South Dakota Auto Mechanic Schools

Employers in the automotive repair industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), generally prefer to employ individuals who have finished a degree or certificate program. In South Dakota, auto mechanic schools provide a variety of training programs in areas such as automotive technology, diesel technology and motorcycle technology. These programs traditionally take between six and twelve months to complete and equip students the fundamental skills necessary to conduct routine vehicle maintenance, diagnose programs and repair vehicles. A number of auto mechanic schools in South Carolina offer online education programs as well--programs that offer flexibility and convenience for today's working professional.

After completing their formal education, many students turn to the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE) to earn advanced credentials. ASE certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and is available in a variety of areas, such as collision repair and truck equipment. In 2009, auto mechanics and service technicians in South Dakota earned a mean annual income of $33,500, auto body repairers earned just over $33,000 and truck and bus mechanics earned over $36,000.

South Dakota 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 South Dakota which qualify for certification (accreditation) by ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

South Dakota NATEF Certified Diesel Mechanic Schools
NATEF is a not-for-profit organization that evaluates diesel technician training programs in South Dakota against those standards developed by the US diesel industry and recommend those programs which qualify for certification (accreditation) by ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

South Dakota 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 South Dakota and,at the same time, earns them an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology at a local, participating community school.

South Dakota 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 South Dakota or elsewhere in North America.