Automotive technology education programs help prepare students for jobs in the auto repair and maintenance industry. Graduates of these programs typically go on to work as auto service technicians, service providers, or shop supervisors in commercial auto repair shops, auto dealership service departments, or corporate or governmental fleet maintenance divisions. Auto technicians are responsible for the diagnosis and repair of automobile problems, as well as preventive maintenance. These professionals may also interact with customers or be responsible for paperwork and administrative tasks.

Idaho Auto Mechanic Schools

  • College of Western Idaho: The automotive technology program at CWI operates in cooperation with Ford to offer a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. The second year of the program focuses on off-campus work experience. The school also offers shorter duration certificate programs in various auto technology specialties.

  • Idaho State University: The ISU program offers the options of an AAS track or a technical certificate track. The associate degree track consists of a two-year curriculum, and the certificate track can be complete in one and a half years.

  • North Idaho College: The program at NIC offers two certificate options along with an AAS option. The Intermediate Technical Certificate track is a one-year program, and the Advanced Technical Certificate track takes two years to complete. The AAS track lasts two years and also includes general education requirements.

  • Easter Idaho Technical College: The EITC program includes an AAS option, along with basic, intermediate, and advanced certificate options. Curricula for the certificate options extend over one to two years, and the AAS requires two years plus a summer term to complete. The EITC program also includes options that cover education in diesel engine technology.

What to Expect from Idaho Auto Mechanic Programs

Students in automotive technology programs can expect to gain instruction in the repair and maintenance of all basic auxiliary systems of automobiles. Areas of focus typically include:

  • Engines
  • Transmissions
  • Brakes
  • Fuel systems
  • Suspension
  • Steering
  • Emissions control systems
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Electronics/electrical systems

Along with classroom-based lessons, students often receive hands-on training in an actual automotive service environment.

Idaho Auto Mechanic Certification

Auto technicians in Idaho do not need to have a license to work in the field. Some employers, however, prefer to hire technicians who hold a certificate or degree like those awarded by auto technology programs, and some require further credentialing.

The predominant industry credential for auto techs is the ASE certification. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence awards this certification to auto technicians who pass ASE certification exams. To qualify to take the ASE exam, techs must have at least two years of on-the-job experience or a combination of one year of experience and a two-year degree from an accredited automotive tech program. The Institute also grants accreditation to approved automotive technology programs via its National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation

Resources for Auto Mechanics in Idaho

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Metro Areas Rated for Popularity for:
Automotive Mechanics

Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Automotive Mechanics relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov

Metro Area
Jobs
Annual Median Salary
Pocatello190$38,620
Coeur d'Alene370$42,240
Boise City1600$45,650
Idaho Falls340$40,610
Twin Falls360$36,820

Sources:

  1. Automotive Technology, College of Western Idaho, http://cwidaho.cc/program/automotive-technology
  2. Automotive Technology, Idaho State University, http://www2.isu.edu/autotech/
  3. Automotive Technology, North Idaho College, http://www.nic.edu/programs/viewprogram.aspx?program_id=7
  4. Automotive/Diesel Technology, Eastern Idaho Technical College, http://www.eitc.edu/programs-of-study/trades-industry/automotivediesel-technology

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