Are you in search of the best mechanic schools in Jacksonville FL? Search no more; I’ve got you covered.
Additionally, if you are considering building a career as a mechanic in Jacksonville and don’t know how to go about it. In that case, this guide shows you the requirements to apply to mechanic schools in Jacksonville, FL, to train as an automotive technician.
You would get detailed information on how to become a mechanic in this state, the license/certification you need to obtain, and the requirements to apply to one of the best mechanic schools in Jacksonville FL.
Whether your objective is to have your own auto repair shop or work for an automobile firm, there are things you need to do to achieve this goal.
ALSO READ: 5 Best Mechanic Schools in San Diego |Requirements, Cost & Admission| A Full Guide
Is Being an Auto Mechanic a Good Career Choice?
Honestly, this career can get you whatever you want or into places you never dreamed of walking.
The high demand for auto mechanics in the 21st century is escalating, and as long as millions of automobiles are in the market, there is always room for job opportunities.
This sector is advancing, and new models of computerized vehicles, cars, and trucks are being manufactured; this can not be fulfilled without mechanics.
The question is: how far are you ready to take this career? Are you willing to give your best effort to gain all the necessary and crucial practical parts of this journey?
If yes, it might not be as fascinating as it sounds, but you have your future to secure, and it would be nice to give in your best.
Read Also: 7 Best Mechanic Schools in Idaho |Requirements, Cost & Admission| A Full Guide
What are the Job Responsibilities of a Mechanic?
A mechanic provides the most vital service, like maintaining and repairing broken vehicles and performing inspections on the car engines or other parts to ensure the vehicle is secure, reliable, and functions as needed.
On the other hand, knowing what roles and responsibilities you are expected to take on in this field before attending one of the mechanic schools in Jacksonville FL is good. Some of them include the following:
- You are expected to know the basic car repairs, service, and maintenance, such as changing engine oil when needed, tire replacement, and replacing fluids.
- Identifying any car-related problems using the diagnostic tools.
- Check every part of the vehicle, like the engines, brakes, mufflers, plugs, fuel tank, transmissions, airbags, and steering, to ensure they are all in perfect shape and functioning.
- Make sure you know how to use some of the vehicle’s working tools, such as lathes and grinding equipment to fix broken brake systems, pneumatic wrenches for removing bolts, welding equipment for fixing body parts, screwdrivers, and hammers to work on minor issues.
- You are expected to know the science and technology behind every motorized vehicle.
- Advise customers on safety and vehicle maintenance measures.
- Building solid relationships with your clients for future work purposes.
- Also, you must be responsible for bridging the gap of any vehicle elapses between the computer diagnostic read-outs and the manufacturer’s technical manuals to avoid any deviation from both specifications.
- You must properly take care of the tools and equipment to ensure good working conditions.
See Also: 10 Best Mechanic Schools In Washington |Requirements, Cost & Admission| A Full Guide
How To Become a Certified Auto Mechanic in Jacksonville, FL.
To become a certified auto mechanic in Jacksonville, you must have passed all the various stages required in this field.
These stages are like milestones to building your career and attracting numerous automotive jobs with attractive salaries.
There are various steps to follow for you to become a certified mechanic which is successful:
#1. Complete Your High School Education
To get into any mechanical program, you must have passed your high school exams or any Automotive Youth Education Services(AYES) program.
Having your high school diploma or GED gives you the first impression of choosing and providing the most vital requirement of every automotive school in Jacksonville.
However, you may also enroll in other basic automotive classes coupled with your high school training or work in any local workshop for more experience in the field.
#2. Enroll in a Training Program or Apprenticeship
After completing your high school program, you may enroll in any mechanical or automotive school in Jacksonville, FL. This will help you gain advanced technical knowledge and an associate’s degree in automotive technician degree.
You can also become an apprentice by enrolling in an apprenticeship program at any auto repair shop. Sometimes, you might not need to have any experience for you to be accepted.
These are the actual hands-on training programs under expert tutors and instructors, or mechanics, to guide and provide you with all the relevant education and practical training you need to succeed in the field.’
Check: 5 Best Mechanic Schools In Florida |Requirements, Cost & Admission| A Full Guide
#3. Obtain Certification/State License
This can be done by passing your ASE exams through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE) bodies.
You would receive several certification exams depending on your educational qualifications and work experience.
The requirements for these certification exams include two-year of work experience either as a vehicle specialist or consultant or a year of work experience and a two-year associate automotive degree.
Besides, you don’t need a license to become a mechanic in Jacksonville, but you might need other certifications.
You can also obtain brand certification if you are going into manufacturing, refrigerant certification for those buying more than ten tons of refrigerators, and a work permit if you start your auto repair service in the county.
#4. Build Your Experience
This is the most critical and crucial part of this journey. Once you have completed the above processes, you may apply to reputable automobile firms or workshops to build more experience.
Some automotive schools provide this opportunity of working with some of the car dealers they are in partnership with.
The more you acquire knowledge in this field, the more your earning rate increases and the more proficient you become.
Read More: Top 10 Best Mechanic Schools in Virginia |Requirements, Cost & Admission| Full Guide
#5. Become a Master Technician
This can be obtained through completing your bachelor’s and master’s degree program and having eight ASE Certifications within a specified area which must be retaken after five years.
It means that you can work with a wide range of vehicle systems and are familiar with all the necessary practicals/training in this field.
Well, I can say this is a good way to start working per hour and earn more than the average annual salary listed by the BLS in the USA.
ALSO READ: 9 Best Mechanic Schools in Phoenix |Requirements, Cost & Admission| Full Guide
Can I Become a Mechanic Without Experience in Jacksonville, FL?
Not having an experience in this field should not be a barrier to achieving your dream. The question should be: Are you willing to sacrifice and go through the process of becoming one?
As far as there are automotive schools or workshops in this world, there are bigger chances of becoming a certified auto mechanic in Jacksonville, FL. However, you have to be ready to do whatever it takes to be one.
And the good thing is that you don’t need to invest much money in pursuing this career, applying for any student loans, or incurring student debts after graduation.
What are the Requirements to Apply to the Best Mechanic Schools in Jacksonville FL.
To be eligible to enroll in the best mechanic schools in Jacksonville FL, you must meet the minimum requirement, which ascertains this journey.
First, you must pass your high school degree or GED, become computer literate, and be proficient in mathematics and physics with other general subjects.
You must also know your budget and which schools fit into it without incurring much student debt after graduating.
Check Also: Top 10 Best Mechanic schools in Illinois |Requirements, Cost & Admission| Full Guide
Do I Need a License To Work as an Automotive Mechanic in Jacksonville, FL?
A license means being issued a document that permits you to work anywhere in the state without any obstacles.
On the other hand, some employers would love to have your certifications to employ you. Without these, you might not be opportune to work in your desirable places.
There are a lot of certifications you can acquire while training to be a mechanic, such as:
1. ASE Certification.
This certification is issued through the National Institute for Automotive Technology, which requires the following:
- Two years of work experience or a year of work experience with a two-year associate automotive Technology degree.
- Depending on your state, you must retake it every six months or five years.
You can take any of their exams depending on the automotive program you choose, including:
- ASE Certification Test Series
- Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
- Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1)
- Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
- Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
- Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
- Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
- Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
- Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test (L3)
- Parts Specialist Certification Tests (P Series)
- Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
- Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)
- ASE Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Certification Tests (MIL Series)
Check Also: Best Mechanic Schools In Arizona |Requirements, Cost & Admission| Full Guide
2. Brand/Refrigerant Certification
This is issued to brand manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, G-wagon, and others.
While refrigerant certification is for those buying more than ten tons of refrigerators, according to the BLS in the USA. You can also obtain your driving license in case they need it.
ALSO READ: 19 Best Trade Schools In Florida
7 Best Mechanic Schools in Jacksonville FL?
Every state in Florida has its automotive schools, some of which are in Jacksonville. Therefore, yes, there are some mechanic schools in Jacksonville FL, that you can apply to, but you need to know there are not many of them in this state.
Here are seven (7) best mechanic schools in Jacksonville FL.
#1. JTech Institute
J-Tech is a non-profit institution aiming to help students build a profitable and reliable career with the technical skills they acquired in this journey.
Jones Technical Institute is a member of the Compass Rose Foundation’s Integrated Education System, the Florida Trucking Association, the First Coast Manufacturers Association, and the Transportation Club of Jacksonville.
They have partnered with many reliable companies in the automobile sector that also provide training programs and job opportunities for their students.
The Automotive Technology Program in this school is streamlined to provide basic learning on automotive technology, which includes diagnosis and repair, specialized computerized tools, HVAC, engine performance, brake system, transmissions, and suspension.
They also offer diesel, commercial truck driving, marine and RV technology, and HVAR-C.
Editor’s Pick: Top 10 Best Mechanic Schools in Michigan |Requirements, Cost & Admission
#2. Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)
FSCJ is one of the best mechanic schools and ranks among Jacksonville, FL’s top universities and colleges.
Each year, the school has a track record of enrolling more than 40,000 students, many of whom come from different countries.
This school has built talented, gifted, compassionate, and unique students who are breaking ground in the technical world.
At FSCJ, you can earn your Bachelor of Science (B.S. ), an Associate in Science (A.S.), a Technical Certificate (T.C.) or a Career Certificate (C.C. ), and other required certifications for professional development.
Also, the school curriculum is positioned to gain you proficient skills and training necessary to implement manufacturing systems, repair vehicles and machinery, and oversee complex logistics processes.
The school’s automotive programs are taken from the Advanced Technology Center, a service-driven training venue for technical students.
You might want to see this: Top 10 Best Mechanic Schools in Georgia |Requirements, Cost & Admission
#3. Florida Community College (FCC)
This college has about five campuses and five centers located in different regions of Jacksonville, Florida.
Each campus and center has core courses for degrees and certificates, such as the bachelor of applied science, associate in science, and certificate programs.
The Downtown Campus, located in the center of Jacksonville, effectively runs automotive technology programs and other educational degrees.
Some of the technical programs offer in Downtown Campus include:
- Architecture/Drafting/Geographic Information Systems
- Automotive Service Technologies and Collision Repair
- Biotechnology
- Computer Electronics, Engineering, and Networking
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Construction Trades and Welding
- Diesel Engine Repair
- Heavy Duty Bus and Truck Mechanic
- High School Completion, Pathways High School Completion, and Basic Education
Florida Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Hence, it is one of the best auto mechanic schools in Jacksonville, FL.
Check Also: 10 Best Mechanic Schools in Massachusetts|Requirements & Cost
#4. Hugh’s River Side Automotive
Hugh’s River Side Automotive is an automotive repair workshop in Jacksonville that has been in business services for years with a lot of experience.
You can complete an internship or apprenticeship program with them to gain the hands-on training experience required to supervise this process.
Professionalism, honesty, and authenticity are the strong codes that guide this business and will never be outdated in this industry.
Hugh’s River Side Automotive is, therefore, one of the best auto mechanic schools in Jacksonville to train to become an auto technician.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Mechanic Schools in Utah |Requirements & Cost
#5. Florida Coast Career Tech
Florida Coast Career Tech is one of the career training branches of Florida State College at Jacksonville, with different campuses and centers.
The school offers automotive service programs, which include:
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology
- Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
- Automotive Service Technology
- Medium and Heavy Duty Truck and Bus Technician (Diesel Technology)
- Aircraft Airframe Mechanics
- Aircraft Coating Technician
- Aircraft Powerplant Mechanics
The program is certified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation).
See Also: 7 Best Mechanic Schools In Los Angeles |Requirements & Cost| A Detailed Guide
#6. Frank H. Peterson
Frank. H. Peterson is a Duval County Public School, an equal opportunity school district located in Jacksonville, Florida.
It is mainly for high school students who receive technical training, which is transferable to four-year technical universities or to build their careers after graduation.
Also, this district offers degrees in technology programs such as automotive technology, Aviation Technology, Science, and Robotics.
Check Also: Top 10 Mechanic Schools in Kentucky|Requirements & Cost
#7. Everything Automotive of Jacksonville, Inc.
Are you looking for a place to learn mechanics, but you can’t afford the tuition that would take you up to 2-4 years? Then, you are open to applying as an apprentice in this auto repair service.
Everything Automotive of Jacksonville has been in the industry since 2012, and they are reliable, affordable, and updated in advanced automobile technology.
Their automotive maintenance and repair services include:
- Diesel and Fleet Diesel Maintenance
- Car & Truck Care
- Electronic Services, Electrical Services, General Services
- Heating and Cooling Services
- Engine & Transmission
- Miscellaneous Services and Transmission Services.
ALSO READ: 5 Best Mechanic Schools In New York |Requirements & Cost- A Detailed Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Mechanic Schools In Jacksonville, FL
Is it Hard to be a Mechanic?
Like any other career, there is no easy way to get through them or become a skilled professional.
There are things involved in this occupation that you must be prepared to make the journey easier for you.
On the other hand, you would be working on vehicles either standing or lying down to fix broken parts, and sometimes, you might spend all your time thinking, fixing, and servicing many automobiles in a day.
It is not easy, but as long as it is your passion and interest, you might find it thrilling and captivating to succeed in this field.
What Experience do you need to be a Car Mechanic in Jacksonville, FL?
After completing your 2-4 years of automotive programs or apprenticeship. You need to apply for a work or job role in the automotive sector to learn and advance in your area of specialty.
You also need working experience to be certified by taking the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams/tests.
References
Our Recommendation
- 6 Best Mechanic Schools In San Antonio, Texas |Requirements & Cost – A Detailed Guide
- 5 Best Mechanic Schools In Houston|Requirements & Cost| A Detailed Guide
- 10 Best Mechanic Schools In Indiana – Requirements & Cost| A Detailed Guide
- 10 Best Mechanic Schools in Louisiana |Requirements & Cost| A Detailed Guide
