Expressway Auto Group is launching the Expressway Technician Academy (ETA), a new two-year paid apprenticeship program designed to address the growing need for skilled automotive technicians while creating a direct pathway to a career in the automotive industry.
The inaugural program will officially launch Monday, August 17. The program was developed in response to a longstanding challenge facing automotive dealerships: finding qualified technicians who have the hands-on training and technical knowledge needed to succeed in a dealership service department.
Rather than simply searching for qualified technicians, Expressway Auto Group is taking a different approach: building them. “We want to build our technicians instead of find them,” said Dan Carter, Service Director for Expressway Auto Group’s stores. “It’s difficult to find technicians who have the training we need. We wanted to create a program where we can train people the way they need to be trained so that, when they graduate, they are ready to work in one of our stores.” The Expressway Technician Academy will combine classroom instruction with hands-on training in an actual dealership service environment.
Students will attend classes at at 200 N. Royal Avenue in Evansville Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch break. Training will be utilize CDX curriculum and connect classroom learning directly to hands-on experience while being paid. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be guaranteed a position at an Expressway Auto Group store. The two-year education program is offered at no cost to accepted students, and graduates will receive a complete starter tool package, including a toolbox and the tools needed to begin their careers as automotive technicians. To retain the tool package, graduates must remain employed with an Expressway Auto Group store for three years following graduation.
Expressway Auto Group owner, Bob Bulkley, is excited about the opportunities ETA will create. “The automotive industry has never had a greater need for skilled, well-trained technicians. Today’s vehicles are more sophisticated than ever, combining advanced mechanical systems with rapidly evolving technology,” Bulkley says. “For a young person looking for a career that is interesting, challenging and offers excellent earning potential, the timing couldn’t be better. The Expressway Technical School represents an investment not only in our industry, but in the next generation of automotive professionals.”
After identifying the need for a new approach to technician recruitment and training, Expressway Auto Group connected with SWIN Workforce for guidance on developing the program and navigating the apprenticeship process. “This program is an example of what can happen when an employer identifies a workforce challenge and works with community partners to create a solution,” said Valerie Schmidt, Business Services Manager with SWIN Workforce. “Expressway Auto Group recognized a need, developed an innovative approach and created a pathway that benefits both the company and individuals looking to build a career in the skilled trades.” The academy also represents an opportunity to introduce young adults to a career that may otherwise be out of reach because of the cost of traditional postsecondary education. Spots are still available for interested students to take advantage of.
“We're proud of what we've created,” Amanda Herrenbruck, Expressway Auto Group’s Director of Operations said. “There will be things we have to work through, figure out and change as we go, but we're excited to get started.” For more information about the Expressway Technician Academy or to apply, email eta@expresswaydodge.com.