The number of available qualified automotive technicians in the United States is expected to fall short by some 37 thousand this year. It’s a critical shortage that results in lost business for auto dealers across the nation, and in some cases, longer wait times for service. This week, the 2024 Fast Track Auto Tech Training Program sponsored by North Texas Automobile Dealers (NTXAD), is working to address the issue with a select group of 36 recent high school graduates from across North Texas taking the first step toward a lucrative high-tech career as an automotive technician.
During the next five weeks, students will learn a specialized curriculum designed by new car and truck dealers in classes led by certified instructors at Tarrant County Community College, Collin College, and the Brookhaven Campus at Dallas College. In addition to the classroom time and hands-on instruction, students will interview with new auto dealers, as part of the program’s objective to provide opportunities for employment following the program.
“There are tens of thousands of job openings for qualified auto techs across the country, right now and hundreds of those are right here in North Texas,” said NTXAD President Brent Franks. “Creating a pipeline of skilled technicians through the Fast Track program, and our annual Auto Tech Competition remains an important priority for NTXAD. It is a win for our auto dealers, their customers and of course, a win for students who know automotive technology is a respected career field with high earning potential.”
This is the third year for the Fast Track program, which has placed 100 percent of students who’ve successfully completed the training in automotive technician jobs at North Texas new auto & truck dealerships.
Grants from the Carroll Shelby Foundation, North Texas Automobile Dealers and a select group of original equipment manufacturers who provide support for the NTXAD’s workforce development programs fund the Fast Track program.
The industry training programs are guided by the NTXAD’s Education Committee; Tony Pack, Sam Pack Auto Group, Joe Laubhan, Classic Chevrolet, George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation, Les Hudson, Texas Education Agency, Jonathan Cuff, Ford, Tracy Miller, Tarrant County Community College, C. Brent Franks, Sondra Hawkins, Roy Plumlee, NTXAD and countless dealer, high school and college partners who donate their time to help make Texas the best state in the country to live, work and drive safe & reliable transportation.
For more information, please go to www.AutoTechEducation.com; to speak with a former student who has completed Fast Track training & is working at a new car & truck dealership or to speak with a franchised dealer, please contact info@ntxad.com. Thank you for supporting Career & Technical Training Programs in Texas High Schools and Community Colleges.
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About NTXAD
Founded in 2010, North Texas Automobile Dealers (NTXAD) is a non-profit industry trade association representing more than 200 franchise dealerships, who employ nearly 30,000 Texans and the consumers they serve. For more information, visit www.ntxad.com