Webinar Recap: Setting Up an Apprenticeship Program for Shops

By Chris Cotton
| October 25, 2023
| Webinar Recap

For auto repair shops, apprenticeship programs do more than lead to skilled workforce development. These programs lay the foundation for building up a talented workforce that creates value.

Chris Cotton, owner of AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, shared his take on how to set up an effective apprenticeship program for auto repair shops in AutoLeap’s latest webinar session.

He discussed the benefits, importance, and structure to follow. Let’s deep dive into how an apprenticeship program can help your business!

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What is an apprenticeship program?

An apprenticeship program provides training to impart technical knowledge on the job. These programs help a business build an experienced workforce without hampering operations.

Apprenticeship programs also help push the younger generation into demanding roles. They place trainees in a learning environment and deliver skills and experience beyond their years. After completing the program, these apprentices become skilled and motivated future technicians.

Benefits of an apprenticeship program

Apprenticeship programs have several benefits that can boost productivity and employee motivation.

Here are ways an apprenticeship program contributes to a healthier work environment:

1. Pipeline enrichment

Apprenticeship programs enable inexperienced employees to become competent technicians down the road. Auto repair shops can train from their workplace instead of investing in expensive talent.

2. Adaptable workforce

Shop owners can create a learning system that aligns with their values and culture. These programs create effective processes and build a workforce from scratch.

3. Business growth

Apprenticeship programs are a great idea if you are at a stage where your business is growing. They help create a steady supply of talent that understands your business. If you don’t need new mechanics, a good program can help you fill urgent spots.

4. Improved work quality

Employees trained on the job understand their work better and have higher morale. An employer investing resources makes them feel valued and secure. This paves the way for more dedicated employees and a higher standard of work. These programs also provide a refresher for the more experienced technicians in your shop.

» Want to watch the full webinar session? Click here to get the recording.

Designing an effective apprenticeship program

The webinar session gives a program blueprint for your auto repair businesses to follow!

Here are the steps to design the ideal apprenticeship program:

1. Conduct a needs assessment

First, your auto repair shop must carry out a thorough needs assessment. This includes looking at the current requirements for the job and the market. Design a program to meet your current needs. Make it future-proof. A training needs assessment can also help you highlight areas for improvement.

2. Set clear goals and objectives

Your auto repair shop must establish clear goals and objectives for an apprenticeship program. Lay out these goals in simple, achievable steps. The ideal program is easy to follow and deliver again and again.

3. Create a structured curriculum

The learning modules should follow a preset structured curriculum. A good program has a plan that addresses the current and future needs of the auto repair market.

4. Identify specialized training areas

The main focus of every apprenticeship program is to create a specialized workforce. Tailor the program according to the needs of your shop. For instance, your program should cover electric vehicles if you work on them. Each program’s training area will differ based on your shop’s specialty area.

5. Carry out industry partnerships

An effective apprenticeship program strikes a balance between theory and practice. Partnering with a local community college or vocational training center can help you find your audience. You can design a curriculum for them or use them as a base point to select potential candidates.

6. Select mentors

One benefit of apprenticeship programs is the ability to learn from someone experienced. A good mentor-mentee fit can help an apprentice adjust well in your shop and support their career track. Analyze your current skilled workforce and look for aptitude when selecting quality mentors.

Attracting and selecting apprentices

This brings us to the next steps – attracting and selecting apprentices. Every apprenticeship program is set up for failure if it doesn’t find the right talent pool.

The following steps are some measures that can help you attract and choose the right talent!

1. Create appealing job descriptions

Everyone appreciates clarity in a job description, regardless of what sector they’re coming from. A clear description of your program, its entry requirements, and duration can help you find serious candidates. Also, mention the jobs available when the program ends. That’s another potential draw for the right talent.

2. Advertise in targeted channels

Finding the right advertising medium for the apprenticeship program is also key. Community colleges are a great place to identify and pick up top talent. A hobby magazine can also help you locate candidates who are serious about the field.

3. Conduct thorough interviews

Interviews focusing on technical aspects and learning are best for apprenticeship programs. Look for interest, but also test for skills and commitment to learning. Quality candidates can develop these skills. But an interest either exists or it doesn’t!

4. Assess practical skills

Provide program candidates with a practical test. This assessment can not only help you decipher skill sets but also will provide insight into their attitude. This will help you find the right fit for your shop. It also gives you an overview of the current market to help you create a better program.

Closing thoughts

The first step to building a successful apprenticeship program starts with you. Find out what your auto repair shop needs are, both current and prospective, and start building.

Watch the webinar to get deeper insights into several other topics like building a mentor network and evaluating the effectiveness of your program. An apprenticeship program is the way to go if you want a skilled workforce, repeat customers, and increased shop revenue.

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