Apprentice Program – Grow Your Own Technician [THA 185]

Published: Aug. 20, 2020, 4:15 a.m.

https://youtu.be/aDKpVC5ipd0 Pete McNeil is a second-generation family-owned business that started out as a Volkswagen specialist. They quickly recognized their potential for all makes and models and expanded their service offerings. During this time, they joined the NAPA AutoCare program, expanded their footprint in the Salt Lake valley and became a pillar in the automotive repair industry. In 2018 alone, McNeil’s expanded their Sandy location to 16 bays to help accommodate their growing business, training center and partnership with local schools for the continued growth of their apprenticeship program. During this time McNeil’s also took advantage of the Interior ProImage program and remodeled their entire showroom! This included new counters for their 4 Service Advisors, new epoxy flooring, signage, and upgraded comfortable furniture and fixtures! This is truly a place where their customers can relax while having their vehicle repaired. In addition, Pete opened a 2nd location in Riverton, Utah in May of 2019. Pete is very involved in the community both locally and abroad He is active in the local Church Youth Conference, Angel Hands, which assists people with disabilities. Very active in youth soccer with contributions and cars washed to raise money for Sparta-United. He has donated time and resources to “Sandy Pride” which helps residents clean up and beautify the city. Jake Sorensen is the 2019 NAPA ASE Technician of the Year and 2019 Ratchet + Wrench All Star technician of the year. He is an ASE Master technician with L1,2 and 3 advanced level certifications. He is the shop manager and diagnostic technician at McNeil’s Auto Care in Sandy, UT where he helped develop an apprenticeship program that is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. This program has graduated several high performing automotive technicians and was used by NAPA Auto Care as a template for their automotive apprenticeship program. Jake also developed the curriculum for an automotive course that he teaches at an adult education high school. Alexia Murphy is Program Specialist, Department of Workforce Services, State of Utah Key Talking Points: Sustainability- Without a program, there “will not” be enough technicians for the independents to be able to compete, or grow in this industry. By 2026 we are going to need 46,000 additional technicians (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Less coming into the trade You cannot afford to take your ‘lead’ technicians to teach a new member of the team You need a roadmap and an officially approved apprentice program to support a mentor, training and a career path (Jake Sorensen) Benefits from apprenticeship program Common questions: How much will it cost me? Answer: How much are you losing by not having enough technicians? That number far exceeds the cost of training. Also, the program is not as expensive as most believe. On average, an apprentice will start producing more revenue than the cost of their employment and training within three months! What if I train and invest in someone, and they leave? Answer: If you: choose the right candidate, offer free training, assist with tool purchases and treat them well through their apprenticeship, they will appreciate what you have provided and stay around for the long haul. McNeil’s still employs all three of the technicians that graduated from their program. Maybe more importantly, what if you and every other shop owner sits back and does nothing?It is important to remember that if you lose an apprentice to another shop, that shop is no longer looking for a technician, which may free someone up for you. Department of Labors throughout the country is willing to help for employer and apprentice by providing moniesStates vary. Meet with then and ask them questions and show them your program Skilled trades are advertising to bring in young people into their industry through apprentice programs. Not every candidate will work outA big problem...