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How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Florida: 3 Steps

Mar 6, 2023 ·

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Becoming an auto mechanic in Florida isn’t always easy.

However, this shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing a career in the Sunshine State! All this means is that your training plan needs to be refined.

Ideally, your plan should include an automotive training program that teaches essential trade skills. These skills can also be established on paper, which can help when it comes to applying for entry-level roles in the automotive industry.

This training is available through Universal Technical Institute’s 51-week Automotive Technology program7 at our two campuses in Florida: Orlando and Miramar. While enrolled, students take automotive mechanic courses like:

  • Automotive Engines Service and Repair
  • Professional Automotive Service Writing
  • Automotive Climate Control Systems and Repair

Continue reading to learn more. We’ll relay our learning-based training strategy on how to become an auto mechanic in Florida!1

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Many employers for auto mechanic jobs in Florida only hire candidates with a high school diploma or a GED diploma. These documents prove the completion of a structured curriculum, which requires discipline and reasoning ability — traits that auto technicians need to deal with the rigors of a trade program and successfully complete their duties as auto mechanics.

Obtaining a high school degree or GED takes time, but it can also open up your options! Without either, it could be difficult to gain admission to an automotive mechanic school before securing an entry-level position, and a career as an auto mechanic could take much longer to develop.

Read: UTI Admissions Requirements

2. Enroll in a Trade Program

Many entry-level auto mechanic jobs require formal training experience, so credentials from an automotive technology trade school program could make a big difference. They show students have completed automotive training that teaches them how to perform essential automotive mechanic tasks like diagnostics, repairs and maintenance.

After completing the Automotive Technology program at our campuses in Orlando and Miramar, graduates earn an occupational associate degree (OAD).

Completing UTI’s Automotive program can help add experience and credibility to your résumé, which can help you pursue a career as an automotive mechanic. And our Career Services team can help you prepare for job interviews and apply for positions.1

Read: How to Train to Become an Auto Electrician

3. Continue Schooling With Specialized Training

Specialized automotive training can advance your skills as an automotive technician even further. Students who have completed UTI’s core Automotive Technology program are eligible to apply for our Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs, which provide this type of training!15

MSAT programs, which may be paid for by the manufacturer or the student upon enrollment, teach engine servicing skills specific to the automotive engine brands covered by the program. They may even help students learn about job opportunities from the manufacturer who helped develop their training!

Keep in mind that our specialized training programs in Florida are currently only offered at our Orlando campus. Our core Automotive curriculum is still available at our Miramar location, so you can train there and consider moving to our Orlando campus if you want to continue your education. We also provide a wider variety of specialized automotive training programs at our other campuses beyond the ones described below!

BMW FastTrack

  • Program duration: 12 weeks
  • Potential credentials: BMW Associate Level III Certification, 7 factory credentials

The BMW FastTrack program provides student-paid training in BMW vehicle servicing. Students can also learn how to use the most up-to-date BMW-specific technology and equipment. All this helps them gain the practical and technical knowledge needed to pursue positions servicing BMW vehicles after graduation!

BMW dealerships across the country also recognize BMW Associate Level III Certification. FastTrack graduates will have documentation proving they have previously and successfully completed training relevant to the work for which they are applying.

Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT)

  • Program duration: 15 weeks
  • Potential credentials: Up to 12 Ford instructor-led classroom credentials, 80+ web-based credentials

The Ford FACT program provides student-paid training. This training teaches students how to service Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Students also dive deeper into engine performance and theory using Ford’s automotive technology and instructional support.

Ford FACT graduates also receive a Ford STARS ID, which tracks their training history and can be viewed by employers. Students with these IDs will have a track record of learning how to complete the required tasks needed at Ford and Lincoln dealerships!

Mercedes-Benz Drive

  • Program duration: 17 weeks
  • Potential credentials: Systems Technician Status

The Mercedes-Benz Drive program is manufacturer-paid and is one of UTI’s more competitive specialized training programs. Students chosen for the program train at Mercedes-Benz’s facility in Jacksonville, which is about 140 miles from Orlando.

Students spend a significant amount of time in labs learning deductive technical reasoning and gaining hands-on experience. This experience helps them develop a better understanding of the technology and skills used at Mercedes-Benz dealerships, where they can even be offered six months of employment after graduation!14

Read: What Is a Fleet Mechanic?

Train at UTI and Learn How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Florida!

During your pursuit of an entry-level role as an automotive mechanic, don’t stop learning. Continue to push yourself. Be ambitious about learning opportunities even after you’ve trained how to become an auto mechanic in Florida, and you could help advance your skills and your career!

UTI’s Automotive Technology program is available at both Florida trade school locations in Orlando and Miramar. In these programs, instructors with years of industry experience teach students vital industry skills needed to help them pursue auto mechanic jobs.2

When you’re ready to begin training, fill out an automotive trade school application. If you want to learn more about our program first, request more information!

UTI Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training

NASCAR Technical Institute Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training

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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.

2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.

7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.

14) Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.

15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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