Finding the best auto mechanic schools in Idaho and the requirements you need to meet to apply to study in any automotive program can be a little bit difficult and draining.
However, pursuing a career as a mechanic in 2023 is a great choice, especially in these recent times when the automotive industry has experienced a great deal of growth.
Automotive service has proven to be an enriching career with a promising future.
If you have a strong passion for the repair and maintenance of vehicles, then an auto mechanic career is the right choice.
Auto mechanics in Idaho are in demand in the state due to the number of registered vehicles compared to the number of mechanics in the State.
This has brought about high-paying mechanic job opportunities scattered all over the state. You have to prove your level of competence and skill in the trade, and the jobs will come after you.
But first things first, you have to get absolute training in any of the accredited schools for automotive technicians in Idaho.
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An Auto Mechanic Career in Idaho: What is it Like?
An auto mechanic career in Idaho does not make getting a license before practicing as a mechanic a mandatory policy.
There are no formal criteria for getting a job as a mechanic in any of the auto repair shops or centers; the only thing is that employees are more on the lookout for expert professionals with an educational background.
Graduates and well-trained auto mechanics have a greater chance of securing high-paying mechanic jobs than the others.
How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Idaho
The following steps will guide you on your career path to become an Automechanic in Idaho.
#1. Attend a Mechanic School
Acquiring academic knowledge is integral to becoming an auto mechanic in Idaho.
There are various educational options in Idaho, like enrolling in a certificate program, an Associate of Applied Science degree, or a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive technology.
The certificate programs usually take one year to complete, while the degree programs can take up to 2 years to complete.
Attending one of the Best Mechanic schools in Idaho will adequately equip each candidate with the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience, alongside issuing a certificate of training.
These auto mechanic schools in Idaho focus on producing the best technicians in the Automotive industry.
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#2. Gain relevant work experience
Gaining work experience as an auto mechanic is essential to becoming a Mechanic in Idaho.
Prospective mechanics who want to get the ASE certification need to attain some level of work experience in the automotive industry before they can be eligible to sit for a certification exam.
The number of years of work experience depends mainly on the chosen program. Still, to be eligible to take the ASE certification exam, the candidate must have at least two years of work experience or one year of work experience alongside a certificate or degree.
Work experience allows the auto mechanic to learn from professionals who have acquired years of experience in the automotive industry.
Securing a place to work as an auto mechanic in Idaho is not much of a problem, as there are many auto repair shops where one can seek employment.
#3. Obtain an ASE certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is responsible for issuing certifications that prove excellence in the auto repair industry.
Before this certification is issued, each candidate must write an exam, which is usually put together by a panel of experts. This exam tests the mechanic’s knowledge level in the specific area of choice.
The exams may usually be quite daunting, and obtaining a passing score indicates the student has an above-average knowledge level in the subject area.
To obtain a certification, the auto mechanic must show proof of work experience and a passing score on the respective ASE exam.
Auto mechanics are permitted to accumulate multiple certifications, which can lead to master technician status.
The certification expires in about 5 years, after which you must take a recertification exam.
There are a variety of test centers in Idaho where you can schedule your certification exam.
Obtaining an ASE certification is not mandatory in Idaho; however, it rightly positions you as the fit candidate for any role in an automotive repair company.
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#4. Obtain a Manufacturer Certification Training
Enrolling in manufacturer-specific training is a way to become skilled at working on vehicles made by a particular manufacturer.
The applicant must have completed a post-secondary auto mechanic program to enroll in this training program.
The auto mechanic program in a mechanic school provides some experience working on all types of vehicles, which will serve as a foundation for learning the specifics of working on a particular vehicle brand.
The auto mechanic who obtains manufacturer certification training is open to many career opportunities with that specific manufacturer or brand.
Automotive dealerships regularly hire auto mechanics with the training to work on a specific brand.
Interested candidates would have to enroll in a program offered by the manufacturer at various training schools in Idaho.
Some of these brands are Ford, Honda, Chrysler, and BMW, amongst others.
What are the Requirements to Become a Mechanic in Idaho?
The following are the basic requirements to become a Mechanic in Idaho;
- Formal education training in a technical, community college, or vocational school.
- Two years of experience in the automotive repair industry.
- Idaho work experience as either a parts specialist (2 years) or Collision Damage Estimator (2 years).
- ASE certification
What are the Requirements to Apply to Auto Mechanic Schools in Idaho?
An essential part of becoming an Auto mechanic is attending a training school where basic knowledge and skills are acquired for the job.
Recommended training programs are those approved by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
Institutions may have set criteria for their candidates, but the general requirements are usually;
- A high school diploma or GED
- Passing grades in math and physics
- Computer proficiency
- Possess a driver’s license.
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List of the Best Mechanic Schools in Idaho
Several auto mechanic training schools in Idaho prepare students for a career in the automotive industry. Programs offered by any of the best automotive schools in Idaho are recommended, as they are approved by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
Attending an auto mechanic school is key to acquiring a necessary certification conferred by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
The following schools are the top Best auto mechanic schools in Idaho to consider in 2023;
#1. Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College is a public college located in the small city of Lewiston, Idaho.
This school is highly rated in Idaho and is one of the best mechanic schools in the state.
The school offers degree programs in Automotive technology for about 4 years.
The estimated tuition fees cost $10,957 per year.
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#2. Idaho State University
Idaho State University (ISU) is a large public research university in Pocatello, Idaho.
The school offers certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree programs in automotive technology. Degree programs at ISU are usually completed in about 2 years, while the certificate programs can be completed in one and a half years.
The estimated annual tuition fee is $12,999
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#3. College of Western Idaho
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is a large public college located in the rural area of Nampa, Idaho, and one of the best automotive schools.
This school is one of the best mechanic schools in the state that provides quality educational and hands-on training in vehicle maintenance and repair for every student.
The school offers certificate and associate degree programs in automotive technology. There are also several automotive options, including manufacturer-specific training for those interested in working on a specific vehicle brand.
Degree programs in CWI can be completed in 2 years, with the second year focusing on off-campus work experience.
The estimated tuition fee is $7,167 per year.
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#4. North Idaho College
North Idaho College (NIC) is a public college located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
NIC offers certificate and associate of applied science degree programs in automotive technology. The programs at NIC are well-defined, with a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training in preparing the students to become professionals in their specific learning areas.
The associate degree programs are usually completed in two years, while the certificate program is a one-year program.
Annual tuition fees are estimated to be $7,063.
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#5. College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) is a community college located in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
CEI is rated as one of the best mechanic schools in Idaho. The school covers a great learning curriculum, including lectures and hands-on automotive technology experience.
Certificate and associate degree programs in automotive technology are offered at CEI and are usually completed in about 2 years.
The annual tuition fee is $7,079.
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#6. College of Southern Idaho
College of Southern Idaho (CSI) is a public college in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Also, the College of Southern Idaho offers associate of applied science degrees and technical certificates in automotive technology.
Programs in CSI are completed in about 2 years.
The estimated tuition fee is $5,695 per year.
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#7. Brigham Young University – Idaho
Brigham Young University—Idaho is a private university in Rexburg, Idaho.
BYU-Idaho offers a four-year bachelor’s degree and a two-year associate of applied science degree in automotive technology.
Brigham Young University provides quality training for students from a beginner level to becoming professionals in the automotive industry.
The estimated annual tuition fee is $6,871.
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What are the Salary Expectations for Auto Mechanics in Idaho?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Idaho’s median auto mechanic salary is $37,690 annually. Meanwhile, the top 10% of auto mechanics in Idaho earn an average yearly salary of about $61,150 yearly.
However, the salary ranges for auto mechanics in Idaho vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, like education level, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years of work experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Automotive Schools in Idaho
Is Becoming a Mechanic Worth it in 2023?
Pursuing a career as a mechanic in 2023 is a great choice, especially in these recent times when the automotive industry has been experiencing a great deal of growth and has continued to evolve.
There is an estimated job growth of about 12% in the automotive industry by 2024. Experienced and qualified automotive mechanics will remain in high demand to fill up these job positions and handle automobile repairs.
Therefore, if you’re looking to begin a career as an Auto mechanic, now is the best time to start up.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Mechanic?
Training to become a Mechanic begins at a post-secondary level by attending a mechanic school.
The programs offered by the various training colleges are usually completed in two years, with the total tuition cost for those 2 years ranging between $10,000 – $25,000, depending on the school of choice.
There are also available scholarships in various parts of the country where you reside to serve as financial aid for Auto mechanic students. Find more information as regards this and apply for one.
What are the Basic Requirements to Apply to Mechanic Schools in Idaho?
Different institutions have varied set conditions in admitting students to train as auto mechanics, but the general requirements are usually;
A high school diploma or GED
Passing grades in math and physics
Computer proficiency
Possess a driver’s license
How Long Does it Take to Become an Auto Mechanic in Idaho?
It takes approximately 2-3 years to become an Auto mechanic in Idaho.
The candidate may have to spend about 2 years attending a technical school and one-year gathering relevant work experience.
ASE Certification requires about 2 years of work experience, of which one out of the years of training at the technical school can be counted as part of the required two years of work experience.
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