The path to a successful career as a New Mexico auto mechanic is one that can lead to advancement and job stability. Employment for auto mechanics has remained consistent, without a decline in job growth in recent years. Projections for the future remain consistent with those trends. Current auto mechanic job searches in New Mexico have a short life span, as there are an abundance of openings throughout the state. There are have also been investments in auto industry companies based out of New Mexico, some of which are on the cutting edge of future technologies that are being integrated into vehicles. This has expanded the automotive related employment in New Mexico.
New Mexico Auto Mechanic Education
It is vital that auto mechanics receive the proper training before entering the profession. There is a variety of options to choose from, as auto mechanics can decide on the length of their training. Certificate programs are available in post-secondary schools and these typically take one year to complete. There is also the option of earning an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology, which usually takes two years to complete.
Both kinds of programs provide hands-on instruction combined with lecture hours in a classroom setting. Some programs have co-ops with local auto repair businesses while others have on-site facilities for students to conduct auto repair. Tuition fees and the admissions process varies according to each institution. Graduates of these programs generally experience a smooth transition into the field as job placement rates for graduates are at a high rate in New Mexico. Here is a glimpse of the auto mechanic education programs offered in the state of New Mexico.
- New Mexico Junior College
There are certificate, degree and manufacturer certification programs offered as part of the Automotive Technology programs at New Mexico Junior College.
1 Thunderbird Circle
Hobbs, NM 88240
Phone: 575-392-4510
- San Juan Community College
SJCC’s School of Trades features an automotive technology program that offers degree and certificate options, as well as a variety of manufacturer specific training from the top manufacturers in the auto industry.
4601 College Boulevard
Farmington, NM 87402
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (505) 326-3311
- Luna Community College
The certificate program at LCC is in-depth and even features a host of elective automotive classes as part of its curriculum.
366 Luna Drive
Las Vegas, NM 87701
Program Director: Dr. Rolando Rael
Phone: (505)454-2522
Email: [email protected]
- Santa Fe Community College
There are seven different automotive certificate options at Santa Fe Community College, in addition to an Associate Degree program in Automotive Technology.
6401 Richards Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87508
Contact: Gilbert Sena
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 505-428-1664
- Clovis Community College
Students are able to choose from three automotive programs at Clovis, two of which award certificates and another that awards an Associate Degree of Applied Science.
417 Schepps Blvd
Clovis, New Mexico 88101
Contact: Paul Blair
Phone: 575-769-4178
Email: [email protected]
Auto Mechanic Work Experience
Work experience in the auto repair industry is invaluable, as it allows new mechanics to connect actual repair work with the theories, concepts and techniques they learned in their respective training programs. The experience factor is also important in earning ASE certifications as it is a quota that must be met before an auto mechanic can qualify to take a certification exam. On-the-job learning is also something that never ceases as a myriad of vehicle issues face auto mechanics on a daily basis. This experience will also help auto mechanics with their ability to diagnose problems much easier. There is no shortage of auto mechanic jobs in New Mexico as there are always repair shops interested in bringing on new employees. Here are some of the potential places of employment for auto mechanics in New Mexico.