According to the U.S. Census Bureau, traveling alone by car, truck, or van is still the most common mode of commute in Chicago despite the efforts to increase local transportation options. More than 51 percent of commuters utilize their own transportation to get to and from work. Auto mechanics provide services that keep thousands of vehicles in working order. They work extensively in retail, private sector, commercial, and industrial settings to identify and troubleshoot problems with engines, auto electrical, transmissions, and other systems and use their store of knowledge to repair the problem. Preventative maintenance is another essential service that auto mechanics provide. It covers everything from changing fluids to rotating tires to mitigate major issues in the future.
It is possible to enter the auto mechanic industry with no formal education. However, you might consider enrolling in an auto mechanic program if you want the best chance of success. Auto programs cover a broad range of topics designed for generalized duties but will also be beneficial if you plan to hone your skill in one specific area. Auto techs with formal training are more likely to get higher salaries and opportunities to move up in the industry with continuing education.
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech gives adults the opportunity to earn an Automotive Technology diploma and benefit from a specialized partnership program with Audi. Students also have the option to earn an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Service Management to earn more. The program covers theory and practical instruction which includes the use of real-world equipment guided by expert instructors. The school’s auto bays, drive-in classrooms, lifts, and
Auto Web Tech Lab provides all the resources students need to develop skills in diagnostics and troubleshooting to repair and maintain cars, trucks, and SUVs. Courses covered include Gasoline Engine Construction and Operation, Fuel and Emissions Systems, Electrical Systems, Automatic Transmissions, Transmissions and Drive Lines, Air Conditioning and Electrical Accessories, Automotive Brake Systems, Advanced Automotive Electronics, Service Shop Procedures, Automotive Steering and Suspension Systems, and Service Shop Management. Graduates will be prepared for employment in dealerships, repair facilities, repair shops, and independent garages. Day and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology Diploma
Duration: 56 weeks (both day and evening)
Contact hours: 1560
Semester credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a state-approved high school equivalency assessment
- Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement
- Pay the required registration fee
- Take and pass an entrance exam – a minimum Wonderlic score of 11 is required for admission
- Attend a New Student Orientation after completing the enrollment procedures
Program cost:
The total program cost is $34,037. It includes tuition, books, uniforms, tools, student fee, registration fee, and technology fee.
Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/melrose-park-il/programs/automotive-technology
Address: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160
Phone: (708) 344-4700
Universal Technical Institute
Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute will learn by doing. The program is designed to cover simple engine systems as well as power and performance machines. Classes include Automotive Engines Service and Repair, Professional Automotive Service Writing, Vehicle Brake Systems, Vehicle Steering, and Suspension Service and Repair, Hybrid Vehicle System Maintenance, Automotive Power/Performance Tuning and Emissions Repair, and Automotive Clinical Control Systems and Repair. UTI offers fast-paced comprehensive training, financial aid counseling, specialized training, hands-on projects, and experienced instructors. Graduates will receive credits that they can apply to professional certifications. They will be pared to take the ASE exam.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology Diploma
Duration: 51 weeks
Contact hours: 1530
Semester credit hours: 68
Prerequisites:
- Must be 16 years or older. Applicants under 18 must have a parent execute the Enrollment Agreement
- Must have a high school diploma recognized by the state. Provide a copy of the diploma or transcript showing verification of graduation
- Background check and drug screen may be required
Program cost:
The estimated cost for tuition and fees is $22,374. Additional costs for books and supplies are not included in the total.
Website: https://www.uti.edu/locations/illinois/lisle
Address: 2611 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, IL 60532
Phone: 630-529-2662
City Colleges of Chicago – Olive-Harvey
Olive-Harvey College offers adults the opportunity to earn an AAS degree in Automotive Technology. The program covers the necessary skills required for entry-level positions in the automotive industry. These skills will include auto body care, detailing, body paint, and refinishing. Core requirements include Fuel Management, Fuel Systems, Performance and Drivability, Intro to Automotive Technician, Engine Concepts, Auto Service Management, Auto Temperature Control Systems, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Steering and Suspension Systems, and Automotive Brakes.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology Diploma
Duration: 18 months
Semester credit hours: 66
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Submit a completed application and sign the Enrollment Agreement
- Make arrangements to meet the financial obligations
Program cost:
Tuition costs $146 per credit hour for in-district students and $384 per credit hour for out-of-district students. Books and supplies are additional.
Website: https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/truman/departments/Pages/Automotive-Technology.aspx
Address: 10001 South Woodlawn Ave Chicago, IL 60628
Phone: (773) 291-6100
Fast Lane Automotive Training
Fast Lane Automotive Training offers separate courses in Brake Systems, Suspension and Steering, Engines, and Transmissions. Each course leads to a Certificate of Completion. The Brake System course covers disk brakes, hydraulic systems, traction control systems, proportioning valves, brake lines, and master cylinders and boosters. The Steering and Suspension System covers the steering gear box, wheel hubs, ball joints, tire pressure monitoring systems, idler arms, tie rods, steering columns, camber, caster, and tow alignment, and center links. Engines cover gasoline/hybrid engines, diesel, and EV. Transmissions cover automatic, manual, and 4×4. Practical activities commence on the first day of class. Flexible class schedules are offered to meet students’ training needs. Graduates will be prepared to take the ASE Certification Exam of the particular subject matter studied.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology Certificate
Duration: Varies
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- There are no other prerequisites for entry
Program cost:
Students will be required to pay $125 weekly until they have completed the course. Supplies, books, and tools are included in the total.
Website: https://www.traininthefastlane.com/
Address: 4235 W. Division Street, Chicago, IL 60651
Phone: (773) 525-0123
Fax: (773) 525-0188
South Tech Center
South Tech Center’s Professional Automotive Training (PAT) program is two-tiered with 3 months of job training and a 6-month career track. The skill building classes follow the model prescribed by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Students will learn braking systems, steering and suspension systems, electrical systems and power accessories, and air conditioning and heating. The first phase of the program covers basic skills that will prepare students for entry-level employment in auto repair. The second phase covers advanced concepts required by auto technicians such as fuel management, electronic braking, service management, engine performance, and advanced electronics. More than 70% of the training will involve hands-on projects in the shop. Upon completion of the two-tier program, students will have the tools to operate their own businesses. Day and evening classes are available.
Program overview:
Professional Automotive Training Certificate
Duration: 9 months
Prerequisites:
- There are no other prerequisites for entry
Program cost:
Funding may be available for eligible students. Job placement assistance is available for all graduates.
Website: https://southtechnicalcenter.org/
Address: 9946 South Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois 60628.
Phone: 773-233-3250
Email: info@southtechnicalcenter.org
Prairie State College
The Automotive Technology AAS degree offered by Prairie State College prepares adults for a career in the automotive industry. Theory and practical instruction are designed to train students to repair and maintain cars, vans, small trucks, and other vehicles. Students will learn how to use hands tools and specialized equipment to assess potential problems and conduct repairs. Specific tasks include oil changes, battery replacement, and tire rotation. Core courses include Basic Automobile Service and Systems, Automotive Engines, Automotive Electricity/Electronics, Automatic Brake Systems, Automotive Heating/Air Conditioning, Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Engine Performance, and Advanced Automotive Service and Systems. The general education requirements (19-20 credits) must be completed to graduate with the AAS.
Program overview:
Automotive Technology AAS
Duration: 5 semesters
Credit hours: 66-67
Prerequisites:
- Complete an online enrollment application
- Register and attend an orientation session
- Take the school’s placement test or submit ACT/SAT scores
- Submit official high school transcripts to the Enrollment Services Office
- Attend an online orientation session to select and register for classes
- Meet with a member of the Financial Aid Office and arrange payment for classes
Program cost:
Tuition costs $174 per credit hour for in-district residents and $389.24 per credit hour for out-of-district residents. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://prairiestate.edu/academics/academic-programs/industrial-technology/automotive-technology.aspx
Address: 202 S. Halsted St. Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Phone: 708-709-3500