In this blog post, I have curated a list of the best mechanic schools in Louisiana, their requirements, and the cost.
This guide to becoming an auto mechanic in Louisiana will inform you about the automotive schools and colleges in the state and the requirements you must meet to apply.
Automotive service can be a very rewarding career and a lucrative one at that.
As long as vehicles are constantly used, auto mechanics will remain in demand worldwide. Presently, some mechanics earn up to about $65,000 per year.
There are projections that by 2029, over 728,000 auto mechanic positions will be available for mechanics to fill up nationwide.
If working on repairs and the maintenance of vehicles is a trade you’re passionate about, then learning how to become a mechanic is your best bet. You could start by considering your education and training options before deciding on the best path to realizing your dream.
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Who is an Auto Mechanic?
An Automechanic is one in charge of repairing and maintaining trucks, cars, and other vehicles.
Professional auto mechanics are trained to have knowledge of the inner workings of different types of vehicles and how to use a variety of tools in repairing the vehicles.
They play a vital role in ensuring that all vehicles are in good condition before they can be driven on the roads.
In some states, automobile service technicians must have a license or certification. In Louisiana, however, licenses are not required to diagnose and repair vehicles.
An auto mechanic career in Louisiana: what is it like?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for auto mechanics in Louisiana has experienced significant growth and will continue to grow.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated a 6% growth in the automotive industry in Louisiana from now till about 2026.
So attending any of the best mechanical schools in Louisiana is a good decision.
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How to become a Mechanic in Louisiana
An auto mechanic’s career path begins with enrolling in a training program at an automotive school.
Mechanic Schools in Louisiana usually issue a certificate of program completion or an Associate Degree of Applied Science at the end of the training program before you become an automotive technician.
There are no specific requirements in Louisiana to work as an auto mechanic; employers will usually have the factors they look for before hiring you.
However, we have put together some general steps to guide you on your career path to becoming an Automechanic in Louisiana.
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#1. Obtain a High school diploma or GED
The first requirement to begin your journey as an Automechanic in any Automechanic school in Louisiana is having a high school diploma or equivalent GED.
Enrolling in an Automechanic school in Louisiana would require completing a secondary program as part of the basic requirements for application.
Obtaining a High school diploma would expose you to basic math and science essential for a mechanic career.
#2. Attend a Post-Secondary Automotive program
Pursuing a career as an Automechanic requires that you obtain quality training that combines classroom instruction and practicals.
Attending one of the top 10 Best Mechanic schools in Louisiana equips every candidate with the necessary training, alongside issuing a certificate of training.
These Auto Mechanic schools in Louisiana are committed to providing a foundational experience and hands-on learning for all their students.
Most of these schools usually take a year or two for their certificate, diploma, or Associate Degree program.
While training in the school, there is an opportunity for every student to choose a specialty in Automotive technology and get certified.
You may decide to train as a diesel and truck mechanic, a repair technician, a parts specialist, or some other learning of interest.
During the education program, students can work on vehicles and learn different repair methods and techniques while being guided by experienced automotive technicians.
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#3. Take an ASE certification test
After attending a mechanic school and gaining work experience, the next is to earn a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the industry standard in certification for mechanics in Louisiana.
To qualify for an ASE exam in Louisiana, you need two years of work experience in the Automotive industry or one year of experience after completing a training program in a Mechanic school.
The exam is designed to test the knowledge level of the mechanic based on the specific area of choice.
Becoming certified under the ASE is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for every mechanic, as it proves your knowledge and skill level in work.
Most employers in the auto repair industry would usually seek ASE-certified auto mechanics to be employed in their workforce.
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What Are The Requirements to become a Mechanic in Louisiana?
The following are the basic requirements to become a Mechanic in Louisiana;
- High school diploma or equivalent GED
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Passion for working on vehicles
- Vocational/Technical training in either a vocational school, tech school, or a community college
- Work experience of at least two years in the automotive repair industry
- ASE Certification in at least one of the A1-A8
What Are The Requirements to apply to mechanical schools in Louisiana?
The basic requirements to enroll in any of the best mechanic schools in Louisiana are;
- High school diploma or a State issued GED
- Be at least 18 years of age.
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Best Mechanic Schools in Louisiana
Stated below are the top 10 Best Mechanic schools in Louisiana to consider in 2023;
#1. Southwest Louisiana (SOWELA) Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical College is a school located in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
SOWELA is known to be one of the best Auto Mechanic schools in Louisiana, with an outstanding team of professionals as instructors.
They offer a diploma program in automotive technology for two years.
Estimated tuition fees per year for in-state and out-of-state students are $5,485 and $8,912, respectively.
#2. Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College is a public school located in Schriever, Louisiana.
The school ensures its students get the best of their training through intensive lectures and practicals in well-equipped laboratories.
They offer a diploma program in automotive technology for two years.
The estimated tuition fee per year for in-state students is $3,966, and for out-of-state students is $7,489.
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#3. Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College is one of the best Auto Mechanic schools in Louisiana, with its campus located in New Orleans.
The school offers certificate programs and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive technology.
Students in Delgado have an opportunity to participate in cooperative education programs with some vehicle brands like Ford.
Programs in Delgado are usually for about two years.
Estimated tuition fees per year for in-state and out-of-state students are $4,079 and $8,368, respectively.
#4. Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public college located in Minden, Louisiana, in the Shreveport Area.
The school offers a diploma program in automotive technology for about two years.
The estimated tuition fee for students per year is $2,976.
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#5. Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public college that offers a career program in Automotive technology and one of the best mechanic schools in Louisiana.
The school has its main campus located in Alexandria, Louisiana, and a few other campuses.
Programs offered in Central Louisiana are usually for about two years with an estimated tuition fee of $6,837 per year.
#6. South Louisiana Community College
South Louisiana Community College is a public college located in Lafayette, LA.
The school has offered Associate degrees, Technical diplomas, and Certificate programs in Automotive technology for about 2 years.
The estimated tuition for students per year is about $8,791.
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#7. Northshore Technical Community College
Northshore Technical Community College is a public college located in Bogalusa, LA.
The College has offered Associate Degree programs, Technical diplomas, and Certificate programs in Automotive technology for about two years.
The school has partnerships with the Toyota and Honda brands, offering students the opportunity to work in their dealerships.
At Northshore, the estimated tuition fees per year are about $4,103 and $7,612 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively.
#8. Louisiana Delta Community College
Louisiana Delta Community College is a public college located in Monroe, LA.
The school offers a diploma program in Automotive technology for two years.
The tuition fee is about $4,158 per year.
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#9. Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge Community College is a public college located in Baton Rouge, LA, and one of the best auto mechanic schools in Louisiana.
The school has offered diploma programs in Automotive technology for about two years.
The estimated tuition fee at Baton Rouge is about $9,433.
#10. Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier Parish Community College is a public college located in Bossier City, LA, and one of Louisiana’s best automotive schools.
The school offers certificate and Associate Degree programs in automotive technology for about two years.
The annual tuition fees are $4,079 and $8,589 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively.
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What Is The Salary expectations for Mechanics in Louisiana?
The average annual salary of an Automotive Mechanic in Louisiana is about $47,033, but the range typically falls between $40,218 and $53,766.
Salary ranges for Auto Mechanics can vary widely depending on the city and other important factors, like education level, certifications, additional skills, and years of work experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Automotive Schools In Louisiana
Are There Opportunities For Auto Mechanics In Louisiana?
There are many opportunities for trained, certified, and entry-level mechanics in Louisiana.Â
For as long as vehicles are in use, there will always be a need for maintenance or repair work at some point. Hence, the need for auto mechanics to take on these roles.
Entry-level mechanics can take up a job at dealerships based on the level of experience they have garnered. They can also consider working at body parts shops and automotive repair shops.
If you reside in Louisiana, there are many mechanics opportunities in larger cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
How Do I Get ASE Certified In Louisiana?
After attending a mechanic school and gaining work experience, the next is to earn a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
To qualify for an ASE exam in Louisiana, you need two years of work experience in the Automotive industry or one year of experience after completing a training program in a Mechanic school.
The exam is designed to test the knowledge level of the mechanic based on the specific area of choice.
ASE tests in Louisiana are done at an exam center after a registration fee has been made.
The ASE certification comes with the issuance of a Blue Seal of Excellence.
The certification lasts five years, after which the technician must apply for a recertification test.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Mechanic In Louisiana?
Becoming a Mechanic in Louisiana requires approximately 2-3 years.
You may spend about two years attending a technical school and one-year gathering relevant work experience.
ASE Certification requires about two 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.
Do You Need A Degree To Be A Mechanic?
Becoming a Mechanic does not necessarily require a degree. Once you can acquire adequate practical experience working under an experienced Auto mechanic, you can apply for an ASE certification and begin your career as a mechanic.
References
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