California's new car dealers are working with an apprenticeship organization to recruit and develop new automotive service technicians.

The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) Foundation is partnering with Automotive Apprenticeship Group (AAG) to provide a path to instruction and training to potential techs, then matching them with California auto dealerships for employment. Though the apprenticeships are for anyone with an interest, they have been especially attractive to people 18 to 30 years old for whom college was not an option or a preference, according to a statement from the two organizations.

The apprenticeship available through the CNCDA Foundation is a two-year program where apprentices accepted into the program are compensated at a competitive wage and with no out-of-pocket expenses. They learn and develop skills through on-the-job training at local dealerships, discovery-based e-learning, and hands-on technical training and practice.

Upon completion of the program, the apprentices earn a national certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Access to all necessary tools and a computer are provided to all apprentices. Each apprentice is supported by a dedicated AAG career manager who provides guidance and support during their apprenticeship.

A recent CNCDA survey indicates there is a statewide shortage of about 5,000 technicians among California dealerships. The technician shortage is the result of an aging workforce with many technicians retiring, and a lack of young people entering the field – often due to a misperception that technicians earn low wages and have limited opportunity for advancement. Experienced technicians, according to the survey, earn $100,000 to more than $200,000 annually once fully certified.

For participating auto dealerships, the solution is completely turnkey – AAG manages apprentice recruitment, conducting of candidate interviews, orientation, pre-apprenticeship training, payroll and compensation, insurance, mentoring and ongoing career coaching, as well as the education and training for each apprentice.

"For a young adult or anyone who is career-minded, being an auto technician is a career that can support a person for the rest of their life," said Kim McPhaul, president of the Foundation. "Our apprenticeship program will connect career-minded people – such as recent high school graduates or those currently working in unrewarding jobs – with opportunity to work in a field where motivated, skilled people are sorely needed. The key to addressing the technician shortage is to take a wholistic approach to the challenges of identifying, vetting, teaching, hiring, and retaining good, long-term, committed career technicians."

While just ramping up in California, several apprentices have already enrolled in the program and are paired with dealerships. 

Anyone interested in exploring the apprentice program can find out more here.