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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 a trade school. Today, we bring you the most reputable automotive trade schools that will get you the skills you need to start collecting a pay check while working under the hood. Take your passion to good use with The 10 Best Trade Schools in America for Aspiring Mechanics.
10. Automotive Training Center
Location(s): Exton, Pennsylvania
ATC's tech program utilizes industry-standard tools and the expertise of ASE-certified instructors to mold wannabe wrench monkeys into well-trained mechanics. The school offers several programs ranging from 15 to 20 months in length.
9. Pennco Tech
Location(s): Bristol, Pennsylvania
Pennco's automotive technician program focuses on tool and workplace safety, welding, electrical systems, brakes, power trains,computerized engine diagnostics, and reconditioning. Get ready to fire up the arc welder!
8. New York Automotive and Diesel Institute
Location(s): New York, New York
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!
7. New England Institute of Technology
Location(s): Warwick, Rhode Island
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. For the nitrous junkies, NEIT also offers a high-performance program that explores aftermarket horsepower add-ons.
6. WyoTech
Location(s): 6 campuses nationwide
The Automotive Technology program at WyoTech provides hand-on instruction in basic engine management systems,driveability diagnostics, drivetrain systems and chassis work. For crotch-rocket obsessives, they even offer a pretty dope motorcycle repair program.
5. Arizona Automotive Institute
Location(s): Glendale, Arizona
If you're into diesels that aren't named Shaquille O'Neal, the Arizona Automotive Institute might be the place for you. The program offers four areas of skilled trade: service technician, combination welding, heavy trucks, and HVAC repair. Plus, and perhaps most importantly, the babes in Arizona are smokin' hot.
4. Lincoln College of Technology
Location(s): 45 campuses nationwide
Aside from the standard lineup of automotive courses, Lincoln also offers students a comprehensive BMW training program designed to churn out BMW master technicians. Blasting around in M3s all day doesn't sound so bad to us!
3. University of Northwestern Ohio
Location(s): Lima, 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. The only downside to the program is that students have to live in bumfuck, Ohio.
2. Universal Technical Institute
Location(s): 10 campuses nationwide
Despite a slew of annoying late-night commercials that scream of desperation, Universal Technical Institute actually offers a surprisingly comprehensive 51-week program for hopeful mechanics. Areas of concentration include automotive, diesel, collision repair, marine, motorcycle, and NASCAR tech. As the adverts will tell you, "classes begin every six weeks!"
1. McPherson College Auto Restoration Program
Location(s): McPherson, Kansas
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, who, in 1997, established the Fred J. Duesenberg Scholarship program to provide financial assistance to talented and needy students.
