What Motor Age Training Is

Motor Age Training is a vocational program that teaches automotive repair, maintenance, and diagnostic skills through classroom instruction and hands-on shop work. The program is run by Motor Age, a division of Babcox Media, and operates training centers in multiple states. Students learn to diagnose and repair vehicles using current industry tools and methods, with instruction covering everything from engine work to electrical systems to computerized diagnostics.

The program is designed for people who want to enter the automotive repair field or advance their skills if they already work in it. Motor Age Training centers operate as standalone facilities, not as part of a traditional college or university, though some centers partner with community colleges to offer credit toward an associate degree. Training typically takes between six months and two years depending on the program track you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Motor Age Training teaches automotive repair through classroom lessons and hands-on work in a shop setting, with programs lasting six months to two years.
  • You can attend full-time or part-time depending on the center and program, and some locations offer evening or weekend classes for working adults.
  • Tuition varies by location and program length, so you will need to contact your nearest center directly for current pricing and payment options.
  • Motor Age Training centers are located in select states, so you will first need to find whether a center operates near you.
  • Graduates receive a Motor Age Training certificate, which some employers recognize as proof of foundational automotive knowledge.

Finding a Motor Age Training Center Near You

Motor Age Training does not operate in every state. The first step is to check whether a center exists in your area. You can search for locations on the Motor Age Training website by entering your state or zip code. The search will show you which centers are currently operating and what programs each one offers.

If no center is near you, you have two options: relocate temporarily for the program, or look for automotive training through a community college or trade school in your state instead. Some community colleges teach the same skills under different program names, such as automotive technology or collision repair technology. A local workforce development office can tell you what automotive training is available in your region.

What Programs Motor Age Training Offers

Motor Age Training centers typically offer multiple program tracks. The most common is a general automotive repair program that covers engine repair, transmission work, brake systems, electrical systems, and computerized diagnostics. Some centers also offer specialized tracks in collision repair, diesel engine work, or hybrid and electric vehicle repair. The specific programs available depend on which center you attend.

Each program combines classroom time with hands-on work in the training shop. You will learn theory in the classroom — how an engine works, how to read a wiring diagram, how to use diagnostic equipment — and then practice those skills on actual vehicles or components in the shop. Instructors are typically experienced automotive technicians who have worked in the field.

Attendance Options and Schedule

Most Motor Age Training centers offer full-time daytime programs, which typically run five days a week during business hours. Some centers also offer part-time evening or weekend classes for people who work during the day. The schedule you can choose depends on which center you attend, so you will need to ask about options when you contact them.

Full-time programs usually move through the curriculum faster and allow you to complete training in six months to a year. Part-time programs take longer — often eighteen months to two years — because you attend fewer hours per week. If you are currently working, a part-time schedule may be the only realistic option, though it means a longer commitment overall.

Cost and How to Pay

Tuition for Motor Age Training programs varies significantly by location and program length. A six-month full-time program at one center may cost a different amount than the same program at another center. You will need to contact the specific center you are interested in to learn their current tuition, what that tuition covers (books, tools, materials), and what is not included.

Motor Age Training centers typically accept payment through several methods: cash, credit card, financing plans, and sometimes federal student loans if the center is accredited to accept them. Some centers work with third-party lenders to offer payment plans that spread tuition over the length of the program. A few centers may have partnerships with workforce development programs or employers that can help cover costs, though this varies by location. Ask your center about all available payment options when you call.

What Happens After You Complete Training

When you finish a Motor Age Training program, you receive a certificate of completion from Motor Age Training. This certificate shows that you have completed the program and demonstrates to employers that you have foundational knowledge in automotive repair. It is not the same as an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, which is a separate industry-standard credential that requires passing an exam.

Many employers recognize Motor Age Training certificates and will hire graduates into entry-level technician positions. Some employers may require you to pass their own skills test or work as an apprentice for a period before moving to a full technician role. The certificate can also help you move into a higher-paying position if you are already working in the automotive field. After you are hired, many employers will support you in pursuing ASE certification, which typically requires work experience plus passing an exam.

How Motor Age Training Differs From Other Automotive Programs

Motor Age Training is a specialized vocational program run by a media company focused on the automotive industry. Community colleges also offer automotive repair programs, usually called automotive technology or automotive service technology. The main differences are that Motor Age Training centers are standalone facilities focused only on automotive training, while community colleges offer a broader range of programs and may require general education courses alongside technical training.

Community college programs often take longer because they include general education requirements, but they may result in an associate degree rather than just a certificate. Motor Age Training programs are typically shorter and more focused on hands-on repair skills. Some people choose Motor Age Training because they want to enter the workforce quickly; others choose community college because they want a degree or want to keep the option open to transfer to a four-year program later. Both paths can lead to automotive technician jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma or GED to attend Motor Age Training?

Most Motor Age Training centers require a high school diploma or GED, though requirements may vary by location. Contact your nearest center to confirm their specific requirements. Some centers may make exceptions or offer preparation support if you do not yet have a diploma.

Can I get financial aid or student loans for Motor Age Training?

It depends on whether the specific center you attend is accredited to accept federal student loans. Some Motor Age Training centers are accredited; others are not. Ask the center directly whether they accept federal loans, state vocational funding, or workforce development grants. Many centers also offer their own payment plans.

How long does it take to become a certified automotive technician after Motor Age Training?

Motor Age Training gives you a certificate, but ASE certification (the industry standard) requires work experience plus passing an exam. Most technicians work for two to four years before they have enough experience to pass ASE exams. Your employer can tell you what their timeline and requirements are.

Will Motor Age Training help me find a job after I graduate?

Motor Age Training centers do not typically place graduates in jobs, though some may have connections with local employers. You will need to search for positions yourself. Your certificate and the skills you learned will help you compete for entry-level technician roles at repair shops, dealerships, and fleet maintenance facilities.

What if there is no Motor Age Training center in my state?

Look for automotive repair or automotive technology programs at community colleges in your area, or contact your state's workforce development office for a list of accredited automotive training programs. Many states offer similar vocational training through different providers.