Best Vocational Trade Schools in Michigan

With its newly remodeled automotive lab, the Washburn University Institute of Technology's Auto Service Technician program provides students with both classroom and hands-on learning opportunities as they learn about the maintenance and repair of engines, brakes, transmissions and electrical systems in various types of vehicles. The program can be completed in 2 semesters by full-time students, or in 4 semesters by part-time and high school students. Upon completion, students will earn a 52-credit hour technical certificate and be eligible to pursue an associate or more advanced degree.

Salina Area Technical College's Automotive Technology program prepares students for careers as general mechanics, brake specialists, transmission specialists, specialists in electronic systems and others. Students receive a personal tablet computer upon enrollment, and have the option of earning a technical certificate (53 credits) in 4 semesters or an Associate of Applied Science degree (68 credits) in 5 semesters. In addition to classroom and on-campus shop work, students also work in real-world situations as part of their education. While classes must be attended in-person, free online tutoring is available.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CTCC) has anautomotive programthat prepares students to service all types of vehicles upon graduation. This 60-credit program is generally completed in 4 semesters based on a full-time schedule (15 or more hours per semester). Students who complete the entire program earn a technical diploma (the highest credential for the program), and may take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification test. The program itself, as well as all of its instructors, are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

Arkansas State University's automotive program offers 2 options for students to gain entry-level skills as auto mechanics. They can earn a technical certificate in Automotive Systems Repair over the course of 2 semesters and 48 credits, or an Associate of Applied Science in Workforce Technology with an emphasis in automotive systems repair with 1 additional semester and 12 credits. ASU emphasizes hands-on training, and uses a curriculum developed by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) to lead to National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Some core courses may be taken online; however, the majority of students' time is spent in the on-campus shop.

Lake Area Technical Institute's (LATI) Automotive Technology program emphasizes hands-on training to prepare students for future careers as service technicians, transmission specialists and auto shop managers. This 18-month program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and instructors hold certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Graduates may also go on to complete a Light Duty Diesel Technology program; for this option, students earn their ASE certifications in Automobile and Light Truck over a summer session, or enroll for a third year of study (9 months), culminating in an AAS degree in addition to ASE certification.

Mitchell Technical Institute's Diesel Power Technology AAS degree prepares students for careers as mechanics, service technicians or field technicians specifically for machinery in the agriculture industry. Graduates may also work in sales at agricultural power equipment dealerships. Students will learn the fundamentals of power trains, hydraulics, air conditioning and electrical systems, and will participate in an internship to gain hands-on experience. The degree requires 76 credits taken over 5 semesters. Various scholarships are available.

Brigham Young University-Idaho's Automotive Technology Program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and offers students several options. On-campus students may obtain bachelor's degrees in either automotive engineering, advanced vehicle systems or automotive technology (requiring 120 credits over 4 years), or obtain an associate degree in automotive technology (64 credits). Students must take at least one course online; those interested in pursuing their studies completely online may choose BYU's Auto Service Technology Certificate. Students in this program learn skills such as diagnosis and repair, maintenance, and automotive operation; credits earned can be applied toward a full automotive degree or translated directly into the workplace as a service adviser or technician. The certificate program is composed of 17 credits, with each course worth 2-3 credits.

High school students and adult learners interested in becoming entry-level automotive technicians may apply to the automotive technology program at Cabell County Career Technology Center. High school students spend half a day in class over 2 years, for a total of 1,080 hours, while adults can attend evening classes over 2 years for a total of 1,200 hours. Students spend the majority of their time in the lab. The high school program teaches 4 core courses (Fundamentals of Automotive Technology, Basic Engine Concepts, Brake Systems, and Suspension and Steering Systems); the adult program has additional subject areas. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education with approval by the West Virginia Department of Education, students are able to earn hours to become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). A student services coordinator assists with services such as job shadowing and job placement.

The Diesel Mechanics program at Alexandria Technical Community college uses both classroom and lab work to prepare graduates for work on construction and agricultural equipment, as well as truck repair and maintenance. Students can obtain an AAS degree with the completion of 108 credits over 2 years, or the Diesel Mechanics diploma with 99 credits over the course of 2 years. Many scholarships are available to students through ATC's various industry partnerships. Graduates go on to jobs as diesel technicians, fleet mechanics and field service technicians.

In Mesalands Community College's Power Technology program, students may earn an Associate of Applied Science in either automotive technology or diesel technology with 61 credit hours, or an applied science certificate in either field with 37 credits. Programs provide students with the fundamentals and knowledge to service and repair vehicles pertaining to their specialization. Certificates can take as little as 6 months to 1 year to complete, while AAS degrees take 2 years or 4 semesters.