WSM Partners with WANADA for New Auto Technician Training Program

WorkSource Montgomery, Inc. (WSM) and the Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association (WANADA) announced a new partnership between the organizations that will offer an established auto technician training program to Montgomery County residents. WANADA’s Automobile Dealer Education Institute (ADEI) will serve as the lead organization to provide mentorship and classroom education for qualified county residents admitted to the program.

WSM will provide funding to ADEI to cover the cost of a Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 training cohort. Each cohort is expected to have up to 30 participants.

“This is exciting. We are proud of this partnership with WANADA that allows us to introduce a new career pathway for Montgomery County residents who are in need of not just a job but a sustainable, long-term career,” said Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director of WSM.

WANADA ADEI is the Washington area’s premier training institute for future automotive technicians. Local area automobile dealerships partner with ADEI to provide full-time entry-level positions and a mentor for eligible trainees. ADEI apprentices work full-time at a local car dealership and attend class at Montgomery College one day per week.  The program is completely cost-free and each participant receives a tool allowance once they complete the first semester. After two years, ADEI apprentices have all of the education and job experience required to take and pass the ASE master certification exams, setting them off on a long and fruitful career.

“ADEI is very proud to partner with Worksource Montgomery. Area car dealers are always hiring motivated job seekers for a variety of positions, so this partnership will be an excellent way to connect them with county residents,” said Joe Koch, Vice President of ADEI.

ADEI works directly with Washington-area automobile dealerships to ensure job placement for participants that successfully complete the program. Participants will also receive pay throughout their training. WSM will begin recruiting for the Fall cohort immediately. Interested residents should contact Billy Painter by phone at 202-236-2270 or via email at bp@wanada.org for application information. Applicants may also visit http://www.adei-programs.org/scholarship-application/ to complete an initial application online.