15 Best Mechanical Trade Schools and Programs for Aspiring Mechanics
15 Best Mechanical Trade Schools and Programs for Aspiring Mechanics. Mechanic trade schools train you to become an automotive mechanic in a short time and start earning. The fastest way to become a mechanic is to attend a mechanical trade school.
If you’ve ever wanted to pick up a wrench and get greasy (and get paid for it), you might want to consider enrolling in the trade schools below.
1. Superior Auto Institute
Superior Auto Institute is another wholly automotive mechanic tech school in the USA. It is popular for its Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) program. However, in addition to PDR, SAI also training in Interior Repair and Automotive Detailing, making them one of the best trade schools for auto mechanics who are interested in auto interior and exterior look
2. New York Automotive and Diesel Institute
This New York City-based, ASE-certified automotive technician school offers six programs in automotive and diesel technology ranging from 12 to 24 months in length. Students can train in automotive repair, diesel mechanics, a combination of both, or in collision repair with a specific focus on ASE certification. Pick up that wrench, fellas!
3. Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is one of the biggest automotive mechanic tech schools in Texas. It began at Waco, Texan and now has 10 campuses throughout Texas. Also, through TSTc’s consistency in delivering quality mechanic programs all over Texas, it is one of the best technical schools for mechanics in the USA.
4. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute – San Antonio
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT) is another of the best trade schools for auto mechanics in Texas and the USA in general. The school’s programs aim at equipping students upon graduation with the ability to launch their careers through the intensive hands-on learning they got. Furthermore, STVT’s programs are in the Health and Wellness, Skilled Trades, and Business Categories.
5. Southern Careers Institute – Austin
Southern Careers Institute (SCI) is another heavyweight automotive mechanic tech school in Texas. While it has a main campus in Austin, it has seven other campuses in Texas including Brownsville, Harlingen, and San Antonio. Additionally, SCI offers 22 Programs and 31 Certificates while producing graduates who are marketable in their industry.
6. SAM Tech
The School of Automotive Machinists & Technology (SAM Tech) is one of the best automotive mechanic tech schools you can find out there. This mechanic tech school provides machining and technical education training for students who want to join the high-performance racing industry. Thus, SAM Tech students go on to join championship teams like NASCAR, NHRA, and IndyCar.
7. Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College (AWC) is a public community college in Arizona State. It is one of the best technical schools for mechanics where they can acquire degrees, certificates, or specialized training. It offers associates degrees, occupational certificates, and transfer degrees to its over 11,000 students. AWC offers degrees and certificates in Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, Basic Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Service Technician, and Welding.
8. Universal Technical Institute
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI) is a private, for-profit mechanic tech school in Arizona. UTI provides an Automotive certificate programs program that trains on a variety of automobile brands including BMW, Ford, and General Motors. Also, it offers Motorcycle, Marine, Diesel, CNC Machining, Collision Repair, and Welding Programs.
9. Arizona Automotive Institute
Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI) is another wonderful mechanic trade school in Arizona where you can take one of the best mechanic programs. Meanwhile, AAI offers just four mechanics programs – three (3) degree programs and one certificate program. AAI’s diploma degree programs are the Automotive Service Technology, Combination Welding, and Diesel – Heavy Truck.
10. Luna Community College
Luna Community College is another exclusive automotive mechanic tech school in New Mexico and the USA. This technical school began in Las Vegas, New Mexico as a Public Community College. Its programs are the Automotive Mechanics Technology, and the Collision and Repair Technology. Both of these programs are professional certificate programs that students learn in small classes.
11. IntelliTec College
IntelliTec College is another of the best mechanic tech schools in the USA. This college began operation as a for-profit technical school in Colorado Springs. This mechanical trade school has a branch in New Mexico, however, and offers associates and professional degree programs. While IntelliTec is one of the best trade schools for auto mechanics, it offers only two mechanics programs.
12. Central New Mexico Community College
Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is another of the best trade schools for auto mechanics in New Mexico. This mechanics community college used to be the Technical Vocational Institute (VTI). It is a large community college offering full-time and part-time associates degree and certificate program to over 22,000 students. CNM offers two Mechanics programs. These are the Automotive Technology, and Diesel Equipment Technology programs.
13. New England Institute of Technology
The automotive program at the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) provides hands-on training in engine construction and design, repair, electricity, suspension and steering, transmissions, fuel and ignition systems and emission controls, among other areas.
14. University of Northwestern Ohio
The UNOH College of Applied Automotive Technologies’ Automotive Department provides aspiring mechanics with a comprehensive course load, including electronics, automatic drive train engine diagnosis, repair suspension, engine performance, and computerized engine control systems.
15. McPherson College Auto Restoration Program
The McPherson Automotive Restoration program is the most comprehensive four-year automotive education program in the country. The 33,000-square foot garage at McPherson features 10 different labs. They include spaces for chassis and paint, woodworking, electrical systems, and sheet metal restoration. In recent years the school has drawn praise from uber-car fanatic Jay Leno.
Best Online Automotive Mechanic Schools
You can actually take courses online in your quest to gain knowledge on the field. mechanics courses you can take online include Vehicle systems, Inspection Techniques, and Engine Repair. These programs may not give you the required hands-on experience you need to become a mechanic. Note that these programs do not meet ASE certification requirements.
- Texas State Technical College.
- NYADI – The College of Transportation technology.
- Southern Careers Institute – Austin.
- Penn Foster.
- Ashworth College.
Who is an Auto Mechanic?
An auto mechanic is a professional with the training and skills to maintain and repair motor vehicles. These professionals can work on a wide variety of motor vehicles including personal cars, fleet, heavy-duty vehicles, and marine vehicles. The auto mechanic or automotive mechanic mainly inspects, maintains, and repair all types of vehicles. But there could be specific duties the mechanic does, depending on his training.
What are the Types of Mechanics?
Here is the list of the various kind of mechanics you can become:
- Boat Mechanics.
- Auto Body Mechanics.
- Tire Mechanics
- Auto Glass Mechanic.
- Race Car Mechanics
- Bicycle Mechanics
- Auto Mechanics.
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Line Mechanic
- Auto Exhaust Mechanic.
- Auto Exhaust Mechanic.
- Diesel Mechanics.
- Heavy Duty Mechanic.
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Small Engine Mechanics
- Air Conditioning Mechanics.
- Plumbing Mechanic.
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