If you live in Connecticut and you want to prepare for a career as an auto mechanic, this page is for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Connecticut is the fourth-highest-paying state for auto service technicians and mechanics.
Workers in this profession reportedly earned $50,860 per year, on average.
Salaries range from less than $29,000 and more than $77,000, depending on experience, employers, skills, and a variety of other factors.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Shop safety
- Tool and equipment usage
- Routine maintenance procedures
- Diagnosing and repairing motor vehicle systems
- Demonstrating professional customer service skills used in the industry
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
The programs included in our list can lead to a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree.
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 Connecticut and the programs they offer.
#1CT State Community College
About the School
CT State Community College offers state-of-the-art Automotive Technology programs that can lead to a rewarding career as an Automotive Service Technician.
Graduates have excellent prospects for employment in many dealership and repair facilities throughout Connecticut and nationally.
The automotive programs are taught at Gateway’s Automotive Technology Center.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Comprehensive Auto Repair & Service
- Associate Degree Program
- Certificate Program
- General Motors- Automotive Service Education Program
- Associate Degree
- Certificate
- Honda PACT Programs
The Automotive Technology: Advanced Engine Performance Certificate program includes the following courses:
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair- a three-credit course
- Electrical/Electronics Systems- a three-credit course
- Engine Repair- a three-credit course
- Engine Performance- a three-credit course
- Automotive Elective- three credits
Contact Information
- Address: 20 Church St., New Haven, CT 06510
- Phone: 203-285-2000
- Website: https://gatewayct.edu
#2Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech offers an Automotive Technology Training program in Connecticut.
The Program is available in East Windsor.
The campus sits on 40 acres and is conveniently located off of I-91 in Hartford County.
Courses Offered
Students learn from industry-experienced instructors who guide students through hands-on automotive training.
Students receive training in:
- Engine repair
- Brakes, steering systems, and suspensions
- Performance tuning
- A/C and Electrical systems
- Computerized diagnostics
- Transmissions
Contact Information
- Address: 97 Newberry Road, East Windsor, CT 06088
- Phone: (800) 243-4242
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#3Connecticut Technical Education and Career System
About the School
Connecticut Technical Education and Career System offers an Automotive Technology program that includes instruction in most aspects of the automotive and mechanical repair field, including safety, tools and equipment, engine repair, electrical and electronic systems, brakes, steering and suspension, engine performance, air conditioning, and drive line service.
Students receive over 1,400 hours of training in the trade technology area.
Students in grades 11 and 12 are eligible to participate in work-based learning.
Courses Offered
The program includes:
- Practice shop safety
- Understand career opportunities in the transportation industry
- Demonstrate tool and equipment usage
- Perform routine maintenance procedures on motor vehicles
- Diagnose and repair motor vehicle systems
- Demonstrate professional customer service skills used in the industry
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 39 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105
- Phone: 860-807-2200
- Website: https://www.cttech.org
#4Porter and Chester Institute
About the School
Porter and Chester Institute offers an Automotive Technology Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program in Worcester.
Students are prepared to work in several automotive settings, such as an independent service center or a car dealership, in as few as 12 months.
The campus also offers hybrid and electric vehicle training.
There are two education delivery options currently offered for Automotive Technology at the Worcester campus:
- Blended Program- lectures take place online, labs take place on campus
- On-Ground Program- lectures and labs take place on campus
Students spend a lot of time in the school’s auto shops with scan tools, computer diagnostic oscilloscopes, emissions diagnostic equipment, computerized alignment machines, brake lathes, and more.
In addition to motor vehicle knowledge, students also learn auto technician soft skills that prepare them to interact with customers with professionalism.
Contact Information
- Address: 156 Boston Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610
- Phone: (475) 273-2400
- Website: https://porterchester.edu
#5Ivy Tech Community College
About the School
Ivy Tech Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that teaches students how to operate, diagnose, and repair today’s high-tech vehicles.
Students get hands-on experience using the latest diagnostic and repair equipment.
They also learn critical skills in computer use and network communication.
The skills prepare students to diagnose and correct issues with:
- Newer automobiles
- Hybrid and alternative-fueled vehicles
- Heavy diesel trucks
Courses Offered
The following credential types are available:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Associate of Applied Science- GM ASEP
- Associate of Applied Science- Toyota T-TEN
Long-term Certificates are offered in the following fields:
- Auto Body Technology
- Auto Service Technology
- Motorsports Technology
Short-Term Certificates in:
- Collision Repair
- Electric & Hybrid Vehicle
- Maintenance and Light Repair
- Light Duty Diesel Vehicle
- Motorsport Technology
Contact Information
- Phone: (888) IVY-LINE (489-5463)
- Website: https://www.ivytech.edu
#6Henry Abbott Technical High School
About the School
Henry Abbott Technical High School is located in Danbury and has over 700 students from 18 different towns.
It offers a comprehensive high school and Career Technical Education that provides training programs for 12 occupational careers.
Courses Offered
Henry Abbott Technical High School offers an Automotive Technology program that teaches most aspects of the automotive and mechanical repair field, including safety, tools and equipment, engine repair, electrical and electronic systems, brakes, steering and suspension, engine performance, air conditioning, and more.
Students receive more than 1,400 hours of training in the trade.
Contact Information
- Address: 21 Hayestown Avenue, Danbury, CT 06811
- Phone: 203-797-4460
- Website: https://abbott.cttech.org
#7Platt Technical High School
About the School
Platt Technical High School is part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System.
CTECS serves approximately 11,200 full-time high school students and offers 31 career technical education programs.
Graduates earn a Connecticut high school diploma, a CTE certificate in their field of study, and multiple stackable credentials.
Courses Offered
Among several other career paths, the high school provides an Automotive Technology program that teaches most aspects of the automotive and mechanical repair field, including:
- Safety
- Tools and Equipment
- Engine Repair
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension
- Engine performance
- Air conditioning
- Drive line service
Students receive more than 1,400 hours of time spent in the trade.
Contact Information
- Address: 39 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105
- Phone: 860-807-2200
- Website: https://www.cttech.org
#8New England Institute of Technology
About the School
Located in Rhode Island, New England Institute of Technology offers immersive learning, small class sizes, and personalized support to get students into the workforce quickly.
Students may earn an associate degree in just 18 months, a bachelor’s degree in just three years, or a graduate degree in just 27 months.
Courses Offered
The institute offers an Automotive & Marine Technology program that prepares skilled automotive and marine technicians.
The degree programs available at the institute provide students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and manufacturer factory experience.
Students work side-by-side with experienced instructors in one of the largest, high-tech auto body workshops in the region.
In just 18 months, students may earn Associate Degrees in the following fields:
- Advanced Automotive Technology with Fabrication and Refinishing, AS
- Automotive Technology, AS
- Automotive Technology with High Performance, AS
- Automotive Collision Repair Technology, AS
- Marine Technology, AS
The institute also offers an Automotive Service Management, Bachelor of Science program.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI | 02818
- Phone: 401-739-5000
- Website: https://www.neit.edu
#9Penn Foster
About the School
Training programs are also available online, offered by schools located in other states.
Penn Foster offers an online Automotive Repair Technician program.
The program leads to a career diploma and can be completed in four months.
The online classes prepare students for auto repair jobs in a variety of settings, from repair shops to dealerships.
Students learn about engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems.
The program prepares students to sit for ASE Certification exams.
The online programs are flexible enough for students to finish them at a pace that works for them.
The online courses include:
- Automotive Repair Foundations
- Engine Repair
- Automotive Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
#10Doorman Training Center
About the School
Doorman Training Center offers in-person training events.
The auto mechanical training is led by ASE-Certified Instructors.
The events include special in-person technical training led by industry experts, and provide hands-on and in-depth knowledge to keep working professionals updated with the latest advancements in the field.
Courses Offered
Available are classes such as:
- Hands-On: Advanced Automotive Lab Scopes
- Advanced Automotive Lab Scopes
- Mastering the Art of Electrical Troubleshooting
- Live Webinar: Heavy Duty Scan Tool Usage
- Live Webinar: Modern Day For Diagnostics
- In-Person: RevUp- Smarter Solutions for Faster Repairs.
Contact Information
- Website: https://www.dormantrainingcenter.com
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | 1,480 | $62,980 | $30.28 | $84,720 | $38,670 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 2,210 | $56,410 | $27.12 | $78,850 | $35,940 |
| New Haven, CT | 1,190 | $57,100 | $27.45 | $78,900 | $36,260 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | 490 | $56,550 | $27.19 | $78,050 | $36,100 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | 920 | $55,670 | $26.76 | $77,540 | $36,060 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn the skills needed for entry-level employment as an auto mechanic, the schools included in our list can get you ready for certification exams and entry-level employment in two years or less.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Connecticut, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle.
