Maintaining, repairing and inspecting small trucks and cars are the day-to-day tasks you take on when you become an automotive service technician or mechanic. You'll not only work with traditional mechanic systems but may also be required to adapt to the growing use of electronic systems. Those who wish to become auto mechanics in North Dakota may consider earning a degree or certification from a school there.

North Dakota Auto Mechanic Schools

In order to achieve the education you need to become an auto mechanic, there are many schools in North Dakota that can provide you with the relevant skills needed. Some of these are:

  • Lake Region State College - Accredited since 1973, LRSC serves a variety of students from those looking to pursue the first half of their bachelor's degree to those wanting to enter into a particular workforce. Situated near Devils Lake, the college is ideal for those who like to spend time outdoors or who are enthusiastic about nature too.

  • Bismarck State College - For over 75 years, BSC has been offering college education to a wide range of students, including those wanting to graduate with a technical degree.

  • Cankdeska Cikana Community College - Chartered by the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), CCCC grant degrees in a number of different subjects, with academic programs in arts and applied science.

  • Williston State College - Operating as a two-year public community college, WSC offer transfer programs that will lead to Associate in Science and Associate in Arts Degrees.

  • North Dakota State College of Science - NDSCS was founded in 1903 and is one of the oldest education facilities in the area. Diplomas, certificates and degrees are provided in technical studies, liberal arts and traditional careers. Online courses and distance education are also available.

  • United Tribes Technical College - UTTC is renowned for serving over 10,000 American Indian students from Indian Tribes that are federally recognized. They open their doors to students from all types of background, specializing in providing training and education alongside social and individual skills.

What to Expect from North Dakota Auto Mechanic Programs

At an auto mechanic school in North Dakota, you can expect to prepare yourself for your career by learning a number of viable skills. These include:

  • Identifying potential problems
  • Using electrical diagnostic systems
  • Performing basic care and maintenance
  • Replacing worn parts
  • Performing repairs to customer and manufacturer standards
  • Assembling and dissecting various car parts, e.g. engines
  • Communicating with customers

The programs may vary between working in a service shop and learning in the classroom.

North Dakota Auto Mechanic License

To work in North Dakota as an auto mechanic, it's highly likely that you'll need to have a certificate from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. There are a number of specialized areas that you can achieve this in, including electronic systems and suspension and steering. To gain this certification, you'll need 2 years' work experience or have relevant schooling and a year of experience.

If you can achieve a certificate in all of the specialist areas (it isn't required to have a certificate in light vehicle diesel engines), you could become an ASE Master Technician.

Resources for Auto Mechanics in North Dakota

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
Bismarck390$46,320

Sources:

  1. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016-17 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service, accessed September 9, 2016
  2. National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) Improving Programs Through Accreditation, http://www.natef.org/NATEF-and-You/Students-Parents/Find-Accredited-Schools.aspx, accessed September 9, 2016
  3. O*NET OnLine Summary Report for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-3023.00, accessed September 9, 2016

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