5 Smart Ways to Prepare for Auto Mechanic School

If you're interested in becoming a mechanic, a stint at automotive technician school is likely in the cards. As you gear up to apply, you'll probably notice that admission requirements are usually pretty general. While details can vary, most technical schools try to go light on barriers to entry. 

 

If you have a high school diploma, meet minimum age requirements, and have a valid driver's license, you'll likely qualify for admission. However, you shouldn't overlook proper prep just because you tick all the basic boxes. A few simple but smart actions can give you a leg up on your auto mechanic training from day one.

 

Here are five ways to prepare for automotive technical school:

 

1. Take the right classes in high school
2. Set goals
3. Prepare physically
4. Start networking  
5. Make a financial plan

 

 

Take the right classes in high school

Lots of high schools offer shop classes in automotive technology and other technical fields that line up with auto mechanic training. Take as many of these as you can: they'll lay the foundations for success in technical school and help you get your feet wet with the topics you'll study once you get there.

 

It's also wise to take math and science courses. Today's auto technicians use algebra, geometry, and other kinds of applied math in their work. Physics and chemistry are also highly relevant to auto mechanic training, so add those to your list as well. If you can, round things out with classes in electronics technology.

 

Also, remember how tech-heavy modern vehicles are. You don't need to be a computer whiz to become an auto mechanic, but a solid working knowledge of computer systems and how they work will help, both now and into the future.

 

If you've already graduated and don't have the time to take classes in these areas, don't sweat it. Math and science tutorials, free open enrollment college courses, and online forums and communities are all great resources for self-guided learning.

 

 

Set goals

At this stage, you may or may not have a firm idea of where you'd like your career to go. You don't have to commit to a specific path just yet, but thinking through your short-, medium-, and long-term goals can help you get more out of your technical school experience.

 

Here's a sample blueprint of how your goal planning might look:

 

Short-term goals

Try to identify at least a couple of specific learning goals you can reach by the time you graduate. You might want to build a specialization in certain vehicle systems, like ignitions or emission controls, or get really good with hands-on service technologies like scanning equipment or calibration tools. One helpful approach is to identify gaps in your current knowledge and craft a plan for filling them.

 

As a student, you'll have access to expert instructors with lots of industry experience. By knowing exactly what you want to learn, you can take better advantage of this access while it's right there in front of you.

 

Medium-term goals

Landing your first automotive tech job is a great medium-term goal. However, it's one you'll share with most of your classmates — and you might end up competing against them for jobs as graduation approaches.

 

Given this reality, you might want to add one or more entry-level professional certifications to your resume. Some automotive technician training programs build certifications into their curricula, giving you a direct path to earning them. If not, you'll need to pursue them on your own.

 

In the latter case, start by exploring certification pathways offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). They're universally recognized, widely respected, and stackable.

 

If you're interested in focusing on a certain area, this resource on auto technician tracks you can specialize in has some valuable insights to offer.

 

Long-term goals

For now, keep your long-term thinking broad and flexible. You don't have a crystal ball, and there's no telling what kinds of opportunities might present themselves over the course of your future career.

 

Focus on general long-term goals, and look for ways to start taking small steps toward meeting them. Here are a few examples:

 

• If you'd like to run your own shop one day, take electives in accounting, management, and business administration if they're available.
   
• If you're interested in future-proofing your automotive tech career, consider specializing in electric or hybrid vehicles, self-driving auto technologies, or computerized diagnostics.
   
• If you'd like to work on the supercars pro racers use, check out the apprenticeships and specialized training programs that can help you get there. See what kind of background knowledge and experience you'll need to qualify for these opportunities. 

 

For more goal-oriented insights, consult our article on what to look for in an auto technician school.

 

 

Prepare physically

Auto mechanic training — and the careers it leads to — can be physically demanding. While you don't need to be an Olympian, it will help if you're in decent shape. This will reduce your risk of muscle strains, pulls, and repetitive stress injuries.

 

Simple advice applies:

 

• Stay active: the Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity per week.
   
• Eat well to prevent weight gain: limit your intake of salt, sugar, and high-fat foods. Take it easy on snacking between meals and don't overdo it on empty-calorie treats.
   
• Build your core strength and flexibility with exercises that engage your back, abdominal, and pelvic muscles.

 

Establishing good habits now will pay dividends throughout your career — and your life.

 

Start networking

As in most industries, social connections can lead to auto technician job opportunities. Build positive relationships with peers, working professionals, potential employers, and your instructors. 

 

You'll naturally interact with fellow students and teachers in your classes. To connect with professionals and employers, sign up for optional internships or trainings through your school. This can pay off: according to 2025 data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 62% of interns go on to receive an employment offer.

 

Make a financial plan

Tuition rates at technical schools are usually much lower than colleges charge. Auto technician programs are also much shorter than most degree plans, covering about 1-2 years instead of the four years you'd spend on a bachelor's degree. These factors make them more affordable, but you'll still want to plan ahead by building up a financial cushion.

 

Try out these strategies:

 

• Take a year off between high school and vocational school. During that year, work full time, keep your spending down, and save as much as you can.
   
• Compare the financial aid programs at the schools you're considering. If all else is equal, choose a lower-cost program or a school that offers more financial assistance to its students.
   
• Look for vocational school and automotive technology scholarships from corporate donors, professional associations, and governments.

 

You can also go to school part time while you work. This popular approach can really ease the financial sting of higher education. For more practical tips, check out this vocational school financial aid guide.

 

PEAK proudly supports the emerging generation of auto technicians

At PEAK, we recognize how important it is to position automotive technology students for success. Start planning your career with the help of this resource-packed guide to becoming an auto technician.