J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College is teaming up with Frank Williams Dealerships for a brand new program to address the nationwide auto technician shortage. The new auto technician program is being called a pipeline for students right into the industry.
Close to 50,000 more auto techs will be needed in the next seven years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lack of workers can also hurt dealership profits and make it cost you more to get your car fixed.
“For our students, they have the opportunity to be trained on an industry-standard curriculum,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “And what that means for them is they are prepared to go directly into the workforce. The on-boarding time is decreased so that’s a cost saver to the organization.”
When you graduate with an auto tech degree you still have to get brand certified. This program includes that certification, which makes starting the job easier for the you and the employer.
“The students get access to work at the dealership on-site as an intern,” said Frank Williams, GM for Landers McClarty.
Paid internships are another plus. What students are excited for right now is getting their hands on something new.
“It’s cool to be able to work with the newer cars and newer engines,” said student Corben Gebski. “Newer engines, they just keep coming out year after year after year and if we’re working on older engines from back in the ’80’s and the ’90’s it’s not gonna help us very much.”
Since this partnership was announced Williams says more students have already signed up for the program.
