If you’re looking to become an auto mechanic in Minnesota, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we give a quick rundown of what an auto mechanic career path looks like, followed by 18 auto mechanic schools and training programs – plus scholarships! – in Minnesota.
Auto mechanics are specialist technicians who inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair vehicles such as cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Some auto mechanics choose to specialize in maintaining and repairing diesel engines, which typically involves working with larger/heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and even boats.
The majority of auto technicians and mechanics work in well-lit and well-ventilated auto repair shops. Auto mechanics need to be comfortable with using computers to troubleshoot and address automotive problems, getting their hands dirty (and greasy), and sometimes working in uncomfortable positions.
An auto mechanic’s typical day-to-day duties can include:
Auto mechanics need a deep knowledge of automotives and specific skills such as technical ability, analytic capabilities, basic mathematics, attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.
In the U.S. there were 756,600 automotive technician and mechanic jobs in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many older mechanics are retiring, creating a growing need for new mechanics to enter the industry. Additionally, as cars become increasingly electrified, mechanics with light electrical engineering training are likely to see better job prospects as a national shortage of skilled auto mechanics worsens.
The average hourly wage for auto mechanics in Minnesota is $22.62 (10 percent higher than the national average) and the average income from overtime is $5,731 per year.
In order to become an auto technician or mechanic, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and training from a technical college such as a technical diploma or degree. While many auto mechanic skills can be learned on the job through experience, formal mechanic training will help you to ace your certifications and equip you with foundational knowledge that you can build on throughout your career, and make you a more appealing candidate for employment.
Automotive mechanics who are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tend to have the best career prospects, as these highly skilled auto technicians are in high demand. There are 50 ASE certification tests, that cover just about every imaginable aspect of the automotive repair and service industry.
ASE test series include:
Today’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) strongly prefer hiring ASE-certified auto technicians.
With auto mechanic training and ASE certifications, you can start gaining hands-on industry experience by taking apprentice or entry-level positions in an auto repair shop. As you gain experience and build your skill set, you can take additional ASE tests and get certified to advance your career and progress to better-paying jobs, like working for dealerships.
For more on following an auto mechanic career path, check out our career overviews for Automotive Technicians and Auto Body Technicians.
Below, we’ve rounded up a collection of 18 auto mechanic training programs and scholarships in Minnesota.
The Automotive Service Technology degree from Dunwoody College in Minneapolis, Minnesota prepares you to work at leading dealerships and independent repair shops. Train on industry-standard equipment, learn how to diagnose and repair vehicles, and grow your professional network through internship opportunities.
Daily projects and lab time will include work on a variety of vehicles and static displays—including both late model imports and domestics. Many of these cars were donated directly from the manufacturers themselves, which illustrates Dunwoody’s strong partnership with industry.
Use of all of Dunwoody lab tools and materials is available to you at no extra cost. And instruction comes from ASE-certified instructors, which means you will be learning from professionals who have worked in—and have been certified by—the automotive industry.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared for ASE certification tests in eight skill categories, ensuring you can do your job—and do it well—on day one.
Dunwoody’s Automotive Service training was one of the first programs offered when Dunwoody College was established in 1914. This demonstrates the program’s long heritage and experience in Automotive Education.
The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation has accredited Dunwoody’s Automotive Service Technology program in Master Automobile Service Technology—the highest level of achievement recognized by the ASE Education Foundation.
818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day
2 Years
Dunwoody’s Honda Professional Auto Career Training program in Minneapolis, Minnesota will allow you to master service and repair exclusively on Honda/Acura vehicles.
Train on new and rare vehicles like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles and an Acura TSX, master automotive systems like Hybrid/Green Technologies and Telematics, and reinforce your learning during a paid internship at a sponsoring Honda/Acura dealership or independent training facility.
Instruction comes from a Master ASE Certified Honda Instructor, which means you will be learning from a professional who has worked in—and has been certified by—the automotive industry. ). And many of Dunwoody’s vehicles were donated directly from manufacturers, specifically for student training.
Upon graduation, you will be certified in 10 categories of Honda Repair as well as prepared to take required ASE certification tests. These certifications will allow you to work at any Honda dealer in the nation.
Since Honda and Dunwoody’s partnership began, Dunwoody has trained many successful Honda/Acura technicians—many of whom are working and advancing at the dealership where they served their internship.
Because of this long history of success, Dunwoody’s Honda/Acura Professional Auto Career Training Program (PACT) program has received several awards from American Honda, including an award for being one of the best Honda PACT automotive schools in the nation.
818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day
2 Years
Dunwoody’s Toyota Technician Training & Education Network program will allow you to master service and repair exclusively on Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Train on new vehicles like Priuses and Tundras, master automotive systems like Hybrid/Green Technologies and Telematics, and reinforce your learning during a paid internship at a sponsoring Toyota/Lexus dealership.
Instruction comes from a Master ASE Certified Toyota Instructor, which means you will be learning from a professional who has worked in—and has been certified by—the automotive industry. And our vehicle fleet, donated directly from manufacturers specifically for student training, is updated every three years. This ensures you are working with Toyota’s latest automobiles and technologies.
Upon graduation, you will receive Toyota Expert level certification in four categories as well as be prepared to take four ASE certification tests. These certifications will allow you to work at any Toyota Dealer in the nation.
Since Toyota and Dunwoody’s partnership began, Dunwoody has trained many successful Toyota/Lexus technicians—many of whom are working and advancing at the dealership where they served their internship.
Because of this long history of success, Toyota has named Dunwoody as one of the best T-TEN automotive schools in the nation.
Dunwoody’s Toyota T-TEN program is also a CEED (Chassis, Electrical, Engine, Driveability) School, which is the highest level for a T-TEN school.
818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day
2 Years
Looking for the key to success as an automotive professional? Start with the Automotive Technology Diploma at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where you will become highly skilled in using sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment. It is all part of your training in the diagnosis, repair, and preventive maintenance of automobiles and light trucks.
You will learn from highly qualified instructors and be ready to diagnose, determine condition, and repair or replace various components in engines, transmissions, differentials, air conditioners, fuel systems, emission controls, ignition and electrical systems, and brakes and suspensions. You will gain the skills employers are looking for in an automotive technician. That is why great training at HTC puts you on the road to success.
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Diploma
Day
1-2 Years
Looking for the key to success as an automotive professional? Start with the Automotive Technology Diploma at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where you will become highly skilled in using sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment. It is all part of your training in the diagnosis, repair, and preventive maintenance of automobiles and light trucks.
You will learn from highly qualified instructors and be ready to diagnose, determine condition, and repair or replace various components in engines, transmissions, differentials, air conditioners, fuel systems, emission controls, ignition and electrical systems, and brakes and suspensions. You will gain the skills employers are looking for in an automotive technician. That is why great training at HTC puts you on the road to success.
Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles.
13100 Collegeview Rd Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Diploma
Day
1-2 Years
Looking for the key to success as an automotive professional? Start with the Automotive Technology Degree at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where you will become highly skilled in using sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment. It is all part of your training in the diagnosis, repair, and preventive maintenance of automobiles and light trucks. You will learn from highly qualified instructors and be ready to diagnose, determine condition, and repair or replace various components in engines, transmissions, differentials, air conditioners, fuel systems, emission controls, ignition and electrical systems, and brakes and suspensions. You will gain the skills employers are looking for in an automotive technician. That is why great training at HTC puts you on the road to success.
Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part of the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Associates Degree
Day
2 Years
Looking for the key to success as an automotive professional? Start with the Automotive Technology Degree at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where you will become highly skilled in using sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment. It is all part of your training in the diagnosis, repair, and preventive maintenance of automobiles and light trucks.
You will learn from highly qualified instructors and be ready to diagnose, determine condition, and repair or replace various components in engines, transmissions, differentials, air conditioners, fuel systems, emission controls, ignition and electrical systems, and brakes and suspensions. You will gain the skills employers are looking for in an automotive technician. That is why great training at HTC puts you on the road to success.
Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part of the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.
13100 Collegeview Rd Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day
2 Years
Genuine Ford training, hands-on, in-depth, and around the car knowledge is what you will gain with Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training). The Ford ASSET program from Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, is a 24-month, six semester, associate degree training program that provides you with the skills to succeed in the rapidly advancing automotive industry.
By combining classroom training and automotive internship experiences, at a sponsoring dealership, you will benefit from specialized training on Ford vehicles, components, and software. Put your automotive career in gear with Ford ASSET.
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day
2 Years
The Automotive Service Technician Diploma from Saint Paul College in St. Paul, Minnesota, trains students to use testing equipment, special tools, and the latest information and specifications to service the many types of automobiles. Students will learn to diagnose trouble in various automotive components and work with the latest systems and service techniques.
Training also includes service and repair of emission control devices, alternators, electronic ignition, and electronic fuel injection. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment of automotive service technicians will continue to increase.
Admission to the Automotive Service Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree program requires completion of the Automotive Service Technician Diploma Program, or concurrent enrollment in the second year of the diploma program.
Program Delivery Methods
Traditional in-class and hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs on Saint Paul College campus, St. Paul, MN.
Program Highlights
235 Marshall Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota
Diploma
Day and Evening
1-2 Years
$12,654
The Automotive Service Technician Degree from Saint Paul College trains students to use testing equipment, special tools, and the latest information and specifications to service the many types of automobiles. Students will learn to diagnose trouble in various automotive components and work with the latest systems and service techniques.
Training also includes service and repair of emission control devices, alternators, electronic ignition, and electronic fuel injection. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment of automotive service technicians will continue to increase.
Admission to the Automotive Service Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree program requires completion of the Automotive Service Technician Diploma Program, or concurrent enrollment in the second year of the diploma program.
Program Delivery Methods
Traditional in-class and hands-on training in state-of-the-art lab on Saint Paul College campus, St. Paul, MN.
Program Highlights
235 Marshall Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day and Evening
2 Years
$16,034
The Anoka Technical College Automotive Technician program offers two awards: an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree (Automotive Technician Degree) and a diploma. Both programs include technical and general education components.
Automotive Technician graduates work in a variety of settings:
The Anoka Technical College Automotive Technician diploma is a 60-credit program that prepares graduates for an entry-level career in the automotive service industry. Most entry-level automotive technicians start as tire or lube technicians. Within a few months, they will be performing many routine service tasks and perform simple repairs.
It usually takes two to five years of on-the-job training to become a journey-level technician. This means that the technician is skilled enough to perform difficult repairs. However, graduates of a college-level training program are often able to advance to that level in a shorter period of time.
More than 230,000,000 light-duty cars and trucks on the road in the United States alone, there will always be jobs for qualified technicians.
1355 W Main St Anoka, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day
2 Years
The Anoka Technical College Automotive Technician program offers two awards: an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a diploma. Both programs include technical and general education components.
Automotive Technician graduates work in a variety of settings:
The Anoka Technical College Automotive Technician diploma is a 60-credit program that prepares graduates for an entry-level career in the automotive service industry. Most entry-level automotive technicians start as tire or lube technicians. Within a few months they will be performing many routine service tasks and perform simple repairs.
It usually takes two to five years of on-the-job training to become a journey-level technician. This means that the technician is skilled enough to perform difficult repairs. However, graduates of a college-level training program are often able to advance to that level in a shorter period of time.
More than 230,000,000 light-duty cars and trucks on the road in the United States alone, there will always be jobs for qualified technicians.
1355 W Main St Anoka, Minnesota
Diploma
Day and Evening
1-2 Years
Due to the high demand for this program, the college cannot guarantee that students will start their career/occupational coursework in their early semesters. Remedial courses, if needed based on assessment test scores, are usually available.
In this program, students will:
The Automotive Service Diploma from Century College in North White Bear Lake, Minnesota prepares students to perform automotive repairs in the following areas: engine repair and diagnosis, cooling system, emission control, computer systems, fuel injection, engine performance maintenance, air conditioning and automatic transmission/transaxle.
Students perform various tasks according to the NATEF task list. An emphasis is placed on the development of quality work habits and ethics. The program is structured consisting of classroom lecture, lab, and live, shop work. Students will also be prepared to take the ASE certification tests in the following areas: engine repair, engine performance, heating and air conditioning and automatic transmission/transaxle.
The Basic Automotive Service Certificate program prepares the student to perform automotive repairs in the following areas: tire service, lubrication, exhaust, body electrical, starting, charging, brakes, steering and suspension, wheel alignment, and standard drive train. Students will also be prepared to take the ASE certification tests in the following areas: electrical/electronic systems, suspension and steering, brakes, and manual drive train and axles.
3300 Century Avenue North White Bear Lake, MN
Diploma
Day
1-2 Years
Goodwill Easter Seals in Saint Paul, Minnesota has articulation agreements with Dakota Technical College, Dunwoody College of Technology, and Saint Paul College. Students who successfully complete the Automotive Service Training course at Goodwill-Easter Seals can earn transfer credits for specified automotive programs at the institutions noted above.
553 Fairview Avenue North Saint Paul, Minnesota
Certificate
Day
Less than 1 Year
$0
Newgate School in Minneapolis, Minnesota is dedicated to helping low-income young adults succeed in their quest for self-sufficiency.
Newgate is a non-profit 501(c)(3) automotive technical school located in the Twin Cities. We offer auto body and auto mechanic training for unemployed or under-employed adults.
Newgate School expanded its curriculum several years ago to include a 12 month program in basic Auto Mechanic Training. Graduates will be qualified to work as general service technicians. These good-paying apprenticeship positions are just the beginning to satisfying life-long careers.
Auto Mechanics Curriculum:
2900 East Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
Certificate
Day
1-2 Years
$0
The Automotive Technician Degree from Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minnesota is designed to introduce students to the automotive industry and provide opportunities to obtain the entry level fundamental knowledge, skills, training and credentials needed for employment and advancement in transportation career pathways.
The curriculum follows the standards defined by the ASE Education Foundation which ensures all training meets the highest standards. Students who graduate from this program will be able to work for independent repair facilities and dealerships in maintenance and light repair.
As skilled professionals, automotive technicians accurately diagnose mechanical problems related to engine, transmission, fuel injection, suspension and electrical systems. Students learn to maintain and repair engines, chassis, drive train, front-wheel drive, fuel injection, and electrical and emission systems. Instruction involves classroom theory, demonstrations, computer applications and hands-on car repair.
1300 145th St E Rosemount, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day
2 Years
$17,947
Through Dakota County Technical College’s unique cooperation with General Motors and AC Delco, ASEP trains highly skilled service technicians with the GM Automotive Service Educational Program in Rosemount, Minnesota for GM dealers and AC Delco Professional Service Centers.
ASEP labs are equipped with the latest GM technology, including vehicles, components, training aids and technical information. Trained to handle GM’S computer-oriented product line, ASEP technicians are prepared to keep pace with future technology.
1300 145th St E Rosemount, Minnesota
Associate’s Degree
Day
2 Years
$19,952
The Automotive Technician Diploma from Dakota County Technical College is designed to introduce students to the automotive industry and provide opportunities to obtain the entry level fundamental knowledge, skills, training and credentials needed for employment and advancement in transportation career pathways. The curriculum follows the standards defined by the ASE Education Foundation which ensures all training meets the highest standards. Students who graduate from this program will be able to work for independent repair facilities and dealerships in maintenance and light repair.
As skilled professionals, automotive technicians accurately diagnose mechanical problems related to engine, transmission, fuel injection, suspension and electrical systems. Students learn to maintain and repair engines, chassis, drive train, front-wheel drive, fuel injection, and electrical and emission systems. Instruction involves classroom theory, demonstrations, computer applications and hands-on car repair.
1300 145th St E Rosemount, Minnesota
Diploma
Day
2 Years
$16,750
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