An auto group company is partnering with Miami-Dade Public County Schools to launch a new education auto technician program to help combat unemployment rates in South Florida.
“I want to be able to provide for my family even in times of uncertainty, when things are going bad. I want to know that my job is going to be secure as well,” said Josimar Contreras, current student at Warren Henry Technician Program.
Thousands of South Floridians feel the same way as Josimar Contreras. The pandemic has caused people to lose their jobs and sense of direction.
Once Josimar saw he needed to make a career change, he signed up for the Warren Henry Technician Program.
“The pandemic really shut down a lot of jobs. Where I’m going isn’t really that certain for me and going into a career like the LandRover technical school, it gives me a pathway to certainty,” said Josimar.
According to Erik Day, CFO of Warren Henry Auto Group, the automotive industry is experiencing a technician shortage. So they launched the program in hopes to fix that problem and give South Floridians with a high school diploma or GED new education certifications and employment opportunities.
“The program will be a two year curriculum and the students will emerge with a full blown ASE certification. In addition to that, we were also successful in partnering with one of our major partners, Jaguar LandRover North America, to also have the program certify these technicians to come out with a level two status. Which allows them to perform a certain number of work they’re eligible to submit for warrant, repairs and things of that nature,” said Erik Day, CFO of Warren Henry Auto Group.
The company’s intention is to provide the students an opportunity at any of their dealerships in Florida.
“To date we have significant opportunities within the organization. However, in the event that something wasn’t a fit for them, for example, if they had a family decision that they needed to move to another location, there would be an opportunity for them to have these skills that would be usable in any market,” said Erik.
Josimar started last week and says he’s excited to learn from the professors who have over 20 years of experience in the industry.
“I believe that’s going to help me become a better technician in the future and become a good employee for LandRover or Jaguar,” said Josimar.
The students are starting with virtual learning but expect to go back to the classroom in October. The program is still accepting students for this term. For more information or to apply, click here.
