Starting out as an auto mechanic in Montana can lead to a prosperous and rewarding career. Montana is an exciting and interesting place to live for a variety of reasons. Nicknamed the treasure state, Montana has no sales tax which is excellent for car aficionados. Many classic car owners will go as far as to register and store their exotic cars in Montana. Part of this is because 46 of Montana’s 56 counties are considered frontier counties, which is classified by having a population of six or less people per square mile. Montana also has a higher than average growth rate for auto mechanics. Each year, Montana sees more than a 1% increase in its number of employed auto mechanics.
Montana Auto Mechanic Education
The state of Montana offers different options for those looking to pursue a career as an auto mechanic. The first option takes two years to complete when students attend on a full-time basis. This pathway results in the awarding of an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Automotive Technology. The next option is to enter an Auto Mechanic Certificate program that generally takes one year to complete.
The differences in these two programs extend to the number of required classes. Associate Degree programs require the completion of general education classes while certificate programs focus only on automotive-related coursework. Both types of education feature classroom work along with hands-on instruction in an auto shop setting. Students apply their classroom instruction to the practical aspect of being an auto mechanic.
The cost of tuition is typically higher for associate degree programs because they are longer in duration. However, both of these educational options carry a great deal of credibility when applying for an auto mechanic position. Some schools even offer four-year Bachelor Degree programs in Automotive Technology, which is an even more comprehensive option. In each of these educational programs, students learn the essentials of auto repair. Montana is home to a variety of schools offering this type of education, including the following:
- Montana Tech
The Montana Tech automotive technology program offers a certificate and associate degree options. Small class size provides a lot of individual attention from instructors.1300 W. Park Street
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 1-800-445-8324
- City College Montana University of Billings
Students have the choice to enter into a one-year Applied Science Certificate program or joining a two-year Associate Degree Program in Automotive Technology.
3803 Central Avenue
Billings, Montana 59102
Phone: 406-247-3000
- Montana State University Northern
There is both an Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree option for students attending MSU-Northern and each program is NATEF certified.
P.O. Box 7751
Havre, MT 59501-7751
Brockmann 210
Contact: Wane Boysun
Phone: (406) 265-4179
- Miles Community College
The auto technology program at Miles Community College offers both a certificate and associate of applied science degree options for students looking to pursue a career as an auto mechanic.
2715 Dickinson St.
Miles City, MT 59301
Phone: (406) 874-6100
- Helena College
There are certificate and two-year degree programs offered in automotive technology and technical studies at Helena College.
Donaldson Campus
1115 N. Roberts Street
Phone: (406) 447-6900
Auto Mechanic Work Experience in Montana
Work experience as an auto mechanic in Montana provides more than just a steady source of income. Real world experience prepares auto mechanics to qualify for ASE certification examinations. Each certification requires a certain amount of experience in the automotive repair industry. Work experience is also valuable in broadening an individual’s skillset, as on-the-job learning is a valuable component to becoming a seasoned and skilled auto mechanic. Here are some of the auto repair shops that are potential places of employment in the state of Montana.