Manchester, NH — As the largest family-run, pre-owned dealership in New England, Merchants Auto puts a tremendous emphasis on hiring and training best-in-class talent to maintain the company’s award-winning sales and service record. Continuing this dedication to excellence, Merchants is pleased to partner with NHADA on the launch of the Automotive Technology Apprenticeship Program. Working in collaboration with local high school Career and Technology Education Programs and the Community College System of New Hampshire, the Automotive Technology Apprenticeship Program is a technical training opportunity that combines hands-on and classroom learning, ultimately resulting in certification that participants can immediately use to seek employment in the field.
“During my more than 40 years of managing auto dealer service and parts departments I have never been as excited about a training opportunity than this one” said Drew Young, Service Director at Merchants Auto. “This program allows both franchised and non-franchised operations to expose young people to our industry and get professional training at a very high level. This is exactly what our industry needs, and the timing could not be better. My staff and I are both proud and excited that we are part of it.”
Merchants currently has 3 employees enrolled in the program and will continue accepting new participants throughout the year. Grants from the US Department of Labor offset the cost of the program through scholarships and support, and all students are paid for the time they are working.
Merchants is currently one of only two dealerships in NH to participate in the program, which seeks to work with students who are interested in pursuing a career in automotive technology. As automakers embark on major technological advancements with the introduction of electric vehicles, the Automotive Technology Apprenticeship Program will usher in a new generation of technicians who will help keep dealerships like Merchants, at the forefront of the industry.
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The New Hampshire Automotive Education Foundation (NHAEF), in conjunction with the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association (NHADA), offers scholarships for New Hampshire students pursuing a career in Automotive Technology at any of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) Automotive Technology programs: White Mountains Community College (WMCC), Lakes Region Community College (LRCC), Manchester Community College (MCC), Nashua Community College (NCC), and Great Bay Community College (GBCC).
About the NHADA Foundation
The NHADA Foundation works to strengthen the level of automotive technology education in New Hampshire by providing a link between the dealer community and local high school automotive programs. This partnership facilitates scholarship programs, tool and equipment donations, job shadowing, and part-time and full-time work opportunities. In addition, the Education Foundation assists high school Automotive Technology programs in achieving NATEF and AYES national industry certifications. Learn More
Mission
To improve members' productivity, profit, and professionalism through a better-educated and well-trained workforce. Over the years, the NHADA Foundation has forged strong partnerships between the retail motor vehicle industry, the state's educational institutions and motor vehicle manufacturers.
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