Quantcast
Jump to content

How to Implement Your Own Apprentice Program [RR 605]

carmcapriotto
 Share

Recommended Posts

carmcapriotto Grand Master

carmcapriotto

Posted
Posted

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 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 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 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 money
  • End result is well worth it
  • The Pandemic has brought changes to education and lab work
  • Having 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 rises
  • Mike 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 talent
  • Mike, Pete, and Jake have learned a lot
  • 75% of auto repair happens at the independents
  • The need for technicians has never been greater
  • There have been many shops that closed including dealers. The number of bays has reduced yet there is a large demand for technicians
  • Shops are becoming ruthless at finding techs which is the reason to grow your own with an apprentice program
  • There is a cost to do an apprentice program
  • Stat: One technician should be able to produce about $30,000 per month out of a bay
  • Mike goes through the math and how you can get your suppliers involved in your apprentice program
  • Autocare:: 81 Million auto’s on the road 16 years and older (2021) and this number continues to grow
  • A technical college with four semesters equals 281 eight hour days. ASE requires 508 eight hour days on the job for a single certification can he issuesWith an apprentice program at the end of two years, you’ll have your time and your ASE certifications
  • When sitting down with an apprentice and/or their family, you have to show a road map and viability for a job and certifications, a clear path
  • The apprentice18 years of age
  • High school or GED
  • Have a valid driver's license 
  • Must submit to illegal use of drug test under the DOL program
  • Complete an application
  • Agree to follow guidelines
  • They must fit your culture
  • Look for the right skill sets and you will teach them attitude and fitting into your culture
  • Competency levels can bring different stages of compensation
  • Picking the right mentor is very criticalIt may not be the longest-tenured technician
  • Provides ‘giving back’ and a sense of belonging
  • Someone willing to change a life 
  • At least 5 years experience in the field
  • At your shop for at least a year
  • Good communication skills
  • They must care about other people  
  • They will teach how you want cars repaired and how to diagnose
  • Look at the pay program together and the ROI
  • You can build a smart program with an open mind and communication
  • The mentor should not feel like they are taking a step backward
  •  The average time it takes to replace an employee is 42 days. It is costly
  • An apprentice program will create a culture of learningThe other staff members will elevate themselves 
  • There are technical schools and many know about them, HOWEVER, not many know that there are apprentice programs.We must aggressively promote and create apprentice programs.
  • A great place to find apprentices is the home school industry.The parents would know if their student is mechanical.
  • Connect with them on Facebook
  • There is a cost and Mike has complete spreadsheets to show you how to justify the program.
  •  You keep a spreadsheet on cost per hour to apply to your state for grants.Every state has a different amount of money available.
  • You must have a cost per hour to show them
  • Grants are reimbursement. They pay you behind not upfront
  • This is why the mentor cost per hour is critical
  • All grant programs will ask for cost per hour which is why you need a spreadsheet to produce the number
  • Share the cost of the mentor and apprentice with them to let them see your investment and your recovery. 
  • Insutryessentials.netThe website has resources for mentors and apprentices.
  • Agreements
  • Cost per hour spreadsheets 
  • You can run ads for apprentices  Source: nextdoor.com
  • Home school community
  • There are people who want to get involved in our industry
  • Respect the wage and hour laws of your state

Link to Powerpoint used in this presentation: HERE

Link to Mike Davidson's Industry Essentials. Info on apprentice program: HERE

Email Mike Davidson HERE

Resources:

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem - Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy me a coffee

As a member of the NAPA family, AutoCare Center owners can take advantage of the NAPA National Health Program from the NAPA Insurance Center. This “NAPA only” program gives you and your employees access to national “large group” rates on medical insurance with premiums discounted up to 30 percent. These rates are based on the collective purchasing potential of 22,500 NAPA locations including both NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and NAPA AutoCare Centers.

The NAPA Insurance Center can help you with a variety of other insurance benefits too. For more information about The NAPA National Health Benefits program as well as all of the insurance benefits available to your AutoCare Center and your employees, visit the NAPA Benefits Center, at www.napabenefitscenter.com or call the NAPA Benefits Center at 844-627-2123.

Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

  • Alex changed the title to How to Implement Your Own Apprentice Program [RR 605]

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      Nearly every day, I hear shop owners complain: "There's a technician shortage. We can't find qualified people. There's no one out there." If that's true, then who's to blame?
      The industry? The schools? The government? I don't know how you feel, but who promised us an endless supply of qualified technicians?
      Another common complaint is that young people do not want to work in the trades. Well, if that were true, then why are other trades such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing growing? What are they doing that the automotive industry is not? 
      Here's the reality we need to face: We do have a problem, but we shouldn't look for someone or any entity to rescue us. Not the government. Not the trade schools. Not the recruiting companies. No one owes us a workforce. If we want great people in our industry, it's up to us. At some point, we need to own up to the truth: Building a pipeline of qualified technicians is our responsibility.
      In this blog article, I will break down the key reasons we are in this situation today and what we, as an industry, can do to solve the technician shortage. Are you ready to look in the mirror?
      Have We Pushed Technicians Away?
      Let's take a look at flat-rate pay. True flat rate, which pays a technician only for the hours they produce, is a controversial pay plan that emphasizes high production levels and creates a competitive work environment that, if not properly controlled, can lead to increased mistakes and a decline in morale and team spirit. Additionally, the stress and physical demands placed on technicians as they age are not favorable to long-term employee retention. What do we do with technicians as they grow older into their fifties and begin to slow down? 
      I have heard all the arguments and pros and cons of flat-rate pay, and I am not going to judge any pay plan. Let the facts speak for themselves. True flat rate has changed in most areas around the country and has evolved into a pay plan that gives technicians some pay guarantee.
      Many shop owners have learned that team morale, along with the opportunity to earn income, is important to technicians and to the company's long-term success. But let me ask you: how many technicians have left or been pushed out over the years because of the old flat-rate pay system?
      Another issue is the workplace environment. I remember being grateful to be hired as a young technician at a local repair shop. While very thankful, the work environment was not ideal. The shop owner kept the bay doors open year-round (I am from New York) unless it rained or snowed. He felt that if the bay doors were closed, customers might think we were closed for business. We had no heat and no hot water. Many of the jobs were done outside, year-round,  in all types of weather. The starting pay was minimum wage, with no benefits, sick days, or vacation pay. 
      Now, again, I need to point out that I was truly grateful for the opportunity this shop owner gave me. I learned a lot working there, and the experience was pivotal in my career. But looking back, I wonder how many people were discouraged by these working conditions?
      While the physical demands of the repair workplace are daunting, perhaps even more critical is the culture. Too many of my generation shop owners preached the mindset of "my way or the highway." We were the business owners, after all. We started our companies, took all the risks, and provided jobs. Why shouldn't we be the ones to set the ground rules our way?   
      Many of us found over the years that the "my way or the highway" mentality was a sure way to isolate employees and make them more likely to look over the fence for greener grass. In other words, it led many technicians to seek employment elsewhere, where they felt they could be appreciated and recognized for their hard work. The issue, however, was that there wasn't much green grass around. Disappointment after disappointment, bouncing from repair to repair shop, eventually led to despair. So, I ask you: were workplace conditions a contributing factor in today's technician shortage?
      Another factor that we are all well aware of is the complexity of the modern automobile. When I started, the work was mostly physical, and you were required to master essentially three vehicle models: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Let's fast-forward to today. The evolution of automotive technology, along with the extensive training and tools required, has outpaced the typical technician's pay compensation, with no clear career path. Again, leading to frustration and insecurity about the future.
      Here is the bottom line: people don't leave their job; they leave their experience. We must do a better job. 
      The News Isn't all Bad; Your Next Steps to Fix the Technician Shortage
      To fix the technician shortage, it will take a combined effort from everyone in the automotive industry, particularly automotive shop owners. Shop owners are in the perfect position to make the greatest impact, not only on their businesses but also on the future automotive workforce.
      First, shop owners must become better leaders and understand that their ultimate success is directly dependent on the people they assemble around them. Any shop owner who mistakenly believes they can build an empire solely on their abilities is destined for serious disappointment. Business owners who think like this will eventually plateau. Without the collective contributions from a team of qualified people, your business will stall; it will not continue to grow.
      Create a workplace that attracts top talent: a clean, professional, well-equipped facility designed to support productivity, teamwork, and a career, not just a job. Build a great reputation in your community by getting involved locally. Become the auto repair shop that people take notice of as "the" place to work.
      Next, shop owners must become more financially knowledgeable. Knowing your numbers and what you need to achieve for a strong bottom-line profit is essential to paying technicians the money they need and deserve. Profit will also allow you to compete with other trade industries by providing a benefits package that has real take-home value and security.
      When it comes to culture, this is where the rubber hits the road. People crave recognition, praise, and a sense of purpose. Despite what you hear, people are not just money-motivated. Once people feel secure in their financial situation, retaining and motivating technicians can only be achieved by connecting with them on an emotional level. You cannot show enough appreciation. Give out praise for a job well done as if your business depended on it, because it does.
      As technicians age, we need to have a place for them. Expecting a 58-year-old to perform like a 35-year-old is unrealistic. We need to be more focused on career pathing. Provide training, skill development, and coaching to develop leaders and mentors within our older workforce. While their bodies may have slowed, the knowledge they have gained is priceless. 
      Our future is dependent on young people entering our industry. We need to give more young people opportunities. Every shop owner across the country should consider hiring an apprentice, then build an apprentice training plan and career path for them. If every shop did this, we could solve the technician shortage within five years. Get involved with the trade schools and high schools in your area. Look into the NAPA Apprenticeship Program. Don't sit on your hands with this one. Do it today.
      Lastly, don't get left behind. Commit to ongoing training for all your employees. Keep up to date with tools and equipment tailored to your business model. Don't try to be all things to all people and all vehicles. Identify your core profile customer and the vehicles they drive, and become an expert on those vehicles and the services you offer.

  • Similar Topics

    • Riccardo
      If you had to step away from your shop for 30 days tomorrow, would your business continue operating successfully without you?
      By Riccardo

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Changing The Industry
      Episode 271 - Training New Techs & Building a Lasting Automotive Business With Charles Mitchell
      By Changing The Industry
      Episode 271 - Training New Techs & Building a Lasting Automotive Business With Charles Mitchell
    • Hands On
      "Service Up" Contacted me today saying one of their members wanted to use my shop
      By Hands On
      The emailed me a form to sign up to be a "service provider" The company Service Up will send me the client. They will bill the client and pay me after the repair. Look at some of the highlights from the terms:
       All transactions completed through the Platform are subject to a transaction fee ranging from 1.99% to 10% of the gross amount of each repair, with a baseline marketplace fee of 3.99% unless otherwise specified in a fleet-specific addendum.
      The marketplace fee applicable to a given repair is one of the following:
      • 3.99% (baseline) of the gross amount of all repairs completed through the Platform for all other customers, including customers to whom ServiceUp has referred you.
      • A rate specified in a fleet-specific addendum, which overrides the baseline, provided such rate falls within the 1.99%–10% range stated above.
      In addition to the marketplace fee, the following optional fee may apply:
      • QuickPay fee — an additional 3.50% of the gross amount of the repair if you elect to receive early payment (typically next business day). In the event a credit card is used by the customer for payment, the 3.50% QuickPay fee will be automatically applied.
      So, the fee they charge is any where from 1.99% to 17% if they pay credit card and you want funds next day
      Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, increase, decrease, or otherwise change the transaction fees, early payment fees, or any other amounts payable under these Terms at any time. 
      But those fees could go up with no notice at all
      The Company shall remit payment to you net of any applicable transaction fees as promptly as practicable after, and contingent upon, Company’s receipt of payment from the applicable fleet customer for the services rendered by you. 
      They will pay you for the work you did, as long as they are able to get paid.
      You acknowledge and agree that the Company shall not be responsible for any delays or failure to pay that may be caused by a fleet customer.
      And if the customer fails to pay them, too bad.
      You further acknowledge and agree that (i) the Company may withhold funds in the event of any dispute between you and the Company pending the resolution of such dispute, (ii) you shall not collect any fees for services rendered hereunder directly from a fleet customer and shall receive payment for such services solely from the Company, (iii) in the event the Company determines that you have violated the foregoing subsection (ii), the Company shall have the right to charge a penalty of 10% of the gross value of the applicable services and may withhold that amount from future payments or debit your bank account to recover the penalty and any applicable fees for services.
      AND if they customer fails to pay them and you go directly after the customer yourself, tack on another 10%
      So basically, you fix our cars, and we maybe pay you after we take fees.
      Has anyone used this platform? What do you think?
    • Changing The Industry
      Episode 269 - Lessons Learned From Custom Car Builds and Business Ownership With Sunny Massera
      By Changing The Industry
      Episode 269 - Lessons Learned From Custom Car Builds and Business Ownership With Sunny Massera
    • carmcapriotto
      The Rise of the Specialist: Redefining Automotive Professionalism [THA 485]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto is joined by shop owners Craig Noel, Brett Beachler, and Tom Palermo for an important discussion on how “The Rise of the Specialist” is moving from idea to implementation inside automotive repair shops across the industry. Written by Carm Capriotto, “The Rise of the Specialist” is a growing movement and declaration designed to elevate the language, image, professionalism, and culture of the automotive service industry.
      In this episode, the panel shares how they are actively implementing “The Rise” within their own businesses, from changing terminology and redefining job titles to elevating customer communication, shop presentation, and team culture. The conversation highlights the real-world challenges and successes of shifting away from outdated labels like “mechanic,” “wrench,” and “technician” and embracing the more professional and accurate title of “specialist.”
      Carm explains that this movement is more than a branding exercise; it is a professional evolution aimed at helping the industry better reflect the expertise required to service today’s highly advanced vehicles. Modern automotive professionals are diagnosticians, calibration experts, technology specialists, and problem-solvers operating in one of the most sophisticated skilled professions today.
      Throughout the discussion, the shop owners explain how adopting the language and principles of “The Rise” has strengthened team pride, improved customer trust, and helped create a more professional identity within their organizations. The panel also explores how service advisors play a key role in communicating the value of diagnostics, testing, and specialist-level expertise to clients in a way that builds understanding and confidence.
      The episode draws powerful comparisons to professions like medicine and culinary arts, emphasizing that automotive specialists deserve the same respect given to highly trained experts in other industries. Just as chefs and medical specialists earn recognition through mastery and continuous education, today’s automotive professionals must also be seen as specialists whose expertise protects the safety and reliability of every vehicle entrusted to them.
      “The Rise of the Specialist” has already gained momentum throughout the industry. Carm’s signature keynote, The Rise of the Specialist, has been delivered to influential audiences across North America, including the ASE Board of Governors, Ford Motor Company, and hundreds of forward-thinking automotive professionals.
      What You’ll Learn
      Why “The Rise of the Specialist” was created and what it represents How shop owners are implementing “The Rise” in their businesses Why the industry must move beyond outdated titles like “technician” and “mechanic” How language shapes customer perception, professionalism, and team culture The role service advisors play in explaining specialist-level diagnostics and repairs How hospitality, presentation, and communication strengthen customer trust Why this movement can help attract the next generation of automotive professionals
      This episode demonstrates that “The Rise of the Specialist” is no longer just a concept; it is becoming a real cultural shift within the automotive industry. By adopting language that reflects expertise, elevating professionalism throughout the customer experience, and embracing the identity of the specialist, shop owners are helping reshape how the industry sees itself and how the world sees it.
      Download 'The Rise of the Specialist': https://remarkableresults.biz/rise Craig Noel, Sun Automotive, Springfield, OR. Listen to Craig’s previous episodes HERE Brett Beachler, Beachler’s Vehicle Care & Repair, Peoria, IL. Listen to Brett’s previous episodes HERE Tom Palermo, Preferred Automotive Specialists in Philadelphia, PA. Tom’s previous episodes HERE Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/ Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters Join Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insider All books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/books Our Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom Buy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm Special episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
      The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Zwith Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numberswith Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitzwith Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communicationwith Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm
          Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Every shop owner tracks gross sales. But is that really the number you should be focused on?

    By Joe Marconi, in Joe Marconi's Tips and Articles,

    0 comments 1 37 views
    nptrb

    Mid-Year Reset: What Your Auto Shop’s Numbers Are Telling You

    By nptrb, in Automotive Management,

    0 comments 9 views
    Joe Marconi

    Marketing Strategies To Attract and Retain Your Ideal Customers

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Marketing,

    1 comment 7,924 views

  • Our Sponsors

Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...