classes. This is because a smaller class size results in more individual attention from the instructor, increased participation from the students, and better communication between the instructor and students. Pick a school that has fewer students in each class.
7. Coursework
The best auto mechanic schools feature a comprehensive curriculum. Review course descriptions to ensure the program you are interested in aligns with your career goals. The program should help you gain hard skills and shop experience.
Coursework typically covers areas such as:
- Diagnostic equipment
- Engine performance
- Engine repair
- Vehicle steering and suspension
- Brake systems
- Heating and air-conditioning
- Automatic transmission
- Electrical systems and power accessories
A good school would also offer relevant general education courses such as technical math and workforce communications. Some traits that employers look for in mechanics include an eye for detail, fine motor skills, and problem-solving skills.
Pro tip: If you want to open an auto repair shop or apply for a managerial position, you should pick a school that also offers courses on inventory control, billing, and writing estimates and repair orders.
8. Support services
A great school will always offer comprehensive support services to their students designed to make attending and finishing school as easy as possible. These could include:
- Career training from ASE-certified instructors
- Career services to help launch your career when you graduate
- Peer-to-peer and one-on-one tutoring programs
- Childcare
Pro tip: Think about your specific needs and discuss these with the admissions department before enrolling into a program.
9. Graduation rate
It is also important to know what percentage of students graduate from the training program. This will give you a sense of the quality of the school. For example, almost three out of four students at Ohio Technical College graduate from their Complete Automotive Technology program in a timely manner.
10. Tuition and scholarships
The cost of mechanic training programs can be steep, between $15,000 and $20,000 in the US. The costs are related to school location, program duration and any specialized training taken. If you need aid, it’s important to look for a school that offers an array of grants, scholarships and other financial aid options.
Scholarship programs often require application essays and recommendation letters, so allow yourself enough time to gather necessary materials.
Pro tip: Apply for financial aid, even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for it. Many scholarship programs require you to apply for financial aid as well. Also, you may be eligible for more aid than you think.
Benefits of enrolling in an automotive mechanic school
You may need to spend anywhere between two to five years studying and obtaining the expertise and education needed for success in the auto repair industry depending on your state/province certification and licensing requirements.
A formal training program in automotive service technology will provide you with foundational training and practical experience for positions at:
- Independent repair shops
- Automotive dealerships and franchises
- Car rental services
- Private garages
- Specialty repair shopsÂ
- Or through self employment
However, there are many other benefits of enrolling in a school as well:
- You will gain a competitive advantage over mechanics who haven’t undergone vocational or other postsecondary trainingÂ
- You will require little on-the-job training, which is seen as a plus by many employersÂ
- You are highly likely to be offered a higher salary than mechanics without a degree or certificateÂ
- You should be able to secure leadership roles
- You will get the opportunity to network with industry professionals and experienced mechanics
- You should find it easier to pass required certification exams
Concluding thoughts
There are a number of automotive mechanic schools out there. However, finding the best one for your career plans, needs and budget require careful consideration. We hope our tips help you enroll in a quality automotive technology program. If you’re looking for more skills to help you get employed, consider learning how to use the latest mechanic shop software. Â
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