Historically, car dealers have only contacted community colleges when the need for technicians is greatest.
However, as dealer demand increases and the number of high school automotive programs decreases, the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association (GLANCDA) realized the need to strengthen the pathways from community college programs into full-time dealer employment.
GLANCDA is partnering with community colleges throughout the Los Angeles/Orange County Region to host networking events that bring students and dealerships together to fill technician roles across the organization.
The first event was held October 18 in partnership with Los Angeles Pierce College. GLANCDA Executive Director Bob Smith said about 140 people attended, including representatives from 15 dealerships and more than 100 students.
The event included a networking reception and presentations from community college students who went on to obtain full-time positions at GLANCDA dealerships.
“It’s so exciting to be part of and see the kids and the instructors,” Smith said. “We’re really trying to put a bigger emphasis on skills from the community college level at these events to show the academic community and the students we really are there.”
At least a dozen students received job offers since the October event, Smith said. Along with looking more closely at community colleges, dealers are offering jobs and internships that meet students’ class schedules.
“Dealers are primarily looking for full-time help because that’s where the need is greatest, but we are seeing a shift to understanding that students need to be part-time or interns as opposed to full-time,” Smith said. “Dealers are not in a position to say they only want full-time technicians and they see the opportunity for students to grow within the service department.”
The next dealer/student networking event will be held February 21 from 5-8 p.m. at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry. It will be a collaboration with Rio Hondo College and Citrus College. Additional events are planned for the spring with Cerritos College and El Camino College.
