Auto Mechanic Program

The auto mechanic program at Lake Area Technical Institute prepares students for careers as department store service mechanics, auto part specialists, emissions inspectors, rental car fleet mechanic, specialty shop technicians, and car test driver/mechanic. The program focuses on applying technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Program courses include: brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air conditioning systems. Get more details below including other South Dakota colleges that offer auto mechanic program.

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Lake Area Technical Institute

Also known as LATI/Lake Area Tech

333 Omaha St. Suite 6 & 7, Rapid City, SD

Lake Area Technical Institute, located in Watertown, South Dakota, was founded in 1965 and was South Dakota's first technical school. The school enrolls over 1,500 students a year and has had over 16,000 graduates. LATI maintains small class sizes and cutting edge facilities. LA Technical Institute is a higher education institution that believes in offering students a solid foundation upon which they may construct their success.

Academics

LATI offers 27 programs of study, 7 of which are available through online distance learning. The programs provide students with the education necessary to immediately begin a career or to transfer to a four year institution. 98% of graduates find placement in jobs or transfer to a four year university.

Programs offered include:

• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Cosmetology
• Nursing
• Financial Services
• Robotics
• Business Associate

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrolling at Lake Area Technical Institute must be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. Students lacking a high school diploma or GED may take an examination demonstrating that they will benefit from the education offered; students enrolled in this manner must complete their GED within the year.

LATI offers a variety of financial aid options to eligible students. Eligibility for federal programs is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be completed and submitted.

Students Enrolled in the Auto Mechanic Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. LATI/Lake Area Tech offers an associate's degree program in auto mechanic.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Description

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Description

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -50.0% from 2014 to 2024

Automotive Master Mechanics

Description

Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, automotive master mechanics employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Rapid City, SD
  • Total Employment: 320
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.52
  • Average Annual Salary: $36440

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).