Newgate School
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Minnesota / Newgate School
Newgate School – Minneapolis, MN
Program Information
Newgate School is a nonprofit technical training institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, known for its highly respected, tuition-free automotive and auto body repair programs. Serving the Twin Cities for more than 50 years, Newgate focuses on preparing adults for stable, well-paying careers in the automotive industry through hands-on, real-world training. The school operates as a community-focused, self-sustaining model: donated vehicles are repaired by students as part of their training and then sold at affordable prices or donated to working families in need through the Wheels for Women program. This unique structure allows Newgate to offer training programs at no cost to qualified students while providing meaningful service to the community.
Newgate’s Automotive Technician Training Program provides intensive hands-on instruction in vehicle diagnostics, engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, steering and suspension, transmissions, heating and cooling systems, and general automotive maintenance. Students work directly on customer and donated vehicles, gaining industry-level repair experience that mirrors a real automotive shop environment. Training includes the use of diagnostic scan tools, multimeters, shop computers, lifts, and professional-grade tools. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level auto technicians or pursue ASE certification testing.
The Auto Body Repair Training Program teaches the full range of collision repair skills, including dent repair, panel replacement, welding, refinishing, painting, sanding, surface preparation, frame straightening, and the use of specialized shop equipment. Students practice using MIG welders, paint booths, grinders, sanders, body filler, alignment tools, and industry-standard materials. Throughout the program, instructors emphasize precision, craftsmanship, and efficiency—skills essential for success in modern collision repair facilities. Graduates frequently secure employment with body shops, dealerships, insurance repair centers, and restoration businesses.
Newgate School prioritizes individualized instruction and small training groups, ensuring that each student receives personal attention from experienced instructors. The school’s learning environment is designed for adults who may be entering the trades for the first time, changing careers, or pursuing a stable path to long-term employment without taking on student debt. With its community-driven mission, Newgate maintains strong partnerships with local automotive employers who frequently recruit graduates due to their strong hands-on experience, professionalism, and job readiness.
In addition to technical training, Newgate emphasizes employability skills such as shop safety, communication, professionalism, reliability, and customer interaction. Students also receive guidance in résumé preparation, job searching, interviewing, and workplace expectations. The school’s strong job placement reputation is built on decades of graduate success throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area.
Program Length
- Most programs range from 9 to 18 months depending on individual progress and skill development
- Training hours combine structured shop instruction with real repair projects
- Self-paced learning models allow motivated students to advance more quickly
Hands-On Training
Students receive hands-on experience in:
- Automotive diagnostics, electrical troubleshooting, and repair procedures
- Engine performance, steering systems, suspension, and brake service
- Collision repair, paint preparation, refinishing, and welding
- Use of professional shop tools, scan tools, lifts, and safety equipment
- Real-world customer vehicle repairs and donated vehicle restoration
Program Requirements
- High school diploma or GED recommended but not strictly required
- Ability to work in a hands-on, mechanical environment
- Commitment to full-time attendance and successful program completion
- Interview and screening process to ensure program readiness
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Preparation for ASE testing in multiple automotive specialty areas
- Career pathways include automotive technician, service technician, collision repair technician, refinisher, or body shop apprentice
- Strong employer connections across Minneapolis–St. Paul
Location
Newgate School
2900 East Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55413
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