Tech Pathways Program - PA's First Automotive Technician Apprenticeship
After 19 months of collaboration between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Hanover Auto Team, and the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Training Office, we are pleased to announce that "Automotive Technician Specialist" is the first of its kind as a Registered Apprenticeship in Pennsylvania. The formal apprenticeship designation not only underscores the significance of the automotive technician role but also signals a commitment to fostering excellence and professionalism within the auto industry.
We spoke with Kelly Rebert, the Marketing Director of Hanover Auto Team, who provided us with a wealth of information regarding Pennsylvania’s only automotive technician apprenticeship program:
Can you tell us about the program and why it is significant?
The Tech Pathways Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program is significant because it is the only automotive apprenticeship program in the state of Pennsylvania. A trade program with state recognition allows participants greater opportunities for entry directly into the workforce and helps organizations secure employees with an established skill-set.
How did the idea come about for this program and can you give a summary of the history of the program’s development?
Loni Smith, a former educator and current CEO at Hanover Auto Team, had a vision to develop the technician apprenticeship program after identifying the lack of skilled technicians available for employment within the auto industry. In 2022, she approached Frank Fuhrman who was the service manager at Hanover Nissan and asked him to help bring her vision to life, upon observing his gift for teaching. Frank transitioned into a Training and Talent Development Manager within Hanover Auto Team and connected with the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and later the State of PA to get the ball rolling on the apprenticeship program.
The program is a 3-tier approach starting with a day-long “Intro to Automotive Careers” for high school sophomores and juniors. Students are then encouraged to apply for course credit during their senior year of high school where they will experience a combination of in-classroom and hands-on technician coursework. The curriculum also includes leadership and character development education under the teaching of Tyler Clabaugh. Upon high school graduation, individuals may then apply for the one year paid apprenticeship program where they continue their learning under mentor technician and long-time Hanover Toyota technician, Keith Troup. At the conclusion of this program, students will be ASE certified, State Inspection and Emissions certified, and likely invited to join one of the Hanover Auto Team dealerships or another local establishment.
What was the importance of receiving approval from the Apprenticeship and Training Office?
After 19 months of strong collaboration with the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, PA and working to complete the requirements of the State of PA, we've achieved a groundbreaking milestone - 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘀𝘆𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮'𝘀 𝙊𝙉𝙇𝙔 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢! We're leading the charge in shaping the future of automotive education by fostering the growth of well-rounded technicians.
What can individuals participating in Tech Pathways expect to gain from the program?
The program is two-fold. High school students are given the opportunity to learn more about the automotive technician career path through coursework that is integrated into the curriculum and credit requirements of each high school. Adult learners will apply and be selected based on a variety of factors and finish a year-long apprenticeship program with ASE certification and a skill-set valuable to begin a successful career.
How will the Hanover community benefit from the Tech Pathways program?
The auto industry as a whole is in search of more technicians and Hanover is no exception. More than ever, students are looking at trades as an alternative to college. This program is a solution for both of those scenarios and perfect for anyone who wants to enter the auto industry.
Loni Smith, CEO of Hanover Auto Team, had the following to say about this milestone:
“The Tech Pathways program is the manifestation of our vision statement and the value we place on relationships with our community, stating “…we strive to promote strong, enduring relationships among all of our associates, and with customers, vendors, and the community. As we sustain and strengthen these relationships, we change the image of how a business operates, and of what a company can be.”
Thank you to Kelly Rebert of Hanover Auto for taking the time to answer these questions. And thank you to Hanover Auto Team for your hard work and dedication to create a registered program for Pennsylvania’s future talent!