INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC DRIVER AND WINTER SAFETY TRAINING PAIR NICELY THIS TIME OF YEAR BY BRIAN DUPLESSIS LOSS PREVENTION SUPERVISOR, NHADA “We were really struggling to recruit after the pandemic because technicians were retiring or leaving the field for other reasons. Apprenticeships create a pipeline from the bottom up. We now have a three-phase program so you can go from no experience to having your associate degree, as well as a pre-apprenticeship program for high school students. At this point, we don’t go looking for applicants because we have people coming to us,” he said. The Merchants apprenticeship program combines 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training with classes at MCC twice a week for eight weeks for each of the automotive technician, tune-up mechanic and automotive mechanic apprenticeships. Merchants pays apprentices while they are in the classroom and covers most of the tuition fees. The company also covers the cost of books and provides tool kits for apprentices. “It is a significant expense, but it became much more financially feasible because of the grant assistance we got from ApprenticeshipNH and NHADA,” Joe explained. Matthew was motivated to become an apprentice primarily to learn more about handling electrical work. He completed Merchants’ RAPs knowing so much more than he anticipated and says he is now comfortable tackling any challenge. “Give me a couple of years of putting what I’ve learned into practice, and I’ll be an incredibly valuable technician,” he commented. Matthew was first to blaze a trail to an associate degree in automotive technology through New Hampshire’s apprenticeship program, but other Merchants employees are expected to follow very soon. The company anticipates meeting future workforce needs by maintaining eight to ten people each year in apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships for high school students. “Our goal is to continue to build the skills of young people and create a strong industry,” said Joe. “We are proud of Matthew and all he has accomplished and look forward to a stream of future employees following in his footsteps.” NHADA Loss Prevention offers two excellent safety awareness training videos that are ideal for sharing with employees during the fall and winter seasons. The brief 10-minute videos are comprehensive and specific to automotive businesses. It’s the perfect time for employees to watch these training videos, as driving conditions are becoming increasingly hazardous due to shorter daylight hours and the onset of winter weather in the state. The winter safety training covers noteworthy winter safety hazards, proper storm clean-up and best practices to avoid weather-related injuries. These injury prevention awareness videos are available for free onsite to Workers’ Compensation Trust members, as well as online for a nominal fee. Please get in touch with our Loss Prevention Team with any questions at safety@nhada.com. 23
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