Pub. 3 2021 Issue 2

N ew opportunities for individuals interested in becoming an auto technician now exist through a one-year, hands-on apprenticeship program created through a new partnership between the ApprenticeshipNH program and the NH Automobile Dealers Association (NHADA). The NHADA Consortium Automotive Technician Apprentice- ship program will be the first of its kind in New Hampshire. It will match an employer’s current need for skilled work- ers with job seekers looking to begin a career in automo- tive technology, an in-demand field with significant growth opportunities. The new partnership was recently formalized at a cele- bration event during National Apprenticeship Week when NHADA signed paperwork to become an industry sponsor for an automotive technician Registered Apprenticeship program. The new partnership follows the “earn as you learn model,” which is the backbone of the Apprentice- shipNH program that enables apprentices to attain skills on the job to advance professionally while acquiring knowledge in classroom instruction. This consortium agreement gives NHADA members the opportunity to participate in the program by complet- ing a simplified one-page agreement with NHADA. The on-the-job training takes place at the participating NHADA member’s place of business. Training focuses on gaining experience in safety, suspension and steering, brakes, electronic systems, and engine performance. The related instruction that complements the on-the-job training includes two credit-bearing courses: Automotive Service Maintenance & Light Repair and Electronic Systems. “As a consortium sponsor of a Registered Apprentice- ship, we are very excited to partner with the Community PETE MCNAMARA PRESIDENT ApprenticeshipNH Partners with NHADA: EXPANDS APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTRY-LEVEL TECHS D R I V E 14