Arkansas Auto Mechanic Schools

In Arkansas, auto mechanic schools provide students with the essential training they need to diagnose problems, conduct basic vehicle maintenance, as well as repair cars, trucks and motorcycles. Most vocational programs last between six months and one year, while community college programs traditionally take two years to complete and result in an associate's degree or certificate. For individuals who possess experience working with automobiles, online education programs are a great option to improve career knowledge, learn new skills and earn a certificate or diploma. Online education programs range from automotive HVAC repair to transmissions, motorcycle repair to diesel mechanics. Today, students may choose to pursue additional certifications, such as the Automotive Service Excellence Master Technician certificate, to further increase employment options or salary potential. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, over 400,000 professionals hold certifications. Certification areas include medium/heavy truck, automobile, school bus, alternate fuels technicians and more.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), automotive service and repair shops, car dealerships, service stations and independent garages increasingly prefer to hire individuals with formal education from auto mechanic schools. In Arkansas, the BLS reports automotive service technicians and mechanics earned a mean annual wage of over $30,000 in May 2009. Individuals specializing in auto body repair earned almost $35,000. Auto service technicians in the following industries tend to earn the highest annual salaries: product and parts manufacturing, delivery services, natural gas distribution and scientific research and development services.

Arkansas NATEF Certified Mechanic Schools
NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) is an independent organization whose mission is to evaluate automotive technician programs against those standards developed by the US automotive industry and recommend those programs in Arkansas which qualify for certification (accreditation) by ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Arkansas NATEF Certified Collision Repair / Autobody Technician Schools
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation is an organization that evaluates collision repair programs and autobody refinishing programs in Arkansas against those standards developed by the US automotive industry and recommend those qualifying programs for accreditation by ASE.

Arkansas AYES Affiliated Mechanic Schools
Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) is a partnership incorporating participating automotive manufacturers, dealers, and selected high schools & tech prep schools in Arkansas This partnership designed to encourage young people to consider careers in retail automotive service, and get them ready for entry-level career positions or further studies in automotive technology.

Arkansas Ford ASSET Participating Mechanic Schools
The Ford ASSET program provides its students with on-the-job training at a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership in Arkansas and,at the same time, earns them an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology at a local, participating community school.

Arkansas BMW STEP Program Participating Schools
The STEP program at BMW is designed with the purpose of developing a high quality service technician force, to be employed at one of the many BMW centers in Arkansas or elsewhere in North America.