Do you meet the requirements to apply to automotive schools in Sacramento to train as an auto mechanic? Here is a guide to help you
Auto mechanics are automotive professionals who understand the functions of every automobile and the technical skills needed to transform and solve car-related problems.
Whether you want to become a car mechanic, aircraft mechanic, engine mechanic, or marine mechanic, you must pass through different stages to build this career.
There are steps, procedures, and requirements needed to achieve this career goal, especially when you want to settle in Sacramento, CA.
In this article, you will be guided on how to become a mechanic, the school requirements, and how long it takes to attend the best auto mechanic schools in Sacramento, CA.
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Table of Contents
Is there any Future as a Mechanic in Sacramento?
Sacramento has many mechanical jobs that can fetch you a fortune, whether you are an average or certified auto mechanic.
Also, your future as a mechanic is well secured and guaranteed in this county because you will meet many automobile industries passionate about building and working with you.
As a mechanical student, you could work with proficient car dealers and offer some of their real hands-on training programs in your school, as an apprentice, or during your Internship.
The best part of this success story is that there are automotive schools that do not require a high school diploma and are ready to train you until you get your entry-level job.
Are there Automotive Schools in Sacramento?
Yes, several good automotive schools in Sacramento have top-notch mechanic programs that would guide you in your technical career journey.
Some of the schools include:
- University Technical Institute
- UEI College
- Sacramento City College
- American River College
- Advanced Automotive Training school
- Sierra College and more.
What Does it Take to Become a Certified Mechanic in Sacramento?
Before you start applying for a mechanic role in the automobile sector, there are several steps you need to follow, which include:
- Completing your High school degree or diploma.
- Completing your automotive program in any mechanical school, training program, or apprenticeship
- Taking the ASE certification Exams to be certified.
- Obtaining a state license or work permit.
- Having practical knowledge and automobile experience
- Having a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Brand certification and Master technician.
- You can also obtain a Refrigerant Certification if you are working in that field.
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How Long are Automotive Schools in Sacramento?
The Automotive program duration depends on which school and the career path you choose.
The associate automotive technology program degree usually takes 10 months to two years before completion. While the bachelor’s and master’s program degrees take up to 2–4 years to complete, plus all the other work experiences to obtain the ASE or brand Certification.
If you apply as an apprentice, it might take up to some months or a year to finish your Automotive training.
What are the Requirements to Apply to Auto Mechanic Schools in Sacramento?
Though not all schools in Sacramento ask for them, in case you need to provide one, these are the requirements listed below:
- A high school diploma or a GED
- Good grades in mathematics, physics, and general subjects in the field.
- How to write, read and understand English.
- You must also have good computer skills.
- Basic knowledge of mechanical service and repair.
What Mechanical Licensing Exists in Sacramento?
Hopefully, becoming a mechanic in Sacramento does not require a license, but getting your ASE Certificate to become a certified mechanic would be advisable.
These certifications show that you have deep knowledge of a wide range of vehicle systems, components, and functions and are qualified to work.
There are prerequisite procedures you must fulfill to be differentiated from the average mechanic, which include:
- Obtaining an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification (Master Mechanic certification preferred). This you can do by taking any of the ASE Exams or Tests plus two-year of work experience as a part specialist or service consultant.
- A Manufacturer or Brand Certification like General motors, Mercedes, Ford, and others.
- Refrigerant Certification for an auto service technician.
This Certification is required to be renewed after some months by retaking the ASE Exams or any of the Certification exams.
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What are the Best Mechanic Schools in Sacramento?
Sacramento is blessed with the best automotive industries/ workshops/ auto repairs and schools that would train you to become a highly skilled certified mechanic worldwide.
#1. University Technical Institute (UTI).
University Technical Institute is one of the best automotive mechanics schools, offering a wide variety of Automotive programs in Sacramento, CA.
The school has a good learning model which provides adequate training, programs, and technical practicals to build the students on the skills they need in the automobile sector.
You can choose from any of their Automotive technology programs like Automotive Mechanic training which runs for 51 weeks, or Diesel mechanic training, which runs for 45 weeks, and earn your diploma or associate degree accredited by ASE Education Foundation.
You would also earn your ASE Certificate through a year of work experience without undergoing ASE’s two-year work requirement.
Some of the automotive technology programs:
- Automotive Engines Service & Repair
- Vehicle Steering & Suspension Service & Repair
- Vehicle Brake Systems
- Professional Automotive Service Writing
- Automotive Powertrains & Transmissions
- Vehicle Electronic Systems & Technology
- Automotive Climate Control Systems & Repair
- Automotive Power/Performance & Emissions Repair
- Advanced Technology/Hybrid & Service Advising
#2. UEI College
United Education Institute, now known as UEI College, is one of the Sacramento public vocational colleges that has opened its door to everyone regardless of background.
Are you looking for a mechanical school that doesn’t require a high school diploma? UEI has a refined system that runs perfectly well for that. This is the best place you can start your automotive career journey.
As a student in this school, you will get assistance from the school’s three teams: the Admission Team, Financial Team, and Career Service Team, which help to prepare you for your educational journey.
This school offers an automotive technician program that runs for 10 months and is taught by ASE-certified instructors with career-relevant experience. The courses are flexible to fit your busy schedule.
UEI College Sacramento is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
#3. Sacramento City College
Sacramento City College was founded in 1916, and since then, it has built outstanding vocational structures that have served more than 20,000 students on different campuses in the Sacramento region.
This school offers over 190 degree and certificate programs that might be transferable to any four-year university, such as the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses, plus private, HBCU, and out-of-state colleges.
The college is one of the auto mechanic schools in Sacramento and offers several automotive technology programs, such as:
- Mechanical Electrical Technology program
- Aircraft Maintenance technician program
- AERO (Aeronautics) program is also reclassified as AMTP(Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program).
- Airframe and Powerplant maintenance technicians, which the FAA approves.
The Accrediting Commission accredits SCC for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
#4. American River College
American River College is a 153-acre main campus in the suburbs of Sacramento, CA. The Institute focuses on transforming the futures of its students through inclusive, quality, and equitable education.
The school curriculum has flexible schedule options, including full-term and short-term classes, evening classes, and fully and partially online classes to help you meet your busy schedule.
ARC is also part of the Los Rios Community College District, which includes four colleges and six regional education centers.
The Automotive technology programs prepare students for ASE certification, Smog technician training certification, and other related Automotive program Certifications.
Additionally, the Associate of Science in Automotive Technology program specializes in engine management systems, emission controls, auto collision and diesel mechanic technologies, complete automotive systems diagnosis and repair, alternative fuels, suspension, etc.
Degrees and Certificates Offered:
- A.S. in Automotive Collision Technology
- Automotive Claims Estimator Certificate
- Automotive Collision Technology Certificate
- Automotive Collision Technology-Non-Structural Certificate
- Automotive Collision Technology-Refinish Certificate
- Automotive Collision Technology-Structural Certificate
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#5. Advanced Automotive Training
If you are looking for a real hands-on automotive training school, Advanced Automotive Training is the best place.
Advanced Automotive Training is located in the greater Sacramento region and specializes in a wide range of automotive training for students, technicians, and mechanics to better understand complex, advanced complex computer-controlled vehicles in this 21 century.
This school has been in business for over 25 years, providing professional and quality services and technical training that fit the automobile industry’s qualifications.
What makes the school unique is its BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair)-certified programs taught by their BAR certified instructors with 40 years of experience.
Choosing this school gives you the best possible training in obtaining top-notch instructions, and critical thinking skills, which align with the school’s objectives of seeing you succeed in the workforce.
Extensive Hands-On Training programs offer:
- Electric Vehicle Training
- Hybrid Vehicle Technologies
- Smog Diesel Technologies
- Controller Area Network
- Electrical Systems
- Re-Flashing and Reprogramming
- Advanced DSO Scanner Operations
- Fault Based Strategies
- Signal Pattern Recognition
#6. Sacramento Academic & Vocational Academy (SAVA)
Sacramento Academic & Vocational Academy (SAVA) is a free public high school that serves grade 7 through grade 12 students.
The school curriculum is blended to meet all the requirements for entry-level employment, an apprenticeship program, and obtaining your high school diploma or degree in career technical training, which is transferable to any two or four-year automotive schools or universities.
You would have every support from the school teachers and staff who are well-cultured and widely experienced in the technical field to make your educational journey smooth and sound.
Hence, it is one of the best auto mechanic schools in Sacramento to train to become an automotive technician.
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#7. Cosumnes River College
Cosumnes River College is a diverse two-year public College with an open-access environment to prepare students for outstanding future opportunities and one of the Los Rios Community College District in California.
The school focuses on three solid pillars: commitment, quality, and innovation, which make it stand out as one of the best automotive colleges in Sacramento.
CRC offers an Automotive Mechanic Technology Program and Ford ASSET programs that focus on the skill development required for automotive training, such as automobile maintenance, diagnosis, and repair.
The ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Education Foundation (formerly NATEF) certified the automotive programs as Master Automobile Service Technology programs.
Some of the courses offer:
- AMT 130- Ford ASSET Advanced Automatic Transmission Diagnosis
- AMT 131- Ford ASSET Diesel Engine Performance
- AMT 133- Ford ASSET Practicum One
- AMT 294- Topics in Automotive Mechanics Technology
- AMT 295- Independent Studies in Automotive Mechanics Technology
- AMT 299- Experimental Offering in Automotive Mechanics Technology
- AMT 301- Automotive Service Management
- AMT 303- Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems
- AMT 322- Engine Repair
- AMT 370- Ford ASSET Automotive Fundamentals and Dealership.
- AMT 378-Ford ASSET Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
- AMT 495-Independent Studies in Automotive Mechanics Technology and others.
Furthermore, it is better to check the school website to know the credit units, prerequisites, and corequisite requirements needed to enroll in any of these automotive programs, as stated above.
#8. Sierra College
Sierra College was founded in 1936 and has been committed to bridging the gaps between students, graduates and employers through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
This institute enrolls more than 18,000 students a year, who attend and learn the practices and policies that run in the school environment.
The Accrediting Commission accredits Sierra College for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Sierra College offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs grouped into nine (9) areas to fit your interest.
One of the benefits of applying to this school is you would gain to learn advanced manufacturing and mechatronics, robotics, as well as programs that are influential in advanced transportation and automotive, in which the school has invested a lot of funds in.
#9. University of the Pacific
The University of the Pacific is not far from Sacramento’s best auto mechanic schools to build a career. The school provides extensive technical knowledge and practical experience in small class sizes with certified instructors passionate about building their students’ futures.
This institute offers mechanical engineering, which covers automotive programs that engage students in diverse training, including machine design and analysis, product development, environmental control, robotics, and manufacturing.
You can also complete your bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and a master of science in engineering science, during your senior year, which runs over five years.
The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
#10. Asher College
Asher College has accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
What makes this school so unique? Asher College believes in making your career training smooth and convenient to suit your busy life. They know that there might be a lot going on in your life, and they are always there to help.
The school has a customized schedule, supportive instructors who help you succeed, industry relations with experienced employers, market-driven education, and personalized attention from the school staff, which makes you feel at home.
You would be provided with the mechanical and technical skills needed in the diagnosis of car-related problems and any other jobs.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mechanic Schools in Sacramento
What is the Average Salary to Earn as a Mechanic in Sacramento, CA?
According to Bureau of Labour statistics, the average annual earning of an auto mechanic is $46,880 in May 2021,but you can still earn more than if you are certified and have other Automotive Technology Certifications such as ASE Certificate and Brand Certificate especially for manufacturers.
However, your skills, job experience and how knowledgeable you are can fetch you a fortune regardless of the state/ county/ country you find yourself in.
So, you need to take your skill seriously and keep up with the advanced technology in the automobile industries so you do not become outdated in this field.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Car Mechanic in Sacramento?
This depends on what career path or Automotive technology program you apply to. But this usually takes up to 2 to 3 years, especially if you are applying to a mechanical college, and some months to a year if you go through as an apprentice.
References
- https://asecertificationtraining.com
- https://www.uti.edu
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/
- https://cetweb.edu/
- https://www.best-trade-schools.net
