10 Best Auto Mechanic Schools in Vermont

Go to Section

If you live in the state of Vermont and you want to turn your mechanical skills into a rewarding career, the auto mechanic profession is worth exploring.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by Automotive Service Technicians was $49,670 as of May 2024.

Salaries vary depending on experience, education, location, and a variety of other factors.

Vermont Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics can earn anywhere between $36,000 or less and more than $64,000 per year, with the average calculated at $49,330.

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 offered 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.

Most programs focus on providing you with hands-on skills and certifications that get you employment-ready after graduation.

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 Vermont.



#1Vermont State University

About the School

Vermont State University offers an Automotive Technology A.A.S. program.

The program is available in Randolph.

Students get the in-demand skills employers are looking for.

The program combines comprehensive classroom training with hands-on practice and a ten-week placement in a workplace setting.

Graduates are ready to launch their careers and step into automotive technician jobs with confidence.

This program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Courses Offered

Students take courses such as:

  • Engine Diagnostics and Repair
  • Automotive Electronics Lab
  • Advanced Engine Performance & Fuel
  • Advanced Technology Vehicle

Contact Information

  • Address: 124 Admin Drive, PO Box 500, Randolph Center, VT 05061
  • Phone: 888.398.VTSU (8878)
  • Website: https://vermontstate.edu

#2Stafford Technical Center

About the School

Stafford Technical Center offers an Automotive Technology program.

The center features a well-equipped lab that provides a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning.

Students develop entry-level skills in the area of engine performance, engine repair, electrical/electronics, brakes, suspension and steering, automatic transmissions/transaxles, standard transmissions and drivetrains, and heating-ventilation-air conditioning.

They use advanced diagnostic and repair equipment while they work alongside an ASE Master Mechanic.

Students also build a fully electric vehicle as they learn the safety skills needed to service modern electric vehicles.

Contact Information


#3Burlington Technical Center

About the School

Burlington Technical Center offers an Automotive Service & Technology program that can be completed in two years.

Students meet for just over two hours per day, five days per week.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for college and/or career opportunities.

They learn how engines work, troubleshoot common engine problems and fuel system issues, and analyze and complete vehicle manufacturing repair algorithms.

Students disassemble a modern vehicle engine, use micrometers and dial indicators to measure engine components, complete basic vehicle maintenance procedures, operate machinery associated with lifting a car, and perform other related tasks.

Qualified students may be eligible to earn college credits at the following institutions:

  • Lakes Region Community College, NH
  • Lincoln Technical Institute, CT
  • University of Northwestern Ohio

Contact Information

  • Address: 29 Church Street LL, Burlington, VT 05401
  • Phone: (802) 864-8426
  • Website: https://btc.bsdvt.org

#4Windham Regional Career Center

About the School

Windham Regional Career Center offers an Automotive Technology program that focuses on educating students in all aspects of automotive maintenance and repair.

The program provides an on-site automotive learning center called the LAB (Learning Automotive Basics).

The curriculum emphasizes safety, professionalism, teamwork, work ethic, critical thinking, accountability in the workplace, and the importance of setting high standards regarding vehicle repair.

Students have the opportunity to earn the following industry-recognized credentials:

  • Mechanical Repair Safety
  • Mechanical Pollution Prevention
  • Maintenance and Light Repair ASE Certification
  • Suspension and Steering ASE Certification
  • Automobile Service Tech. ASE Certification
  • Brakes ASE Certification
  • Engine Repair ASE Certification
  • And more

Contact Information


#5Center for Technology, Essex

About the School

Center for Technology, Essex, offers an Automotive Technology program that helps students gain training and experience in the field of automotive diagnosis and repair.

The program covers:

  • Braking systems
  • Steering and suspension
  • All-wheel alignment
  • Engine repair and basic electricity, including starting and charging systems

Students may earn their Student ASE certifications as well as additional credits that apply towards college through CTE’s Dual Enrollment program.

The program teaches students about the latest technology coming out of the automotive and motorsports industry.

Students learn in a shop environment and have the opportunity to work on many vehicle types, including motorsports equipment like ATVs and dirtbikes.

Contact Information

  • Address: 2 Educational Drive, Suite 200, Essex Junction, VT 05452
  • Phone: 802-879-5558
  • Website: https://www.ewsd.org

#6Green Mountain Tech

About the School

Green Mountain Tech offers an Automotive Technology program that provides students with opportunities to experience the latest high-tech equipment located in a state-of-the-art facility modeled after the Vermont General Service Technician Program.

Students receive theory instruction and hands-on performance in all Automotive Service Excellence areas.

Courses Offered

The program covers the following proficiencies:

  • Introduction to Automotive Shop & Personal Safety
  • Introduction to Automotive Technology
  • Electrical Systems
  • Brakes
  • Drive Train
  • Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Modeling
  • Algebra
  • Functions
  • And more

Students may earn the following industry-recognized credentials:

  • Safety and Pollution Training
  • Student ASE Credentials
  • Vermont Auto Dealer’s
  • Valvoline Oil Certification
  • And more

Contact Information


#7Lyndon Institute

About the School

Lyndon Institute offers an Automotive Technology program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the automotive industry.

After completing the program, students have training in multiple skill categories necessary to maintain and repair today’s automobiles.

They receive training in the Vermont Auto Dealer Association- General Service Technician key areas:

  • Lube Oil Filter/ Scheduled Maintenance
  • Tire Service and Repair
  • Brake Systems
  • Steering & Suspension Systems & Alignment
  • Diagnosis and Repair of Electrical Systems

Students experience the use of the latest equipment.

Over half of the total program time is spent working on vehicles.

Contact Information


#8Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center

About the School

Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center offers an Automotive Technician program designed for students who enjoy solving mechanical challenges and working with their hands.

The two-day half-day program provides students with the opportunity to experience the day-to-day operations in a fully functional auto repair shop.

Through engaging theory lectures, student-driven research, computer-based learning tools, and lab exercises, students explore a variety of topics, including:

  • Tools and equipment
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Engine mechanics
  • Electrical systems
  • Steering and suspension
  • Engine performance
  • And more

The program is available for students in grades 11-12.

They attend 120 minutes of training daily.

The program includes the following industry-recognized credentials:

  • ASE Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
  • ASE Brakes
  • ASE Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • ASE Engine Repair
  • ASE Heating and Air Conditioning
  • And more

Contact Information


#9Hartford Area Career & Technology Center

About the School

Hartford Area Career & Technology Center offers an Automotive Technology program that trains and prepares students to become automotive technicians or for jobs in related fields.

Students are trained on the center’s shop vehicles.

The program emphasizes safe, honest, ethical, and professional work habits and skills.

It follows a best-practices approach to automotive repair.

The curriculum includes the following units of study:

  • Introduction to AT & Safety
  • Steering & Suspension
  • Auto Electrical Systems
  • Engine Repair
  • Brakes
  • Automotive Career Exploration
  • Safety and Review
  • HVAC
  • Engine Performance
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 1 Gifford Road, White River Jct., VT 05001
  • Phone: 802-295-8630
  • Website: https://hactc.com

#10Penn Foster

About the School

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


Schools Summary Table

Rank School
#1Vermont State University
#2Stafford Technical Center
#3Burlington Technical Center
#4Windham Regional Career Center
#5Center for Technology, Essex
#6Green Mountain Tech
#7Lyndon Institute
#8Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center
#9Hartford Area Career & Technology Center
#10Penn Foster

Regional Salary in Vermont

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Burlington-South Burlington, VT650$57,190$27.50$76,840$39,840
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, OCC Code 49-3023, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Your passion for cars can be turned 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 Vermont, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your lifestyle and career aspirations.