Turn a Passion for Cars Into a Lifelong Career
Thinking about a career working on cars, but worried about the cost of getting started? At Newgate School, our free auto body training in Minneapolis, MN, gives motivated young adults a real way into the automotive trade without tuition, loans, or fees. You learn genuine skills on real vehicles, guided by instructors who have spent years in the field.
- Every lesson happens in the shop on real cars, with no classroom lectures or textbooks.
- Tuition is completely free, funded entirely by the sale of donated vehicles.
- Graduates leave with a certificate, a set of tools, and a job lined up in the local trade.
For 50 years, we have helped people in our community build careers in the automotive industry, one car at a time. Whether you grew up tinkering with engines or you are starting from scratch, our doors are open to anyone with the drive to learn and a real interest in the work.
Hands-On From Day One
There is no sitting through lectures here. From your very first day, you are in the shop with tools in your hands, working on actual collision repairs and refinishing jobs. We like to say your vehicle is your textbook, and over the course of the program, the average auto body student works on around 20 cars. That kind of repetition builds the muscle memory and confidence that employers want to see.
You will learn metal fabrication, welding, bodywork, painting, sanding, masking, and how to estimate repair costs the way a working shop does. By the time you finish, you will know how to repair a damaged panel, so it looks like the accident never happened.
Free Auto Body Training in Minneapolis, MN
Cost keeps many people from pursuing the career they want, so we removed that barrier entirely. This training carries no tuition, no fees, and no loans to pay back. The school funds itself through the sale of donated vehicles, which means the money you would normally spend on schooling stays in your pocket. All we ask in return is your commitment to show up and put in the work.
Skills That Lead to Real Jobs
The point of all this work is a paycheck and a future. Nearly all of our graduates have a job lined up before they finish, and our placement rate ranges from 95 to 100 percent. Local body shops, dealerships, and custom garages know the quality of a Newgate-trained tech and actively seek them out.
When you graduate, you do not walk away empty-handed. Each student earns a certificate of completion and receives a tool cabinet stocked with the gear needed to start working right away. It is everything you need to start strong on the shop floor.
Built for Students Who Learn Differently
Traditional school is not for everyone, and that is okay. You do not need a high school diploma to enroll, and many of our students struggled in a typical classroom before they found us. Because everything is hands-on, people who learn best by doing tend to thrive here. Training is flexible and moves at your pace, so most students graduate within 12 to 18 months, ready to launch a career.
Our Programs and How to Get Started
We offer two tuition-free programs, and getting started is simpler than you might expect. Our free auto body training and our auto mechanics program both run entirely in the shop on real vehicles. The chart below breaks down what each program covers and the steps to enroll.
When you are ready, reach out to schedule a visit. You can tour the shop, watch students at work, and meet an instructor who will answer your questions.
Start Your Automotive Career at Newgate School
For half a century, Newgate School has given people in the area a real shot at a stable, rewarding career in the automotive trade. We are proud to be part of the Northeast community, and we measure our success by the graduates working in shops across the metro today.
If you are ready to trade uncertainty for a skill that pays, we would love to meet you. Reach out today to learn how to apply and take the first step toward a future built on solid ground.
- Frequently Asked Questions -
Is the auto body training at Newgate School really free?
Yes. Newgate School offers completely free auto body training with no tuition, no fees, and no loans. The school funds itself through the sale of donated vehicles, so every student trains at no cost.
Where can I find free auto body training in Minneapolis, MN?
Newgate School provides free auto body training at our campus in the Northeast neighborhood off East Hennepin Avenue. We have trained young adults for automotive careers for 50 years.
How long does the auto body program take?
Most students finish the auto body program within 12 to 18 months. Because training is flexible and you can move at your own pace, the exact timeline depends on your prior experience and how quickly you build your skills.
Do I need a high school diploma to enroll?
No, a high school diploma is not required to enroll at Newgate School. We focus on ability and attitude, welcoming motivated young adults who are serious about a career working on cars.
What will I learn in the auto body program?
You will learn metal fabrication, welding, bodywork, painting, sanding, masking, and repair estimating. All of it happens in the shop on real vehicles, so you build practical skills employers need.
Will I find a job after graduating?
Nearly all Newgate graduates have a job lined up before they finish, with a placement rate between 95 and 100 percent. Local shops, dealerships, and garages know our graduates and actively seek them out.
How do I apply to Newgate School?
Applying starts with a simple visit. Reach out to schedule a time to tour the shop, watch students at work, and meet with an instructor who can answer your questions and walk you through enrollment.