Pub. 1 2019-20 Issue 1

http://wvcar.com 20 WVADA DutchMiller Auto Group is Growing Their Own Auto Technicians I n the fall of 2018, the Dutch Mill- er Auto Group partnered with the State of West Virginia Vocational and Adult Services to encourage stu- dents to choose careers in the auto- motive industry. Dutch Miller worked with six vocational schools in six of the surrounding counties. The program allowed interns to work at each of the dealership locations for three to four months, after which the dealership offered full-time employment to the successful candidates. During the first six months, DutchMiller Auto Group worked with 12 students. The program rotated the students with different mechanics already working with the Dutch Miller Auto Group. The students were paid, worked between four and six hours each day, and received credit hours equivalent to completed class time towards graduation. The real- life environment replaced the simulated work environment at school and gave the students a truer perspective of a career as an auto technician. See a video clip of the Inaugural CTE Signing Day with Dutch Miller Auto Group The program was successful. Of the 12 student apprentices, the Dutch Miller Auto Group hired six, and gave them a $500.00 sign-on bonus and a $1000.00 towards their tools. The Dutch Miller Auto Group is planning on continuing the program, as it worked not just for the dealership, but for the students as well. t