Here in this post, I have curated a list of the best mechanic schools in Minnesota, including the requirements, cost and admission.
Are you on the search for an all-inclusive guide on the requirements you need to apply to the best automotive schools in Minnesota to train to become a professional auto mechanic?
You are sure to find your answers in this piece.
Students who wish to study to become auto mechanics will find many good institutions offering technical programs for students. Vocational training is best for individuals who are interested in career-focused training.
Some technical colleges provide online sessions to encourage those who cannot attend physical classes. It is also a great learning opportunity for international students living far from their dream school.
Minnesota trade schools also provide apprenticeship and internship positions to learners. This opportunity enables them to get competitive entry-level jobs at the end of their auto mechanic program. Minnesota is widely known for being a flourishing agricultural state, which puts auto mechanics at a favorable edge.
Are you interested in an auto mechanic career in Minnesota? Do you want to know how people become auto mechanics in Minnesota? If your answer is a yes, continue reading. This article covers training requirements, job opportunities, and Minnesota’s top 10 auto mechanic schools.
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List of the Auto Mechanic Training Requirements in Minnesota.
To have the appropriate training to become an auto mechanic in Minnesota, you must apply to any automotive schools and colleges with the right requirements.
Therefore, here is a list of the requirements to apply to mechanic schools in Minnesota:
#1. GED or High School Diploma.
The first step to becoming an auto mechanic in Minnesota is to complete high school or GED. Students who have completed this phase to become auto mechanics are believed to have proficiency in math and English, an eye for detail, and critical thinking.
These qualities are looked out for in individuals applying for jobs as auto mechanics. After which, individuals can proceed to enroll in a certificate program.
#2. Degree Program
Trade institutions receive authorization from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) to offer auto mechanic degree programs.
The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is an organization that is in charge of developing the standards which auto mechanic schools must follow in their courses.
In degree programs, students learn theories in various auto mechanic courses and do hands-on practicals. Therefore, students must attend both theory and practical classes to help them work on vehicles effectively.
At the end of the training program, students gain skill proficiency in a diverse auto mechanic sector they can use at entry-level jobs.
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#3. ASE Certification
ASE certification shows that an individual is a recognized auto mechanic by the state. It is an advancement in career and opens opportunities for high-paying technical jobs. There are various ASE certifications available to auto mechanics, and there’s no limit to the number of certificates an auto mechanic can acquire.
To be certified by ASE, an individual must have a minimum experience of two years in the auto mechanic field. The ASE certification examination is offline; interested individuals must attend it in person. The certification exam must be paid for after registration, and there will be a five-year interval retest to retain the ASE certification by interested auto mechanics.
There are 40 ASE certification courses, including damage estimator, technician repair, and control specialist. Some auto mechanics advance to master mechanics, and to become a master mechanic; you must pass all 8 ASE tests as proposed. The eight ASE certification tests you need after attending any of the automotive schools in Minnesota to become a master auto mechanic in Minnesota include:
- Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
- Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
- Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
- Estimating Certification and Damage Analysis Test (B6)
- Light Truck and Automobile Certification Tests (A Series)
- Refinish Certification and Collision Repair Tests (B Series)
- Consultant Certification and Automobile Service Test (C1)
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
#4. Earning a 609-Refrigerant Certification
Advanced cars have MVAC systems; to work on such cars, you need to be knowledgeable in working with the systems. The MVAC system utilizes a hazardous refrigerant that requires specialized knowledge. An auto mechanic will not work on a vehicle that works with the MVAC system without a 609-Refrigerant Certification.
This certificate is testimony that shows a mechanic can work on MVAC refrigerant without causing casualties. ASE also offers the 609-Refrigerant Certification, and the classes for the exam are online.
You don’t have to take the exams in person; you can do so online. 609-Refrigerant Certification is a one-time certification exam; you don’t need to retest for it after five years.
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10 Top Mechanic Schools in Minnesota
At this point, your search is over. We bring you a detailed list of the best automotive schools there is in Minnesota. They include:
#1. Dunwoody College of Technology
- Location: 818 Dunwoody Blvd MN 55403
Dunwoody College of Technology is a trade school that provides students with computerized learning. Students learn with state-of-the-art equipment and tools to give them real-life experience when fixing vehicles.
Dunwoody College of Technology also presents learners with state-of-the-art workshops. Auto mechanic tutors are certified and experienced personnel in the auto mechanic industry. Offline and online lessons are provided to students, and financial assistance is provided to support students in their learning journey.
Dunwoody College of Technology provides two auto mechanic programs
- Collision and Repair Technology
- Automotive Mechanics Technology
#2. Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato, is a higher learning institution that offers various trade courses, including auto mechanics. Since 1868, as Mankato Normal School, this school has remained an institution where great ideas meet real-world thinking, and the vocational dreams of students come to reality.
At Minnesota State University, teachers are committed to training students with transferable skills to solve problems and find solutions in the auto mechanic industry. Also, degree courses give students an edge to sit for the ASE examination successfully.
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#3. Ridgewater College’s Role
- Location: Hutchinson Campus: (2 Century Ave SE Hutchinson, MN 55350) and the Willmar Campus: (2101 15th Ave NW Willmar, MN 56201)
Ridgewater College focuses on teaching students with real-life equipment and practicals to meet industry standards. Also, the college offers various degree and certificate courses that are profitable to students who choose an auto mechanic career.
No matter the trade part you choose, Ridgewater will equip you with the right knowledge and mindset to get there. Ridgewater can help you find your perfect trade path if you are still unclear about a trade course.
They work hand in hand with auto mechanics and local employers to ensure that the course curriculum is tailored to meet employable needs. Graduates from Ridgewater College have an edge in landing high-paying jobs. Also, students learn with new technology and equipment to ensure that graduates from Ridgewater College are in high demand in the industry.
Furthermore, employers always have positive feedback when they hire Ridgewater College graduates. Hence why it is one of the best auto mechanic schools in Minnesota.
#4. Newgate School
- Location: 2900 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Newgate School is seen as a blessing to many. Students don’t pay any schooling fees, and they learn on charity vehicles. Each day, the school teaches students the personal and industrial skills to be competent auto mechanics anywhere in Minnesota.
Human generosity and kindness fuel Newgate School; the passionate students and their hunger for knowledge drive the school management to do more. Newgate School is also committed to educating adults from poor backgrounds for a valuable, high-paying career in the auto mechanic industry.
During the training, students learn employable soft skills such as confidence, teamwork, patience, and resilience to prosper in the industry. At Newgate School, students learn with vehicles to give them on-the-job experience. All these go for zero schooling charge; it is free.
The program runs for one year and six months and is designed to build better leaders and auto mechanic personnel tomorrow.
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#5. Hennepin Technical College
- Location: Brooklyn Park Campus: (9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445) and the Eden Prairie Campus: (13100 College View Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55347)
Hennepin Technical College offers an auto care and body training program to build students with the necessary skills and techniques to work on vehicles after graduation.
They aim to give students academic excellence in their various technical programs that make them eligible for career advancement. It also increases their chances for better employment opportunities in the growing industry.
Hennepin Technical College has always dedicated time to grooming students with educational and leadership skills to become perpetrators of development in the global environment. Also, creativity and originality remain of core value to them and stand at the forefront of their career excellence.
#6. Century College
- Location: 3300 Century Ave N White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Century College is an adult community college that offers a two-year auto mechanic degree program. It is one of Minnesota’s most generous and affordable automotive schools. Century College is among the few that provide the lowest schooling rates to students.
Century College makes available to students who face challenges in financing their education fees with scholarships, financial assistance, and payment options. Students complete their degree programs without running into dept with Century College financial assistance.
If you are looking for a vocational institute that allows for degree and career transfer programs, Century College is a good school to trust your career in. The college has over 150 certificates and degree training programs in various high-value technical career areas, including trade and industry.
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#7. Northwest Technical College
- Location: 905 Grant Avenue SE Bemidji, MN 56601-4907
Northwest Technical College is a learning institution that provides students with advanced training tools and furnished workshops. Their curriculum has technical and soft skills that prepare students to succeed in industry jobs and leadership roles in the industry.
They provide pocket-friendly fees to the student, and their training is easily accessible. They give students on-the-job experience to reduce employees’ search for competent auto mechanics in the workforce.
Northwest Technical College is also approved by the Higher Learning Commission to deliver industrial skills to students interested in an auto mechanic career.
Hence, it is one of Minnesota’s best auto mechanic schools for training to become an automotive technician.
# 8. Saint Paul College
- Location: 235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul
Saint Paul College Automotive provides auto mechanic diploma programs to students in Minnesota who are interested in becoming auto mechanics or want to advance in their careers. They have state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and new technologies to give students the best learning experience.
Students from Saint Paul College know how to work on various vehicles they can encounter in their careers. At the close of the training program, students will be able to analyze different cars for faults and fix up different vehicle components. Also, establish a grand understanding of working with advanced systems and techniques.
Saint Paul College’s training program includes electronic ignition, alternator service, and repair of emission control devices. It includes machine component repair and replacement, a precautionary policy and diagnostic equipment, and adequate hands-on experience with the latest tools.
Students also learn to work with lab scopes, gas analyzers, multi-meters, suspension and transmission differential, and others.
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#9. Pine Technical & Community College
- Location: 900 Fourth St. SE Pine City, MN 55063
Pine Technical & Community College offers auto mechanic programs to students in MN. Their program range from certificates, diplomas, and associate in Applied Science degrees. These programs help to develop students with specialized knowledge to service, fix and provide routine checks to different automobiles.
They also provide training to students in a conducive learning environment, with state-of-the-art workshops and an industry-standard academic curriculum. Graduates students from Pine Technical & Community College can provide auto mechanic services in areas such as auto mechanic Inspection and installation, troubleshooting, customer service skills, shop security, and computer database technical reference systems.
#10. Lake Superior College
- Location: 2101 Trinity Road, Duluth, MN 55811
Lake Superior College cultivates its students’ community and teamwork behaviors to help them stand out as they advance in their various trade careers. The institution provides students with career opportunities and training to keep them in the hallway of better job employment after graduation. For students struggling with finances, monetary assistance is provided to support them through their learning journey.
Lake Superior College rewards financial benefactors with more than $250,000 in grants, scholarships, and emergency loans per year. The LSC scholarship portal is open two times a year, and communities that facilitate the growth of a skilled workforce are organized. Adult and transfer students to a state university are applicable at Lake Superior College.
They create benevolent support systems that promote academic opportunities for students, staff, and the community. Hence, it is one of Minnesota’s best auto mechanic schools to train to become an automotive technician.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Automotive Schools in Minnesota.
The Training
Training and getting certified as a car mechanic can take two to three years. To be a competent auto mechanic, you must receive college degree training and gain on-the-hour training experience.
How Much Do Mechanics Make An Hour In Minnesota?
From reliable stats on Sep 26, 2022, the annual salary for a Minnesota auto mechanic is $38,511 a year on average. That is approximately $18.52 an hour which is equivalent to $740 per week and $3,209 a month.
Conclusion
The auto mechanic field has proven to be a profitable trade career over-time. For those who are interested in working in auto manufacturer companies and not directly on cars, you’ll need a manufacturer’s certificate.
A manufacturer certificate will give you explicit knowledge to handle a vehicle with an advanced and specific system. Additionally, as an auto mechanic personnel, you need to learn how to work together in a team to achieve the best result and manage customers.
But first things first, make a choice of the best automotive mechanic schools in Minnesota.
References
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