How to Find an Auto Mechanic Training School

September 4, 2020

To become an auto mechanic, you need more than just a passion for cars — you also need some sort of educational support and proper on-the-job training. 

The basic level of formal training is offered in the form of certificate courses by many institutions, and in this article, we’ll look at why you should look into attending an auto mechanic trade school and how to find a school in your area.

Buckled in? Let’s roll.

Why You Should Attend An Auto Mechanic School 

As the name would suggest, auto mechanic training schools (also known as auto trade or auto technical schools) are specialized schools providing both theoretical education and practical training for aspiring auto mechanics. 

While attending a reputable and efficient auto mechanic school, you’ll learn a lot more than at your average school or apprenticeship, not just in terms of the general science and education of the trade but also the real-life, hands-on experience you can gather.

Depending on the type of work you want to do in the future, you can choose from a variety of different courses and areas of study while attending an automotive technical school. 

These courses include everything from learning how to work on basic internal combustion engines for small cars to fixing complex problems with diesel engines for large locomotives and other machines.

Of course, not all auto mechanic schools are the same, and there are many reasons why it’s recommended that you take your time researching and looking for the best school.

How To Find The Best Auto Mechanic Trade School For You

Now that you know why mechanic school is important, let’s pump the brakes before you enroll in just any program. Finding the right school takes time and research, and you should ultimately feel good about your decision and not just go into a program blindly. 

Here are some pointers on what to do when looking at potential institutes for mechanics. 

Do Some Research 

Many schools offer certificate programs that you can enroll in. Most of these courses are announced online, so the best and easiest way to learn about them is through online research. 

Your search is likely to return lots of results — check out each website on the results page to learn about enrollment requirements and the duration of the training.

Look At Reviews

When in doubt, it’s always best to refer to others who have taken the program you’re looking into. When doing your online research, don’t forget to read reviews on everything from the quality of the courses to the usefulness of the hands-on training, and even check out what students have to say about the teachers. 

You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn about a school based on its reputation. 

Talk to Experienced Auto Mechanics

If you are passionate about cars, you may know a couple of experienced mechanics. Talk to them about your intention to become a mechanic and ask them to help you find the right school. 

Your mechanic friends also completed similar training, so they can help you with information about how intensive and demanding the training programs start and what to expect after your formal training is complete.

Consider Flexibility and Your Scheduling Needs

If you go into the wrong program and struggle to keep up with the pace, you won’t gain much knowledge and experience. 

The best schools offer practical, efficient learning environments alongside flexible curriculum and scheduling options. This flexibility makes it possible to work and attend other college courses while attending the training school.

Consider Location and Commute

Another thing to consider when looking for the best auto mechanic trade school for you is the commute. How long are you looking to travel for your education and training? Do you want to stay in your area and live at home while you work on your certification, or do you have the flexibility to relocate for a while?

Location is something a lot of students forget about when looking for a school, so talk to your family and ask yourself these questions when weighing your options. 

Look Into Career Prospects For Graduates

The most prestigious training schools will look great on your resume, boosting your chances of finding job opportunities with your area’s most well-known auto repair shops. When deciding on an auto mechanic school, accreditation and alumni success stories can help narrow down your choice.

Additionally, ask mechanics at local shops about what automotive schools they’re familiar with and recruiting from, if possible. Some schools, like WyoTech, allow shops to register with their career services portals to recruit graduates. 

Compare Graduation Timelines

Something else you should consider when looking for an auto mechanic program is how long it will take for you to graduate. Most college students expect to be in school for upwards of four years, but a high-quality auto mechanic school will be able to provide you with the education you need to start your career in a much shorter amount of time. 

Think about when you want to start in the industry and how much time you can realistically commit to a program. With programs that can get you trained in as little as 9 months, there’s no reason to spend years in a program if you don’t need to. 

WyoTech: A Top Auto Mechanic Trade School 

Finding the right school can be stressful, but WyoTech has perfected the mechanic school formula to make your search as easy as possible. 

As one of the top auto trade schools in the country, we prepare our students for a successful career in the automotive industry, focusing on developing real-world skills through immersive coursework and hands-on shop training. 

Experienced automotive professionals teach our classes, and you’ll get to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in automotive alongside your fellow mechanics.

Get in touch with us today and see how you can earn your diploma and start your career in automotive in just 9 months.