SmartGroups and Automotive Reinsurance Concepts founder and chief executive officer Justin Osburn started 2023 with two major announcements aimed directly at helping independent dealers, which are facing some significant headwinds based on Cox Automotive’s latest research.
First, Automotive Reinsurance Concepts introduced Independent Dealer University, a subscription-based online education platform designed to put “next-level” training easily within reach of independent retail dealerships of all sizes.
Furthermore, six state independent dealers associations representing seven states have joined with SmartGroups in a partnership that includes picking up the tab for dealers’ state IADA dues — and introduces a “groundbreaking” new way to put the advantages of 20 Group membership within reach of virtually every dealer.
The developments arrived on Tuesday after the fourth quarter Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) indicated independent dealers now see profits as weak.
Automotive Reinsurance Concepts highlighted IDU is a comprehensive training program offering a full curriculum of on-demand interactive video lessons covering all areas of dealership operations — sales, F&I, accounting, fixed ops and more — taught by Osburn as well as national training director and renowned F&I guru “3K” Cory Collins.
The subscription includes unlimited access for unlimited users within the dealership as well as weekly live Zoom meetings with Osburn on sales and Collins on F&I.
Osburn, a former dealership owner, general manager and finance manager who served as lead instructor of NIADA’s acclaimed Certified Master Dealer course, said IDU is a “game-changer.”
“There is nothing like this available anywhere else,” he said in the news release. “IDU is a comprehensive, battle-tested training program that empowers dealership owners and their staff with the technical skills and knowledge they need to achieve the results they’ve dreamed of.
“Our overriding passion for helping independent retail dealers has led to a program that gives every dealership, no matter how big or small, access to the absolute best education in the industry at a low cost and available anytime, anywhere,” Osburn went on to say.
IDU’s library includes hundreds of instructional videos and will continue expanding as an ever-growing training resource for every role in the dealership.
The classes are delivered through LightSpeedVT, the platform used by trainers and speakers such as Joe Verde, Grant Cardone and Tony Robbins. ARC said it’s an advanced interactive training system available, allowing dealers to track, measure and monitor progress to ensure their staff members are engaging and learning.
Osburn said the platform’s look and feel is designed to evoke a collegiate atmosphere — right down to its mascot, the Tuskers.
“This is higher education for dealers,” Osburn said. “IDU is an elite university online that's affordable to all. The curriculum is so organized that it’s surgical. This is something never seen before in this industry in the depth and breadth of the education offered.”
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit idutuskers.com.
6 associations partner with SmartGroups
Meanwhile, SmartGroups has partnered with six state independent dealer associations
As part of the partnership, SmartGroups: 20 Groups Reimagined will pay the annual state association dues for any dealer from a participating state who joins a SmartGroups 20 Group, whether the dealer is a current member of the association or not. That applies to any dealers from the participating states who are already members of a SmartGroup.
The joint venture with Alabama IADA, Carolinas IADA, Colorado IADA, Michigan IADA, Missouri IADA and Ohio IADA includes education and training opportunities for the associations’ member dealers.
OIADA executive director Wendy Rinehart, who was named Association Executive of the Year for 2022 by the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, called the partnership “a very exciting opportunity for OIADA.”
“We’re always looking for ways to increase membership and bring additional value to our association’s dealer members,” said Rinehart, a past chair of NIADA’s Association Executives Council, “and this partnership is a way for us to accomplish both of those goals.”
The partnership creates an innovative new concept in 20 Groups, designed to be cost-effective and far more accessible to smaller operations than traditional 20 Groups.
SmartGroups Lite are state-specific 20 Groups featuring meetings held in the dealers’ home state with an accelerated two-day schedule, minimizing the time spent away from the dealership and the costs of travel and accommodations.
Members of SmartGroups Lite will still have the benefit of the industry’s best moderators/consultants and best meeting content, topics and speakers, but in less time and at lower cost.
“We’re excited to launch a very first in 20 Groups,” Osburn said. “Low prorates, no air travel necessary, all dealers from within the state. Thanks to these state associations, this is literally the most affordable 20 Group program ever offered to independent retail dealers.”
Lite 20 Groups will be available in every state in which the IADA is partnered with SmartGroups, and SmartGroups will pay the state IADA dues for all members of the Lite Groups in participating states.
For more information or to join a group, visit smart20groups.com, click on the SmartGroups Lite tab and select your state from the dropdown menu.
If your state IADA isn’t partnered with SmartGroups and you’re interested in joining a SmartGroups Lite, contact your state association’s executive director or email SmartGroups director Howard Bullock at howard@arcdealers.com.
The National Automobile Dealers Association has named a vice president of education and training. Filling the newly created role is Camron Wilson, who has been with NADA since 2014.
She will head up all education and training programs and will lead NADA/ATD Academy operations, the association said in a news release. NADA Academy chair Michael Hayes continues in that post and will work alongside Wilson.
“Camron brings a wealth of knowledge and proven track record to NADA’s dealer education offerings,” NADA president and chief executive officer Mike Stanton said in a news release. “She has been integral to the dealer operations department and to the highest levels of the organization. Her talent and dedication make her a natural addition to our leadership team.”
Wilson has been in the auto industry for nearly 20 years, including time with Dealer Product Services and Ford Motor Co.
Her first role at NADA was as director of training and business development. Wilson’s accomplishments so far include leading the launch and development of the NADA Professional Series.
That educational program focuses on new and promising managers in sales, office, parts and service.
“Dealers are the backbone of the auto industry,” said Wilson. “My goal is to educate and prepare the next generation of auto dealers and employees to run profitable dealerships, and to help dealers build employee career paths in order to entice newcomers into compelling dealership careers.”
Carvana has started a new program to help its team members work toward completing an undergraduate degree.
The program is called Carvana KEYS, with the acronym standing for Keeping Education in Your Sight.
Through the internal initiative, Carvana team members can apply to seek financial and programmatic assistance toward earning their college degrees.
Carvana KEYS works with InStride, a global provider of strategic enterprise education programs. Carvana said the program could help decrease the financial and logistical burdens people face in completing an undergraduate degree. Those who might not be college-ready could also have an opportunity to start with an earned admission program.
All programs are offered online through InStride’s curated global network of academic partners.
“As a vertically integrated company, we have a myriad of jobs across industries, and recognize that there are numerous paths that lead to Carvana,” Carvana founder and chief executive officer Ernie Garcia said in a news release.
Garcia continued, “So we’re proud to support the diverse backgrounds, experience and talents of our teammates who have yet to complete — or pursue — a college degree with Carvana KEYS.”
“Carvana is recognized for the innovative and creative way it is disrupting the traditional car-buying process,” said InStride chief executive officer Vivek Sharma.
Sharma continued, “We’re pleased that they are showing the same initiative when it comes to creating a future-ready workforce with the Carvana KEYS program, and we’re proud to work with them on this endeavor.”
InStride has agreements with a curated network of academic institutions in the United States, Latin America, Australia and Europe.
Those institutions include Arizona State University, City University of New York, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Washington.
Warren Henry Auto Group is grooming future automotive technicians who still are high-school students.
The group that’s been in business since 1976, recently announced the new Warren Henry Technician program in partnership with Miami Dade Public Schools. With this initiative, Warren Henry is hoping to reduce the current shortage of technicians in south Florida and use this platform as a recruiting tool.
The program is designed to welcome 20 students and has a duration of two years. It includes classroom and hands-on instruction reinforced with high-tech computerized learning systems. The content of this program is directly related to the areas of the ASE Certification and includes on-the-job internship training experiences at Jaguar Land Rover North Dade.
Students will also have the benefit of being supervised by some of the best-certified master technicians in south Florida.
This certification program will start on Aug. 24.
“The shortage of automotive service technicians is undeniable, but we want to be part of the solution. That's why we have come up with this incredible initiative that is also going to contribute to the growth and education of technicians in our community,”, Warren Henry Auto Group chief executive officer Warren Zinn said in a news release.
Warren Henry Auto Group retails a variety of vehicle brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Infiniti, Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM.
For more information, call (305) 690-6006 or visit http://www.warrenhenryauto.com.
Another educational institution is responding to the need for automotive technicians.
On Friday, Florida Career College (FCC) with 10 campuses throughout the Sunshine State launched an automotive technician program at its Hialeah campus.
The school highlighted the implementation of this automotive technician program allows students to receive hands-on training and skills to prepare them for an entry-level position as an automotive technician. Students who enroll in the program can earn their diploma in as few as 10 months, according to FCC.
Students will train in FCC’s new automotive lab where they can practice on real vehicles and develop practical skills.
“We are thrilled to be adding the Automotive Technician program at FCC in Hialeah,” said Niki Good, executive director at Florida Career College’s Hialeah campus.
“With the increase in electric vehicles, there is a growing need for skilled automotive technicians who are trained to perform repairs on both traditional and electric systems,” Good continued in a news release. “We aim to meet market demands by providing students with the training needed to start a career in the automotive industry.”
FCC’s decision arrives amidst an array of other actions aimed at increasing the pool of trained technicians.
A quartet of dealer groups with a presence in Pennsylvania is involved with another education program aimed at boosting the number of qualified service technicians trained by Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Exton, Pa.
And Volkswagen previously announced it will donate 31 Atlas SUVs and diagnostics equipment to high-school auto technician programs, technical schools and career centers across the country during the next few months.
Students can enroll now in the automotive technician program at the Hialeah campus. More details can be found at floridacareercollege.edu.
The automotive industry responding to the need for qualified service technicians continued this week with an automaker joining the effort.
Volkswagen said it recognizes the need for vehicles to be in the hands of students to help educate and equip tomorrow’s technicians with the tools necessary for future employment. During the next few months, Volkswagen announced it will donate 31 Atlas SUVs and diagnostics equipment to high-school auto technician programs, technical schools and career centers across the country.
To help address the growing need for trained automotive technicians who understand both the hardware and the increasingly complex software in modern vehicles, Volkswagen acknowledged simply learning the nuts and bolts of automotive repair no longer suffices.
“There is a national shortage of technicians, and it’s expected to grow as many technicians are, or are very close to, retirement age. We have to start looking for avenues to backfill these individuals,” Volkswagen national service operations manager Jon Meredith said in a news release.
Today, more than 770,000 people work as automotive technicians and mechanics across the country, according to federal government estimates. While the overall number of roles remains steady, federal labor experts and the automotive industry estimate the need for new technicians at tens of thousands of workers per year just to maintain current openings demand that’s greater than what trade schools can currently supply with graduates.
“As an industry, we need to come up with different ways of thinking and doing to attract young people to this industry,” said Meredith, while adding that as a vehicle manufacturer, Volkswagen sees tremendous value in partnering with dealers and the technical and trade schools in their markets to bring both the Volkswagen product and diagnostic equipment to the younger generation considering a career in the automotive industry.
The Volkswagen ODIS software used to diagnose and update vehicles would normally have to be purchased directly from Volkswagen under the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act and would be out of reach of many programs. The automaker indicated the selected schools will also collaborate with local dealerships to provide supplemental assistance and instruction on the donated equipment.
Darin Lewis, an automotive instructor at Ohio’s Medina County Career Center, says the Volkswagen Atlas and software will be the newest vehicle in his school’s training fleet by a decade.
“It goes far beyond donating a physical car. With the technology, they are providing their entry-level curriculum,” Lewis said. “I look back when I was in school and you were either a Ford guy or a Chevy guy. Those days are long gone.
“To have something that’s the latest and greatest out there – and to be able to show students, ‘This is where the industry is headed’ — is important,” Lewis went on to say.
VW announcement comes on the heels of several dealership groups with a presence in Pennsylvania collaborating with Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Exton, Pa.
Past surveys showed reasonably high acceptance toward fully self-driving cars.
But that was before several high-profile automated vehicle incidents occurred about a year ago. Since then, attitudes toward self-driving cars have not rebounded, with 71 percent of participants in an AAA automated vehicle survey saying they are afraid to ride in fully self-driving vehicles.
But the January 2019 AAA survey of 1,008 adults found some promising results for autonomous vehicles. The survey showed that Americans support the idea of automated vehicle technology in more limited applications.
Fifty-three percent of respondents were comfortable with low-speed, short distance forms of transportation such as people movers at airports or theme parks. Forty-four percent are comfortable with fully self-driving vehicles for delivery of food or packages.
But once you place the respondents’ loved ones into the equation and ask about transporting them in autonomous vehicles, one in five remain comfortable.
How can that fear be eased? AAA believes bridging the gap between the perception of automated vehicle technology and the reality of how it actually works in today’s cars will be important in increasing consumers’ comfort with fully self-driving vehicles.
And that will be done through experience, which AAA says seems to play a major role toward drivers’ feelings about automated vehicle technology. Many of today’s cars come with advanced driver assistance systems, which are considered the building blocks for fully self-driving vehicles, according to AAA.
The AAA survey showed an improvement in consumer comfort level when they experience regular interaction with advanced driver assistance system components such as lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and self-parking. The survey showed that drivers who have experience with one of those technologies are about 68 percent more likely on average to trust these features than drivers who don’t have them.
“Automated vehicle technology is evolving on a very public stage and, as a result, it is affecting how consumers feel about it,” AAA director of automotive engineering and industry relations Greg Brannon said in a news release. “Having the opportunity to interact with partially or fully automated vehicle technology will help remove some of the mystery for consumers and open the door for greater acceptance.”
Brannon believes hands-on experience in more controlled, low-risk environments will help ease fears about self-driving cars. Stronger education will also help, he added.
“Despite fears still running high, AAA’s study also shows that Americans are willing to take baby steps toward incorporating this type of technology into their lives,” Brannon said.
AAA is working to study that area further. In an effort to help more people gain real-world experience with automated vehicle transportation, AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah partnered with the city of Las Vegas, Keolis North America and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) in piloting what AAA says is the first and largest self-driving shuttle for the public to operate in live traffic.
AAA says the self-driving shuttle was the first in the country to be fully integrated with smart city infrastructure and operate on open, public roads.
Participants took a post-ride survey on how their personal experience with the shuttle affected their perception of self-driving vehicles. Many responded that their sentiment improved after riding the shuttle.
Fifty-five percent of Americans believe that most cars will be able the ability to drive themselves by 2029. But AAA believes that might be optimistic when considering the number of vehicles already on the road today.
Those who doubt that fully self-driving cars will arrive by 2029 mention the following reasons: lack of trust, not wanting to give up driving, the technology won’t be ready and road conditions will not be good enough to support the technology.
Many experts say that a fully self-driving fleet is still decades away. But they agree that more highly automated vehicles will be on the roads in the coming years. AAA believes that when drivers understand the benefits and limitations of currently available technology, they will be more prepared and receptive toward the experience of riding in a fully automated vehicle when the time comes.
Icahn Automotive chief executive officer Dan Ninivaggi believes in investing in “the future of our industry and the people that power it.”
His company had that in mind when it awarded the first scholarship in early February at its Race to 2026 launch event at NASCAR Technical Institute. Icahn recognized Jonathan Fanstill, a military veteran enrolled in Universal Technical Institute’s automotive technology program.
That support will continue. Icahn Automotive, which owns and operates auto repair and maintenance providers Pep Boys, AAMCO and Precision Tune Auto Care, will award scholarships for the 2019-2020 school year to qualified students studying for a career as a professional automotive technician.
For its first scholarship, the company recognized Fanstill — who is maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and plans to graduate in December — for his “passion for the future of the industry, his interest in learning as much as he can about evolving automotive technology and his commitment to caring for customers,” Icahn stated in a news release.
The scholarship program is part of Icahn Automotive’s Race to 2026 initiative to increase the number of trained auto technicians.
Icahn is doing that in part to help fill an industry-wide talent gap that the company says is projected to grow to 46,000 over the next seven years.
“Supporting students who have an interest in the skilled trades is essential to ensuring we have enough qualified professionals ready to service customer vehicles for decades to come,” Ninivaggi said in a news release.
Icahn will award 12 additional $2,500 scholarships to students enrolled full- or part-time in high school, college, or trade school and who are pursuing an automotive technician degree or certification. Applications will be accepted through April 30 and recipients will be announced in June.
Applicants are also required to submit written essays or videos describing “Why I want to be a top technician” and two letters of recommendation. The Icahn Automotive scholarship panel, which includes technicians and other employees, will review the application materials.
As TPC Management Co. (TPC) rolled out details for the next installment of Auction Academy, an operation that has sent graduates through that continuing education program recently received a top industry accolade from United Auto Credit.
Officials announced registration for Auction Academy Class 6 is now open as it's scheduled for May 16-18 in Nashville, Tenn.
And showing how training can be beneficial, United Auto Credit has named Missouri Auto Auction as its 2018 Auction of the Year.
Auction Academy’s Class 6 news
Auction Academy has confirmed Class 6 participants from the following operations:
—McConkey Auction Group
—BSC America
—Big Valley Auto Auction
—Carolina Auto Auction
—Clark County Auto Auction
—Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction
—Auction Edge
—Plaza Auto Auction
—FastLane Auto Exchange
—CARS Recon
—Dixie Auto Auction
—America’s Auto Auction.
Auction Academy president Penny Wanna said in a news release that interest in the sixth class group has been “tremendous.”
“Auction Academy’s presence and exhibit booth during the 2018 NAAA/NRC Convention in Scottsdale, and the positive reviews by previous graduates and the companies they work for have generated great interest and excitement for the upcoming Class Group,” Wanna said.
Auction Academy has developed two curriculums. One is a two-year program structured like an executive MBA program that provides training and development for auto auction professionals. The second is Seminar Series, which features one-day sessions covering a specific topic or functional area. The curriculum includes site visits, field trips and work with experts in all areas of auction operations.
Auction Academy also announced the completion of the seventh session of Class Group 5 in Detroit and that its final session and graduation would take place at the 2019 CAR Conference in Las Vegas next month.
In addition, the academy made its seminar series available to the staff at BSC America’s Bel Air Auto Auction in Belcamp, Md.
“Class 5 has been the most Industry-aggressive group to-date, with both the IARA CAR Certification and Safe T. Sam Certification added to our curriculum,” Wanna said in a news release.
“Our students have worked diligently to complete their certifications during and in between class sessions," she added.
Class 5 will meet next during the 2019 CAR Conference in Las Vegas beginning on March 25. In addition to a tour of ADESA Las Vegas, the group’s eighth and final session will include in-class presentations by Brent Ramels of SmartAuction, Lynn Weaver of IAG, Cody Boswell of Missouri Auto Auction and Auction Academy Alumni, who will host a segment on Auctioneering 101.
The group’s graduation ceremony will take place on March 27 during the conference’s awards and recognition ceremony. During the IARA portion of the ceremony, the entire class is expected to receive IARA CAR certifications.
Back on Dec. 3 and 4, the academy took its workplace culture seminar to BSC America’s Bel Air Auto Auction, and the auction’s department heads and key employees attended a program focusing on sexual, physical and mental harassment, physical danger, safety and insurance.
“The Nichols family has developed a strong culture of continued education, key reminders and real-time guidelines to help ensure a safe and productive work environment for their dedicated employees,” Wanna said .
United Auto Credit honors Missouri AA
As mentioned, United Auto Credit awarded Missouri Auto Auction as its 2018 Auction of the Year.
United Auto Credit director of loss mitigation Scott Mousaw noted in a news release that the honor stemmed from consistently performing at the highest levels in sales, services and operations.
This year’s award follows Missouri Auto Auction’s designation in 2017 as a United Auto Credit regional auction of the year. Missouri AA is a member of the ServNet Auction Group.
“The auction’s dedication to service shows in every step of the auction process, and by every member of the auction team who has responsibility for our vehicles,” Mousaw said.
“Missouri Auto Auction has developed a robust market for United Auto Credit, and their concerted efforts on our behalf are evident in outstanding retentions and conversions throughout the year," he continued.
Mousaw will present the Auction of the Year Award on site at Missouri Auto Auction in March to the auction’s general manager, Justin Brown, and the auction team.
Brown said in a news release that the auction has been selling vehicles for United Auto Credit since 2010, featuring its vehicles at monthly sale events.
Coinciding with the National Automobile Dealers Association Foundation launching a vast program to promote the value of service technician jobs, Asbury Automotive Group announced the rollout of its new healthcare and stock ownership programs that are a part of the dealer group’s strategic plan to focus on frontline roles in fixed operations and sales in a competitive talent market.
NADA insisted the auto retail industry is facing a critical shortage of service technicians, which will only get worse in the coming years if not addressed. As a result, the association and one of the largest publicly traded dealer groups are responding.
“We believe that exceptional guest experience starts internally, so we need to reward the team members who serve our customers every day. Our frontline service and sales team members play a critical role serving customers in the ever-changing landscape of the automotive industry,” Asbury Automotive Group chief executive officer and president David Hult said.
“We remain committed to rewarding them with opportunities to own a stake in our business and save on healthcare costs,” Hult continued.
Starting this year, Asbury said it will pay the weekly employee healthcare premium for the base health plan option on behalf of eligible A and B level technicians, body shop technicians, painters and foremen. The company’s base health plan payment can be applied toward other health plans that the company offers.
Eligible sales advisers, service advisers and body shop estimators are also offered the same opportunity, according to a news release Asbury distributed this week.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this cost-savings for our team members,” said John Hartman, Asbury’s senior vice president of operations. “Asbury will pay the costs of the premium while allowing our frontline staff to have more money in their pockets each week. Over time, the savings can be significant, and we’re confident it will have a positive impact on our team members and their families.”
This year also marked the beginning of the performance year for Asbury’s new frontline equity program, called the Asbury Owners Club. A & B level technicians, sales and service advisers, body shop technicians, painters and estimators, with at least one year of tenure, are eligible to earn an equity grant if they reach individual performance targets.
The company indicated the awards are expected to be made in the form of restricted stock units and will vest on a three-year schedule.
“Industry-leading programs such as company-paid employee premiums for healthcare and frontline equity are some of the many factors that make Asbury and our 83 dealerships great places to work,” Hartman said.
“As a company, we are fortunate to be in a position to award the frontline team members who take care of our guests every day and have such an important role in the health of our business,” he went on to say.
The company mentioned the frontline equity program is expected to be a part of Asbury’s new equity plan, which is subject to shareholder approval during the second quarter of.
More details about NADA workforce campaign
Unveiled during NADA Show 2019, the National Automobile Dealers Association Foundation has announced the next phase of its Workforce Initiative, which includes the launch of a new consumer-facing website — www.nadafoundation.org.
The efforts are designed to promote the value of service technician jobs and provide the first and only centralized source of all OEM and industry training programs and scholarship opportunities for aspiring technicians.
The NADA Foundation has also announced an initial round of donations for its multi-faceted Workforce Initiative, including:
— $50,000 from the National Auto Auction Association
— $50,000 from PACCAR
— $25,000 from Porsche
NADA Foundation has donated an additional $250,000 to the effort.
Association officials reiterated the auto retail industry is facing a critical shortage of service technicians, which will only get worse in the coming years if not addressed.
NADA estimated America’s technical colleges and training programs graduate approximately 37,000 new service technicians annually. Yet, the association projected the industry needs to replace roughly 76,000 technicians every year just to keep pace with retirements and new jobs in the sector — leaving an annual shortage of 39,000 trained technicians.
To close this gap, officials highlighted the NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative aims to promote the benefits of these jobs and make it far easier for interested individuals to learn about the training opportunities that are available to them locally.
“Before today, there was no coordinated, industry-wide, brand-neutral effort to increase the number of trained technicians we’re integrating into our workforce. But thanks to the NADA Foundation Workforce Initiative and the launch of nadafoundation.org, there finally is,” 2019 NADA chairman Charlie Gilchrist said.
“Promoting the tremendous benefits of service technician jobs and making it easier for interested students to find out about the training and scholarship opportunities available to them where they live is vital to addressing the service technician shortage that every dealer is facing,” Gilchrist continued.
“We need an initiative the entire auto industry can get behind, so I’m extremely proud of this effort,” Gilchrist added. “Our workforce is our absolute best asset as dealers, but we have to recruit, train and retain the best people if we want to continue providing our customers with the best experience possible.”
NADA noted the average dealership technician in the United States today makes $61,067 in salary, plus benefits, and has great opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. The association pointed out experienced technicians at franchised dealerships can make more than $100,000 annually, and service managers can make even more.
In addition to the website and interactive map of training and training and scholarship opportunities, the Workforce Initiative includes:
— New video stories where real technicians talk about both their work and the lifestyle provided by their career
— An integrated digital marketing effort to increase enrollments in automotive tech training programs – especially at OEM-sponsored programs, which place thousands of students each year into dealership careers
— A robust presence at national train-the-trainer conferences and events, to promote the benefits of technician careers with high school guidance counselors, community colleges, military separation officers at bases, and at major conferences like SEMA
— Actionable economic research to determine how to best recruit and retain techs
— The possible creation of a nationwide network of career fair events to bring students, career centers and dealers together for employment in their communities
NADA stated one of the immediate the goals of the Workforce Initiative is to fill OEM training programs to capacity. The association acknowledged that many seats in those OEM training programs go unfilled each year even though full-time employment is virtually guaranteed upon graduation.
NAAA shared why it’s supporting NADA’s initiative.
“Our focus is on identifying ways to recruit and retain the best employees. We are encouraged by the NADA Foundation who has invested time and resources in an online platform that will give us the tools we need to be effective in connecting with the education and training institutions,” NAAA chief executive officer Frank Hackett said.
NADA president and CEO Peter Welch also described why the association is putting so many resources into this project.
“Until the launch of nadafoundation.org, there was nowhere for a prospective technician to find out where their closest training program was located. For example, Toyota’s T-10 website shows where the Toyota programs are, and GM’s ASEP website shows where the GM programs are. But each ignore the other, leaving prospective students confused,” Welch said.
“Our new website brings together all OEM training programs onto the same map, through data provided by our friends at Auto Service Excellence (ASE). Now anyone can now find out where the closest ASE training program is located, public or private, regardless of manufacturer,” Welch continued.
“The auto retail industry has a fantastic story to tell about the tremendous careers we provide,” Welch went on to say. “We just need to get together and start telling it to the right people.”
