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When it comes to traffic, the Greater Los Angeles area is considered the sixth most congested region in the United States.
Packed roadways warrant the state’s demand for automotive mechanic skills.
If you’re a resident of Riverside or live in the Greater Los Angeles area and are seeking a career that allows you to work with your hands and serve the public, consider training at an auto mechanic school.
Auto Mechanic Training
There are a variety of technical schools in California. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has a leading auto mechanic school in Riverside, CA, that helps equip aspiring mechanics with the skills they need for the industry and prepare them to test for industry certifications.1
Such programs provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to maintain, diagnose and repair various vehicles. This can include but is not limited to:
- Utilizing diagnostic tools to pinpoint issues
- Professional automotive service writing
- Automotive powertrains and transmissions
- Repairing or replacing damaged components
- Testing systems and parts to ensure proper operation
- Providing oil changes, tire rotations and other forms of maintenance
- Accurately communicating findings with clients
There are a few ways to ensure the mechanic school you attend will provide you with these skills. Keep reading to learn what you should look for in an automotive school.
Automotive Mechanic School in California
If you’re searching for “automotive schools near me,” you may want to narrow that search to include accredited programs only.
An accredited mechanic school ensures a specific quality of education that may prove valuable to your job search after graduation.
UTI’s Automotive Technology program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) – a Department of Education–recognized agency that strives to enhance graduates’ success in the workforce.
How well an automotive school prepares graduates to test for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is another thing to consider. Created by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, this certification holds mechanics to continually maintained standards that ensure quality vehicle repair and service.
Although not required by the state of California, many employers prefer candidates who’ve obtained this certification, as it proves they can provide accurate and quality service on their behalf.
UTI helps prepare graduates to test for ASE certification. The automotive program is Master Certified by the ASE Education Foundation,16 and all auto school instructors are ASE certified as well. To take the ASE certification exam, you need two years of relevant work experience. UTI graduates can substitute their training for one of those years.
A school’s industry relationships are the last thing you should consider before applying. Brand relationships can suggest a curriculum relevant to the industry, and manufacturer-specific programs can allow students to learn on brand-specific equipment and technology. At UTI’s Rancho Cucamonga campus, qualified students can choose from two Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs after completing the core program if they want to extend their training. This includes the 15-week Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program and the 12-week Toyota Professional Automotive Technician (TPAT) program.8
Automotive School Courses Offered at UTI Rancho Cucamonga
Through a blended learning model of online instruction and hands-on training, students can gain the knowledge and technical skills the automotive industry needs.18 UTI also provides students opportunities to practice using the tools and technology they will likely see in the real world. Mechanic school course topics at UTI include:
- Automotive engines service and repair
- Professional automotive service writing
- Automotive powertrains and transmissions
- Vehicle steering & suspension service and repair
- Vehicle electronic systems and technology
- Vehicle brake systems
- Automotive climate control systems and repair
- Automotive power/performance and emissions repair
- Advanced technology/hybrid and service advising
- Battery electric vehicle technology
Career Outlook
The median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. was $47,770 in May 2023.25 This means half of automotive technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
On a national level, there are 67,000+ estimated average annual automotive technician job openings in the U.S.41
As you can see, there’s a demand for automotive mechanics, and it could be an exciting route for anyone who enjoys continual learning, problem-solving and serving others.
Auto Mechanic Jobs in Riverside, CA
There are a number of auto mechanic careers graduates can pursue. A few of the most common entry-level auto mechanic jobs include:
- Automotive technician: These mechanics inspect, maintain and diagnose vehicles of various makes and models. They typically work in automotive repair shops or dealerships.
- Parts associate: These auto techs build an in-depth knowledge of various vehicle components. Their duties include stocking, identifying, ordering, inspecting and sorting parts.
- Service writer: Service writers have excellent customer service and communications skills. Using their diagnostic experience, they create work orders for auto technicians and act as a source of knowledge for customers throughout the repair process.
Most of our grads start out prepared to work as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, they may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work. Here are a few advanced roles in this industry:77
- Service manager: Many technicians advance to service manager over time. This role typically oversees the positions listed above while taking on duties such as managing vendor relationships, communicating with customers, and acting as a resource to other employees.
- Fleet technician: Fleet mechanics usually work for a city, municipality or business, inspecting, maintaining and repairing vehicles crucial to daily operation.
- Shop owner: Some seasoned mechanics venture into opening their own auto repair shop.6 Being a shop owner requires a wide breadth of diagnostic and repair intelligence, excellent communication and leadership skills.
Directions From Riverside to UTI Rancho Cucamonga
UTI’s Rancho Cucamonga campus is northwest of downtown Riverside! You can schedule a tour to check out UTI's campus and labs. Follow these directions (this route requires tolls):
- Get on CA-60 W. (1.7 miles)
- Head northeast on Market St toward Mission Inn Avenue. (1.5 miles)
- Use the left lane to merge onto CA-60 W via the ramp to Los Angeles. (0.2 miles)
- Continue on CA-60 W to Ontario. Take exit 56 from I-10 W. (15.0 miles)
- Merge onto CA-60 W. (9.6 miles)
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 41B to merge onto I-15 N toward Barstow. (2.9 miles)
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 109 to merge onto I-10 W toward Los Angeles - Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days. (2.2 miles)
- Use the right lane to take exit 56 for Haven Ave. (0.3 miles)
- Continue on N Haven Ave to your destination in Rancho Cucamonga. (1.3 miles)
- Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto N Haven Ave. (1.1 miles)
- Use the left lane to turn left onto 6th St. (0.1 miles)
- Turn left. (200 feet)
- Turn left. (479 feet)
Fastest route may change depending on most recent traffic conditions.
In addition to Riverside, there are several other popular California cities that students come from or explore during their time at UTI. Nearby communities include:
- Los Angeles
- San Bernardino
- Anaheim
- Irvine
- Santa Monica
- Venice
In addition to these cities, students can enjoy local fun ranging from beaches to hikes to the best of California’s amusement parks!
UTI RANCHO CUCAMONGA CAMPUS LOCATION
9494 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730
M-F | 8am-5pm | Hours
909-484-1929 | Campus
800-834-7308 | Admissions
* If you wish to post a job please click here.
Programs Offered at this Campus
Diesel Technology
UTI’s diesel mechanic program uses a blended learning style of online instruction and hands-on training to prepare students to maintain, repair and diagnose heavy diesel-powered vehicles and machines.18 In just 45 weeks, graduates earn a diploma and can substitute their training for one of the two years required to become ASE certified. 7
They could also be prepared to work as diesel technicians, heavy equipment repair technicians, power-generation technicians, agriculture technicians and in other entry-level roles.77
Industrial Maintenance
The Industrial Maintenance Technician program is designed to get students career-ready in just 30 weeks.
Throughout the program, students will learn to inspect and maintain machinery. Industrial maintenance technicians can work in various industries and may have opportunities to travel, as their skills are in demand at manufacturing plants and factories across the country.
Robotics and Automation
The Robotics & Automation Technician program is available at the Rancho Cucamonga campus. Students who enter this program can graduate in just 51 weeks prepared to develop, test and maintain robotics systems and machines and more! UTI provides students with hands-on training that can help them build the foundation necessary to pursue entry-level roles in the industry.
Throughout the program, students will learn to inspect and maintain machinery. Industrial maintenance technicians can work in various industries and may have opportunities to travel, as their skills are in demand at manufacturing plants and factories across the country.
Welding Technology
The welding program at UTI Rancho Cucamonga is designed to take just 36 weeks to complete. Graduates are prepared for industries ranging from aerospace to motorsports. They will also have earned a diploma to prove their knowledge and skills.
This curriculum is developed with help from an industry leader, Lincoln Electric, so students receive industry-aligned training. This also provides them with hands-on practice using the tools and technology they can expect to see in the real world.
Wind Turbine
A 30-week Wind Turbine Technician program is available at UTI Rancho Cucamonga. UTI teamed up with seasoned industry experts to develop a curriculum that is relevant to the industry. Throughout the program, students can gain in-demand skills crucial to the field. Following completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to enter the field as entry-level wind turbine technicians, installation technicians or field service technicians.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Long Does It Take To Become an Auto Mechanic?
At UTI, students can complete the automotive mechanic school in just 51 weeks.7 UTI also offers Career Services to help students find employment opportunities following their completion of auto school.1
Is Mechanic School Worth it?
According to the BLS, employers prefer to hire candidates who have attended a post-secondary education program, as it provides them with both instruction and hands-on practice. Attending a mechanic school helps students gain the skills needed for the industry.
How Much Do Auto Mechanics Make?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. was $47,770 in May 2023.25 This means half of automotive technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
Prepare for an Auto Mechanic Career With UTI
Ready to get started? Train to become an automotive mechanic at UTI. In less than one year, you can graduate with the technical knowledge and skills today’s employers are looking for.7 Contact an Admissions Representative to get started!
If you still want to learn more about UTI’s automotive school at Rancho Cucamonga, schedule a campus tour or request more info.