Trade Schools
If you live in Rhode Island 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, Rhode Island auto service technicians and mechanics earned $48,470 per year, on average.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Rebuild an engine, flush a brake line, and troubleshoot on-board computers
- Diagnose and repair transmissions and drive train components
- Repair A/C and heating systems
- Perform basic maintenance
- And more
Training programs are available on campus and online or in a hybrid format.
The programs included in our list can lead to a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree and take between a few months and two years to complete, depending on the credential they lead 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 Rhode Island and the programs they offer.
1New England Institute of Technology
About the School
New England Institute of Technology offers immersive learning, small class sizes, and personalized support in order to get students into the workforce quickly.
By attending the institute, 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
Among many other training programs, 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
NEIT participates in the following programs for on-ground experience for Automotive Technology students:
- Ford Maintenance and Light Repair program
- Mopar Career Automotive Program
- Subaru University Program
The institute also offers an Automotive Service Management program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI 02818
- Phone: 401-739-5000
- Website: https://www.neit.edu
2Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech offers an Automotive Technology Training program at its Mahwah, Union, and Queens campuses, as well as at several other locations across the country.
The program includes 1,425 hours of inspection and is packed with hands-on technical training as well as service shop management procedures.
Graduates of this program earn an Associate in Automotive Service Management.
The program is available in day and afternoon schedules.
Courses Offered
The following career training programs are available:
- Automotive Service Management Technology
- Automotive Service Technology
The Automotive Service Technology students learn skills such as:
- 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
- Perform tire services, wheel alignment, and suspension repairs
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2299 Vauxhall Road, Union, NJ 07083
- Phone: 844-672-5323
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
3MTTI
About the School
MTTI offers seven training programs at its Rhode Island and Massachusetts campuses.
The following programs are available at the school:
- Automotive
- Building Trades
- Computer Tech
- Electrician
- HVAC/R
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Motorcycle
MTTI students can get the training they need in months, not years.
The programs are designed by employers and industry experts to prepare students for today’s workplace and offer hands-on training from experienced instructors.
Courses Offered
The Automotive program at MTTI can be completed in seven months by full-time students.
The following program options are available:
- Days: a 30-weekend program
- Evenings: 75-week program
Students can get a Diploma as an Automotive Technician in just 30 weeks.
They are eligible to receive ASE Refrigerant Recovery Certification.
Successful completion of MTTI’s Automotive Service Technician program qualifies as one year of work experience towards ASE certification.
Contact Information
- Address: 1241 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771
- Phone: 508-336-6611
- Website: https://mtti.edu
4Newport Area Career and Technical Center
About the School
Newport Area Career and Technical Center offers programs that provide students with opportunities and access to the world through quality education.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program available at the center is designed to ensure that students reach their maximum potential in the Rhode Island Department of Education mandates, NATEF, and AYES certification requirements.
The program offers instruction and practical experience in the repair of all types of vehicles.
The curriculum includes:
- Computer diagnostics
- Hydraulic systems
- Heating and air conditioning systems
- Alignment and electrical systems
- Engine performance
- Engine repair
- Brake systems
- And more
After successfully completing the program, students have the opportunity to become certified through NATEF.
Contact Information
- Address: 109 Old Fort Road, Newport, RI 02840-3989
- Phone: (401)-619-7127
- Website: https://www.npsri.net
5East Providence High School- Career and Technical Center
About the School
East Providence High School offers an Automotive Technology program that is nationally certified through the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation.
The program prepares students to diagnose, repair, and maintain modern automobiles and light trucks.
Students learn about systems such as:
- Brakes
- Steering, suspension, and alignment
- Electrical
- Engine repair and engine performance
- Air conditioning
- And more
The program prepares students for post-secondary school, entry-level positions in the automotive field, and/or to take the ASE service technician test after meeting work experience requirements.
Contact Information
- Address: 2000 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
- Phone: 401.443.4360
- Website: https://eastprovidencectc.com
6Porter and Chester Institute
About the School
A variety of other Auto Mechanic schools are located in neighboring states.
Porter and Chester Institute offers an Automotive Technology Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program in Worcester.
Students enrolled in this program 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:
- 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 where they learn how to work with scan tools, computer diagnostic oscilloscopes, emissions diagnostic equipment, computerized alignment machines, brake lathes, and many other tools.
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: 609 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301
- Phone: (774) 360-8300
- Website: https://porterchester.edu
7Mount Wachusett Community College
About the School
Mount Wachusett Community College offers an Automotive Technology Degree program that helps students start or advance their careers in Automotive Technology.
The program combines specialized training with hands-on experience.
Graduates learn the latest vehicle technologies and skills from trained industry professionals, preparing them for immediate employment.
The program provides students with the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Automotive Technology or an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology.
Students develop skills and competencies in diagnostics and repair, and gain knowledge to prepare for ASE Certification.
Courses Offered
Auto tech students learn how to diagnose and repair the following systems:
- Brakes- drum and disc
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Engine performance
- Engine damage
- Manual drive train and axles
- Heating and air conditioning
- Suspension and steering
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440
- Phone: 978-632-6600
- Website: https://mwcc.edu
8Apex Technical School
About the School
With a campus in Long Island City, Apex Technical School offers an Automotive Service & Repair program that helps students fine-tune their automotive training and turn their love for cars into a career by learning the skills required to help students get started in this field.
Students enrolled in this program spend 900 hours in the classroom and shop and are trained by skilled instructors.
During this time, they learn how to remove and inspect car parts, energy, and how it works in a car’s electrical circuit, the difference between manual and automatic transmissions, fuel systems, air conditioning repair, and more.
The instruction, course of study, facilities, and equipment have been evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and Automotive Service Excellence.
Courses Offered
The classes include:
- Automotive Engines
- Automotive Chassis
- Automotive Powertrains
- Automotive Electrical
- Automotive Fuels
- Automotive Performance
The car mechanics school at Apex is designed to help students get started with entry-level automotive repair skills.
Contact Information
- Address: 11-05 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101
- Phone: 212-645-3300
- Website: https://apexschool.com
9College of Transportation Technology
About the School
The College of Transportation Technology offers a variety of academic programs in Jamaica, New York.
The college helps students start a rewarding new profession in automotive service.
The automotive technician training programs are based on the standards set by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and provide students with tutoring, financial aid, job search assistance, and more.
Courses Offered
Students receive training in all relevant areas of ASE Automobile Testing certification, including:
- Automatic transmissions
- Brakes
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Engine performance
- Heating and air conditioning
- Manual drive train
- Steering and suspension
The Automotive Service Technology certificate program requires 45 credits to complete, amounting to 1,080 hours of training.
The program can be completed in around 11 to 12 months by full-time students and in 18 months by part-time students.
The Associate of Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology includes 61 credits and helps students accumulate 1,440 hours of training.
The AOS may be completed in 15 months full-time and in 25 months part-time.
Contact Information
- Address: 178-18 Liberty Ave. Jamaica, New York 11433
- Phone: 833-364-5132
- Website: https://nyadi.edu
10Penn Foster
About the School
You can also learn entry-level Auto Mechanic skills by enrolling in an online program, such as the one provided by Penn Foster.
This program leads to a career diploma and can be completed in four months.
The online classes are available 24/7 on the computer.
The program aprepares 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 courses cover topics such as:
- 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
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 3,440 | $54,190 | $26.05 | $81,500 | $31,020 |
* 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 after two years or less.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Rhode Island, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
