CALIFORNIA NEW CAR DEALERS ARE TURNING TO APPRENTICESHIPS TO ADDRESS THE SHORTAGE OF AUTO TECHNICIANS

Aspiring technicians can receive paid on-the-job training, no tuition fees; Career opportunities abundant, as California dealerships lack 5,000 service technicians

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- California's new car dealers are engaging an innovative apprenticeship solution to recruit and develop individuals who aspire to become automotive service technicians.

The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) Foundation is partnering with Automotive Apprenticeship Group (AAG) to provide a path to in-depth instruction and training to career-minded individuals, then matching them with California auto dealerships for employment. Though the apprenticeships are for anyone with an interest, they have been especially attractive to people 18 to 30 years old for whom college was not an option or a preference. 

The apprenticeship available through the CNCDA Foundation is a two-year program where apprentices accepted into the program are compensated at a competitive wage and with no out-of-pocket expenses (thus, no incurred debt). They learn and develop skills through on-the-job training at local dealerships, discovery-based e-learning, and hands-on technical training and practice. Upon completion of the program, the apprentices earn a national certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Access to all necessary tools and a computer are provided to all apprentices. And each apprentice is supported by a dedicated AAG career manager that provides guidance and support during their apprenticeship journey.

A recent CNCDA survey indicates there is a statewide shortage of about 5,000 technicians among California dealerships. The technician shortage is the result of an aging workforce with many technicians retiring, and a lack of young people entering the field – often due to a misperception that technicians earn low wages and have limited opportunity for advancement. Experienced technicians, according to the survey, earn $100,000 to more than $200,000 annually once fully certified.

CNCDA reports that California dealerships completed 33.8 million repairs on customer vehicles in 2024. California is not alone with this shortage. Nationally there are nearly 400,000 job openings for service technicians.

For participating auto dealerships, the solution is completely turnkey – AAG manages apprentice recruitment, conducting of candidate interviews, orientation, pre-apprenticeship training, payroll and compensation, insurance, mentoring and ongoing career coaching – as well as the education and training for each apprentice.

"For a young adult or anyone who is career-minded, being an auto technician is a career that can support a person for the rest of their life," said Kim McPhaul, president of the Foundation. "Our apprenticeship program will connect career-minded people – such as recent high school graduates or those currently working in unrewarding jobs – with opportunity to work in a field where motivated, skilled people are sorely needed. The key to addressing the technician shortage is to take a wholistic approach to the challenges of identifying, vetting, teaching, hiring, and retaining good, long-term, committed career technicians."

While just ramping up in California, several apprentices have already enrolled in the program and are paired with dealerships. 

Tech shortage creates opportunity
AAG was founded by David Peterson, who previously owned auto dealerships around the nation for more than 40 years. He has witnessed firsthand the critical need of the next generation of skilled service technicians. 

"The technician shortage is an industrywide, nationwide challenge," said AAG president Joe Atkinson, a longtime executive in Peterson's dealership operations. "With 27 million drivers on the road in California, it's a particularly serious problem here. But with this problem comes opportunity. We see opportunity for people who aspire for a career where they will be in demand, and where they will be part of the new wave of talent for auto dealerships." 

McPhaul notes the apprenticeships through the Foundation and AAG set a high standard. Only a portion of those who apply and who are interviewed are accepted into the program. "Thus, while the AAG offerings and its related high standards may not be for everyone, for those who are vetted and accepted … and for the dealerships that hire them … it is a win/win with promising long-term dividends."

"Dealers throughout the state have service bays that are unused because of the tech shortage," said K.C. Heidler, chair of the Foundation. "It puts a strain on their businesses. And customers find it difficult to schedule repair and maintenance visits. The apprenticeship program is a strategic, long-term solution to this challenge."

Anyone interested in exploring the apprentice program can visit https://www.cncdafoundation.org/apprenticeship 

About the California New Car Dealers Association Foundation: 
The CNCDA Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating career pathways for highly skilled automotive service professionals throughout California. CNCDA, the nation's largest state automotive dealer association, represents nearly 1,300 franchised new car and truck dealers throughout California. CNCDA focuses on protecting and promoting the interests of franchised new car dealers before all state government and regulatory agencies. Working to create a business friendly climate where new car dealers can thrive, provide the best products and services to consumers and maintain high employment rates are all of critical importance to CNCDA and its members. 

About Automotive Apprenticeship Group (AAG):
AAG prepares individuals for the automotive careers of the future through an innovative modern apprenticeship program that is unlike any in the U.S. AAG helps businesses in the automotive industry thrive by serving as a talent pipeline that provides and develops the skilled workforce required to ensure future success.  

Contact: Dan Hartlage 
502-741-0969 

SOURCE Automotive Apprenticeship Group (AAG); California New Car Dealers Association