As a leader in the remarketing industry, Manheim takes a “Grow Our Own” approach to fill the gap in developing auto technician talent.
Atlanta, GA –Prompted by a severe shortage of auto technicians nationwide and fast-growing need by clients for the company’s reconditioning services, Manheim has launched its own apprentice program. Across its reconditioning network, Manheim anticipates a significant increase in demand in 2019 and beyond.
“With the need for auto technicians rapidly outpacing the number of qualified candidates, it’s critical that we invest in growing our own talent to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Grace Huang, president of Manheim. “The Manheim Apprentice Program is a way for us to develop the next generation of skilled technicians to meet not only the growing needs of today’s dealerships, but also tomorrow’s mobility providers.”
The Manheim Apprentice Program (MAP) is designed to help its operating locations nationwide identify, recruit and hire entry-level auto technicians for their reconditioning centers. It offers two recruitment paths: one for external candidates with technical experience and another for internal team members interested in becoming a technician.
The 12-week program is designed to help equip apprentices with the necessary skills and knowledge to advance to a part-time or full-time entry level position. Apprentices enrolled in the program are supported by Manheim team members who serve as mentors to guide them in their development and training. With a full range of tools provided by Manheim, apprentices complete up to 480 hours of training under the guidance of their mentors.
The MAP program comes at a time where many people believe that pursuing an auto technician career is undesirable based on outdated ideas about the earning potential and career path. However, with new technologies being used, today’s technicians are more technologically-driven and work with their minds as much as their hands.
Samantha Flores, currently an apprentice at Manheim San Antonio and daughter of an experienced mechanic, was working at a job that she didn’t see long-term potential in—then an online ad for the Manheim Apprentice Program caught her attention.
“I was a night security officer at a home improvement store, and I just didn’t see a future in that role,” said Flores. “When I saw an ad for the Manheim Apprentice Program, I knew it would be a great opportunity. I love the diversity of learning experiences I’m getting—it’s helping me with time management and growing into a solid mechanic with a bright future.”
In addition to launching its own apprentice program, Manheim is continuing its relationship with TechForce Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating parents and middle school and high school students about the new era of the auto technician.
“We have some of the best auto technicians in the country, but an industry-wide shortage of entry-levels professionals has made recruiting and training an urgent priority,” Huang added. “As a leader in the industry, we’re taking every opportunity to promote this valuable, and needed, career path.”
Currently, 19 Manheim locations across the country are participating in the auto technician apprentice program. Later this year, the program is expected to expand to include Body Shop and Paint technicians.
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