How to Implement Your Own Apprentice Program [RR 605] - a podcast by Carm Capriotto, AAP

Pete McNeil is a second-generation family-owned business that started out as a Volkswagen specialist. They quickly recognized their potential for all makes and models and expanded their service offerings. During this time, they joined the NAPA AutoCare program, expanded their footprint in the Salt Lake valley and became a pillar in the automotive repair industry.
In 2018 alone, McNeil’s expanded their Sandy location to 16 bays to help accommodate their growing business, training center and partnership with local schools for the continued growth of their apprenticeship program. During this time McNeil’s also took advantage of the Interior ProImage program and remodeled their entire showroom! This included new counters for their 4 Service Advisors, new epoxy flooring, signage, and upgraded comfortable furniture and fixtures! This is truly a place where their customers can relax while having their vehicle repaired.In addition, Pete opened a 2nd location in Riverton, Utah in May of 2019. Pete is very involved in the community both locally and abroad He is active in the local Church Youth Conference, Angel Hands, which assists people with disabilities.
Very active in youth soccer with contributions and cars washed to raise money for Sparta-United. He has donated time and resources to “Sandy Pride” which helps residents clean up and beautify the city. Look for Pete’s other episode https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Pete+McNeil (HERE).Jake Sorensen is the 2019 NAPA ASE Technician of the Year and 2019 Ratchet + Wrench All Star technician of the year. He is an ASE Master technician with L1,2 and 3 advanced level certifications. He is the shop manager and diagnostic technician at McNeil’s Auto Care in Sandy, UT where he helped develop an apprenticeship program that is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. This program has graduated several high performing automotive technicians and was used by NAPA Auto Care as a template for their automotive apprenticeship program. Jake also developed the curriculum for an automotive course that he teaches at an adult education high school. Look for Jake’s other episode https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Jake+Sorensen (HERE).
Mike Davidson is from Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, Arkansas, been in the industry for more than 30 years and a business owner for over 18. Mike is an AMI graduate, an ASE Master Technician, he belongs and contributes to Elite Worldwide and was recognized as the Arkansas NAPA/ASE tech of the year seven years in a row. He’s been doing radio and TV over the last fifteen years talking ‘service’ in Little Rock. Mike helped start the Little Rock chapter of ASA and is currently an officer. Look for Mike’s other episode https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=mike+davidson (HERE).
Key Talking Points:Fact of life: You will either sell your shop or close your shopAn apprentice plan with a culture of learning will help you when selling your shop because you have a culture of learning
An apprentice program adds value to your shop especially a Department of Labor approved plan 
There is no easy button to put a strong apprentice program into playYou must invest time, energy, and moneyEnd result is well worth it
The Pandemic has brought changes to education and lab workHaving your own apprentice program puts the lab right inside your shop
Apprenticeships will seed your bench as the need for quality technician arises because the recruitment and competition for technicians risesMike Davidson created an apprentice program 10 years ago and created a company to support it. His program of DOL approved.
Pete McNeil and Jake Sorenson created their own apprentice program and it was picked up by NAPA nationally.Motivating the new generation of technicians through an apprentice program should include incentives along the way. Rewards for the learning and the time invested. 
The rewards are great when you pour your heart into growing...

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