As an auto mechanic, you'll work with a number of different small trucks and cars, inspecting, maintaining and repairing these for your customers. This may involve working with traditional systems, engines and equipment but can also require knowledge of all of the latest electronic ones that are continually introduced. Auto mechanics typically go through some type of formal training before entry into the workforce, whether it's training through an apprenticeship, or a degree program from a trade school or technical school.

Oklahoma Automotive Mechanic Schools

Gaining the right education can have a big impact on your career as an auto mechanic, and there are a number of auto mechanic schools in Oklahoma that can provide you with the proper training. Here are just a few examples:

  • Francis Tuttle Technology Center - Serving high school juniors and seniors, as well as adults, Francis Tuttle Technology Center offers training in a multitude of disciplines alongside some online courses.

  • Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - The programs on offer at OSU include Bachelor of Technology degrees, Associate in Science transfer degrees and Associate in Applied Science degrees. They also boast unique partnerships with industry.

  • Autry Technology Center - Established in 1957, Autry Technology Center has over 25 career programs on offer as well as certifications and short-term evening and weekend courses in a number of different fields.

  • Southern Oklahoma Technology Center - SOTC first opened its doors in 1966 and provides a number of full-time career programs as well as adult and career development and online courses.

  • Kiamichi Technology Centers - Part of Oklahoma's 29 technology centers, Kiamichi Technology Centers are found in 12 different counties of Oklahoma. They train over 20,000 students in short-term classes and more than 2,500 in full-time programs.

  • Northwest Technology Center - First formed in 1969, NWTC has been providing education for adults and high school students for over 30 years. They are also accredited by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

  • Central Technology Center - Central Tech provides training in over 500 different business areas and is the only technology center to have the Gold Star School Award for excellence in technology education.

What to Expect from Oklahoma Auto Mechanic Programs

When enrolling on a course at an auto mechanic school in Oklahoma you'll gain valuable skills both in the classroom and in a working environment. Things that can be included in the programs are:

  • Identifying problems
  • Repairing vehicles to customer and manufacturer standards
  • Assembling and dissecting various parts, e.g. transmissions
  • Testing parts and systems
  • Replacing worn parts
  • Performing maintenance
  • Communicating with customers
  • Organizing and prioritizing your work

Oklahoma Auto Mechanic License

Working as an auto mechanic in Oklahoma may require you to have obtained a certification from the National Institute of Automatic Service Excellence. When obtaining this, you can choose a specialist area that you want to focus on, which can be anything from engine repair to brakes. You'll need 2 years of work experience or a year of experience and the relevant education to obtain this certificate. And, if you choose to undertake the certificate in all areas you can become an ASE Master Technician (obtaining the certificate in vehicle diesel engines isn't required to do this).

Resources for Auto Mechanics in Oklahoma

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
Enid120$43,580
Lawton210$40,120
Oklahoma City2820$46,270
Tulsa2000$39,880

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 -- and-metechnicianschanics.htm, 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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