Automotive Mechanic Schools and Programs in North Carolina

Automotive service technicians and mechanics can take on a number of roles which involve repairing, maintaining and inspecting cars and small trucks. Even though this may include working with traditional mechanical systems, such as transmissions, drive belts and engines; electronic systems are also becoming a predominant part of the career too. And while there's no one path to becoming an auto mechanic, most professionals start out with some kind of training at a technical program or trade school.

North Carolina Auto Mechanic Schools

There are a number of schools in North Carolina that can provide you with the relevant education you need in order to pursue a career as an automotive mechanic, whether it's a certification or an associate degree. A few popular examples include:

• Universal Technical Institute - This is a specialist technician training school for the transportation industry with a variety of programs on offer. These include marine technician training, motorcycle technician training, auto body training and auto technician training. You can even prepare for a career in NASCAR.
  
  
• Pitt Community College - Established in 1961, Pitt Community College offers over 60 programs, awarding certificates, diplomas and degrees to its students. Annually, they serve over 23,000 non-credit and credit students.
  
  
• McDowell Technical Community College - Located in Marion, North Carolina, this college was founded in 1964 and is a member of the North Carolina Community College System. They provide education and development in a number of areas.
  
  
• Forsyth Technical Community College - As one of North Carolina's larger community college, they've serve over 35,000 students and provide vocational training and instruction in a number of trades, as well as continuing education, corporate training and two-year degree programs.
  
  
• Fayetteville Technical Community College - Providing over 200 programs that award associate diplomas, certificates or degrees, FTCC also enable students to earn their education from home, with many of their courses being available online.
  
  
• Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute - CCC&TI opened their doors in 1964 and have expanded to provide nearly 100 programs that have been designed to fit in with your lifestyle with online courses and day and evening courses on offer.

What to Expect from North Carolina Auto Mechanic Programs

When you prepare for your career at an auto mechanic school in North Carolina, you can expect to learn a wide variety of hands-on skills. Your training should cover a range of things, including:

• Identifying any problems
• Testing systems and parts
• Assembling and dissecting transaxles, transmissions and engines
• Performing basic maintenance and care
• Replacing worn parts
• Perform repairs to various standards
• Communicating effectively with your customers

Your time at the school may also alternate between being full-time in the classroom to working full-time in a service shop.

North Carolina Auto Mechanic License

All auto mechanics working in North Carolina generally require a certificate from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This is available in a number of different specialist areas, including suspension and steering, manual drive train and axles, heating and air-conditioning, engine repair, engine performance, electronic systems, light vehicle diesel engines, brakes and automatic transmission.

In order to achieve this certification, you'll need to pass an exam and have at least 2 years of experience (or a year of experience alongside relevant schooling). Those who are able to achieve a certificate in all of the above areas (a certification in light vehicle diesel engines isn't required) may also be able to earn the status of an ASE Master Technician.

Resources for Auto Mechanics in North Carolina

• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
• Automotive Youth Educational Systems
• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)