The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) and Subaru of New England (SNE) recently took significant actions to educate future automotive professionals.

The CNCDA Foundation is partnering with Automotive Apprenticeship Group (AAG) to provide a path to training and an innovative apprenticeship solution aimed at developing individuals who aspire to become automotive service technicians.

Meanwhile, Subaru of New England has pledged an additional $500,000 to Northwood University in continued support of the Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy. This second major commitment brings the total investment to $1 million.

What’s happening in the Golden State is addressing one of the most pressing personnel challenges that dealerships face.

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. And each apprentice is supported by a dedicated AAG career manager that provides guidance and support during their apprenticeship journey.

A recent CNCDA survey indicated there is a statewide shortage of about 5,000 technicians among California dealerships. The research showed 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.

CNCDA reported that California dealerships completed 33.8 million repairs on customer vehicles in 2024.

California is not alone with this shortage. Nationally there are nearly 400,000 job openings for service technicians, according to a news release.

For participating dealerships, officials said 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 CNCDA 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,” McPhaul continued.

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

AAG was founded by David Peterson, who previously owned auto dealerships around the nation for more than 40 years. He has witnessed firsthand the critical need of the next generation of skilled service technicians.

“The technician shortage is an industrywide, nationwide challenge,” said AAG president Joe Atkinson, a longtime executive in Peterson’s dealership operations. “With 27 million drivers on the road in California, it’s a particularly serious problem here. But with this problem comes opportunity. We see opportunity for people who aspire for a career where they will be in demand, and where they will be part of the new wave of talent for auto dealerships.”

McPhaul noted the apprenticeships through the foundation and AAG set a high standard. Only a portion of those who apply and who are interviewed are accepted into the program.

“Thus, while the AAG offerings and its related high standards may not be for everyone, for those who are vetted and accepted … and for the dealerships that hire them … it is a win/win with promising long-term dividends,” McPhaul said.

Foundation chair K.C. Heidler added, “Dealers throughout the state have service bays that are unused because of the tech shortage. It puts a strain on their businesses. And customers find it difficult to schedule repair and maintenance visits. The apprenticeship program is a strategic, long-term solution to this challenge.”

Anyone interested in exploring the apprentice program can visit https://www.cncdafoundation.org/apprenticeship.

More details about SNE pledge to Northwood

Northwood president Kent MacDonald recapped the deepening partnership with Subaru of New England, which is the exclusive distributor for Subaru vehicles and parts to the 65 Subaru retailers in the six states of New England.

“This expanded investment from Subaru of New England is a testament to our shared vision of preparing future leaders to thrive in the rapidly evolving automotive and mobility industry,” MacDonald said in a news release. “We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership, honored by their confidence in Northwood, and proud of the remarkable impact already underway through this professorship.”

Ernie Boch Jr. is president and CEO of Subaru of New England.

“At Subaru of New England, we believe in driving forward — not just in our vehicles, but in how we invest in the future of our industry,” Boch said. “Northwood University is leading the way in preparing the next generation of automotive and mobility leaders, and we’re proud to double down on our support of their mission.

“This is more than a gift — it’s a partnership built on performance, purpose, and progress,” he went on to say.

Dave Oventhal was appointed as the inaugural Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy following the initial $500,000 gift in 2023. A longtime professional in the automotive, mobility, and powersports sectors, Oventhal has played a vital role in launching the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS), which combines Northwood University’s automotive retail and automotive aftermarket education programs with non-degree education through the University of the Aftermarket, plus other professional and continuing education, including master’s degrees focused on the automotive industry.

“This additional support from Subaru of New England strengthens Northwood’s ability to drive progress at the intersection of education and industry,” said Matthew Bennett, vice president of enrollment, strategic partnerships, and CAMS. “Dr. Oventhal’s leadership has created new energy and momentum across campus, as well as in our industry outreach and research.”

In addition to leading the CAMS Research Institute, Oventhal has made an impact as the inaugural Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy by:

—Launching DRIVEN, a bi-monthly periodical from the CAMS Research Institute that highlights alumni success, industry innovation, and critical issues facing automotive, aftermarket, and powersports professionals.

—Expanding Northwood’s powersports footprint, including attending the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Las Vegas to engage with manufacturers, vendors, and alumni while exploring industry-aligned educational opportunities.

—Spearheading efforts to highlight Northwood’s role in developing talent pipelines and enhancing workforce readiness — including new curriculum and degree program development.

“This professorship has been a unique opportunity to integrate education, research, and industry collaboration in meaningful ways,” Oventhal stated. “I am grateful to Subaru of New England, including chief operating officer Jeffrey Ruble, a Northwood alumnus, and president and CEO Ernie Boch Jr., for supporting our efforts to bridge classroom learning with real-world relevance to build lasting value for students and industry alike.”

“The continued generosity of Subaru of New England — and the hands-on involvement of Ernie Boch Jr. — has a significant impact not just at Northwood, but across the broader automotive landscape,” added Elgie Bright, who leads automotive retail education at Northwood University. “This partnership is a shining example of what happens when industry leaders invest in future generations.”

Visit northwood.edu/cams to learn more about the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies.