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Training the Next Generation of Auto Mechanics


Where do new auto mechanics come from?

One pathway that continues to grow every year is the Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship Program (CRYA). 

Trident Technical College, in collaboration with regional employers in a variety of industries, offers students the opportunity to get paid to learn as youth apprentices. High school students hired as apprentices receive paid on-the-job training along with classroom instruction at TTC.

The Hendrick Automotive Group employs many youth apprentices. 

Don Smith, community relations guru at Hendrick, said, “We have young men and women looking for opportunities in the automotive field. With technology increasing in automobiles today, we need people with new skills for tomorrow. With the Trident Tech partnership, we hope we can fill the pipeline in the Charleston market with auto techs to fit those demands.”

Buzz Varella, department head of the TTC Automotive Program, is sold on the program as well.

“The apprenticeship program is a tremendous opportunity for a student who is willing to make the commitment to work hard towards their success,” said Varella.

What’s not to like? Apprentices get a paid education, paid on the job training and a mentor to coach them on the job.

Everette Ladson, an apprentice at Hendrick, watched his grandfather and uncle work on cars since he was a young boy. He is hearing impaired and wasn’t sure what kind of opportunities would be available to him.

“The apprenticeship has taught me to believe that there are good opportunities for the hearing impaired in the ‘hearing world.’ The apprenticeship will help me learn to be independent and to be able to help others along the way. Cars are my passion and hopefully one day I’ll be able to join Hendrick Motorsport to use all the skills I’ve learned in my apprenticeship!"

There is a great demand for auto mechanics. If working on cars is your passion, perhaps the Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship Program is for you or someone you know.

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