If you live in Colorado, you’re passionate about cars and enjoy working with your hands, a career as an auto mechanic may be the right fit for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by Colorado auto service technicians and mechanics was $49,970- higher than the national average.
As an auto mechanic, you should be prepared to work on engines, brakes, transmissions, and a variety of other car systems.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Performing diagnostic tests
- Conducting routine maintenance tasks
- Replacing worn and damaged parts
- Explaining vehicle problems to customers
- Maintaining records of the work performed
- Ensuring safety procedures are followed
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
Program duration ranges from a few months to two years, depending on the program and the credential it leads to.
To help you choose the program that best fits your needs, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in Colorado and the programs they offer.
#1Aims Community College
About the School
Aims Community College offers an Associate Degree in the Master Automobile Service Technology Ford ASSET Program.
The program gives students automotive service training on Ford vehicles.
They also have the opportunity to earn an income and work history through a paid partnership at a local Ford dealer.
The program is developed in partnership with Ford Motor Company and is the first and only Ford service training program in Colorado.
Students have access to multiple Ford Service Technician Specialty Training Certifications.
The program covers the skills needed for a new career, including:
- Auto shop safety
- Brake systems
- Engine diagnostics, service, and repair
- Starting and charging systems
- Automotive electricity
- Manual and automatic transmissions
Contact Information
- Address: 5401 West 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634
- Phone: (970) 330-8008
- Website: https://www.aims.edu
#2Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech offers an Automotive Technology Training program that has helped students launch exciting, in-demand careers since 1963.
The Denver campus features 60 bays, 18 lifts, and dynos from Mustang, SuperFlow Engine, and Axiline.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technician training includes:
- Rebuilding an engine, flushing a brake line, and troubleshooting on-board computers
- Diagnose and repair transmissions and drive train components
- Repair A/C and heating systems, power windows, doors, and seats
- Perform basic maintenance, including oil change, tune-ups, and tire rotations
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 11194 E. 45th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239
- Phone: (303) 722-5724
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#3Arapahoe Community College
Arapahoe Community College offers training for technician jobs in the automotive industry through an award-winning Automotive Technician program.
Courses Offered
Students learn about:
- Engine Repair
- Automatic Transmission and Transaxle
- Manual Drive Train and Axles
- Suspension and Steering Systems
- Brakes
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Heating, Cooling, and Air Conditioning
- Engine Performance
The following degree options are available:
- Automotive Service Technology, Associate in Applied Science
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate
- Automotive Service Management Certificate
The Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology is divided into several tracks.
The co-op program provides students with the opportunity to be employed by one of the following while completing courses at ACC:
- ATEC General Apprenticeship Program
- General Motors Automotive Service Educational Programs
- Honda PACT
- Mopar Career Automotive Program
- NTTA- Nissan Technical Training Academy
- Subaru University
Contact Information
- Address: 5900 S. Santa Fe Drivem, Littleton, CO 80120
- Phone: 303.797.4222
- Website: https://www.arapahoe.edu
#4Colorado Mountain College
About the School
Colorado Mountain College offers Automotive Service Technology Certificates.
These help students learn hands-on skills that enable them to start a career in the automotive industry.
The program prepares students with real-world skills in car maintenance, repair, and new vehicle technology.
The hands-on part of the program gives students the opportunity to work on real vehicles, including family and personal cars, to learn and practice skills daily.
Courses Offered
With guidance from expert instructors, students learn skills in:
- Automotive repair
- Diagnostics
- HVAC
- Electrical systems
CMC Automotive Service Technology certificates are offered in Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Salida, and Vail Valley at Edwards in partnership with local school districts.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Power and ABS Brake Systems
- Automotive Electrical Safety Systems
- Automotive Starting and Charging Systems
- Automotive Shop Orientation
- Introduction to the Automotive Shop
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 802 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Phone: 970-945-8691
- Website: https://coloradomtn.edu
#5Red Rocks Community College
About the School
Red Rocks Community College offers a two-year Automotive Service Technology program at Warren Tech.
Students may attend this program either in the morning or the afternoon for four semesters.
The program is available at the Lakewood campus.
Courses Offered
Students have the following degree and certificate options:
- Automotive Service Technology Associate in Applied Science- a 76-credit program
- Auto Service Technician- a 20-credit Certificate program
- Maintenance Light Repair- a Certificate program
- Master Auto Service Technician- a 23-credit Certificate program
Auto-Service Technician students take classes such as:
- Auto Brakes Service
- Auto Electric Safety Systems
- Suspension and Steering
- Manual Trans/Transaxle/Clutch
- Auto Trans/Transaxle Repair
- And more
The college also provides an Automotive Collision Repair program that can be completed in two years.
The AAS degree requires the completion of at least 46 ACT credits and 15 general education credits.
An Automotive Customization Associate in Applied Science is also available at the college.
Contact Information
- Address: 13300 W. 6th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80228
- Phone: 303.914.6600
- Website: https://www.rrcc.edu
#6Pueblo Community College
About the School
Pueblo Community College offers an Automotive Service Technology program that is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
The program teaches students how to perform general maintenance and to diagnose and repair electrical, engine, transmission, suspension, brake, and air conditioning systems.
Graduates are prepared to become entry-level technicians with skill sets in general maintenance, diagnostics, and repair.
Students and graduates are also eligible to become ASE certified.
Courses Offered
The following Automotive Technology degrees and Certificates are available:
- Air Conditioning Mini-Certificate
- Automatic Transmissions Mini-Certificate
- Engine and Electrical Mini-Certificate
- Fuels and Emissions Mini Certificate
- General Automotive Technology AAS
- Manual Transmissions Mini-Certificate
- Steering and Suspension/Brakes Mini-Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 900 W. Orman Ave. Pueblo, CO 81004
- Phone: 719-549-3200
- Website: https://pueblocc.edu
#7Trinidad State College
About the School
Trinidad State College was established in 1925, which makes it the first community college in Colorado.
It has a 17-acre campus located in a beautiful setting high above historic Trinidad on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.
The College also has an 8,000-square-mile hub in the San Luis Valley.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, Trinidad State College offers an Automotive Technology Program that may lead to the following degrees/certifications:
- Associate in Applied Science- Automotive Service Technology
- Certificate- Automotive Transmission
- Certificate- Automotive Electrical
- Certificate- Brakes
- Certificate- Engine Performance
- Certificate- HVAC
- And more
The Automotive Technology program covers a wide range of skills, including:
- General Maintenance- the essentials of automotive care and upkeep
- Diagnostic and Repair Skills- the program prepares students with the ability to diagnose and repair various automotive systems
Contact Information
- Address: 600 Prospect Street, Trinidad, CO 81082
- Phone: 719-846-5011
- Website: https://trinidadstate.edu
#8Morgan Community College
About the School
Morgan Community College helps students prepare for a successful career as an automotive technician by offering an ASE-certified Automotive Service Technology training program.
The hands-on program gives students the real-world skills they need in order to land a great job as:
- General Automotive Technician
- Light-Duty or Heavy-Duty Technician
- Drivability Technician
- And more
Courses Offered
The following educational paths are available at Morgan Community College:
- Automotive Service Technology- Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Automotive Service Technology- Certificate
- General Automotive Technician- Certificate
- Advanced Automotive Technician- Certificate
- Undercar Specialist- Certificate
Program duration and curriculum vary depending on the chosen pathway and the credential it leads to.
The Undercar Specialist Certificate includes the following topics:
- Steering and Suspension I, II, and III
- Automotive Power and ABS Brake System Service
This certificate awards eight credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 920 Barlow Rd. Fort Morgan, CO 80701
- Phone: 970-542-3100
- Website: https://www.morgancc.edu
#9Northeastern Junior College
About the School
Northeastern Junior College offers Automotive Technology training that prepares students for rewarding professional careers in the automotive and light-duty diesel repair industry.
The college provides a Master Automobile Service Technology program designed to train students in engine performance, engine repair, automatic transmissions and transaxles, manual drive trains, braking systems, steering and suspension systems, electrical systems, electronic components, and HVAC.
Students in this program not only learn the theoretical aspects of the automotive field, but also gain a solid understanding of the latest advancements in the field.
Courses Offered
The following degree and certificate options are available:
- Advanced Automotive Electrical Certificate- a 10-credit program
- Automotive Transmission Service Certificate- an 8-credit program
- Automotive & Diesel Motor Technician Certificate- an 8-credit program
- Automotive Brake Systems Certificate- an 8-credit program
- Automotive Electrical Certificate- a 7-credit program
- Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science- a 75-credit program
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 100 College Avenue, Sterling, Colorado 80751
- Phone: 800-626-4637
- Website: https://www.njc.edu
#10Colorado Mesa University
About the School
Colorado Mesa University offers an Advanced Automotive Service Technician, Transportation Services AAS program.
In the Associate of Applied Science degree with a major in Transportation Services, and emphasis in Advanced Automotive Service Technician, students learn the fundamentals of electronics, starters, ignition and charging systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, safety, technical math, use of technical manuals, and more.
Advanced coursework includes an in-depth study of:
- Internal combustion engine disassembly
- Repair, reassembly, diagnosis, and troubleshooting of suspension systems, and more
Among many other skills, graduates of this major will be able to:
- Apply mathematical concepts and practices required to properly perform vehicle repair competencies to an ASE standard
- Evaluate evidence discovered during the diagnosis and troubleshooting of vehicles and apply those findings to strategies to properly repair the vehicle
- Demonstrate mastery of the current terminology
- Demonstrate personal and professional ethical behavior as applied to the industry
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122
- Phone: 970.248.1020
- Website: https://www.coloradomesa.edu
Schools Summary Table
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Final Thoughts
Your passion for cars and mechanical puzzles can be transformed into a rewarding career by completing one of the training programs included in our list.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in the state of Colorado, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle and career aspirations.
