Celebrating the Next Generation of Automotive Technicians

The Auto Dealer Education Institute (ADEI) recognized 25 automotive technician apprentices, including 15 from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), during an Aug. 28 ceremony at Montgomery College. The event brought together graduates, their families, local dealers, community partners and local representatives to celebrate the achievements of these future industry leaders. The event also welcomed a new class of apprentices beginning their training this fall.

This program, a collaboration between MCPS, local dealerships and the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), builds on a legacy of support for automotive education that began with the creation of the Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) in the 1970s. Through the MCPS Foundations Office, ATF supports students entering the automotive industry.

Over the past two years, the apprentices trained full time in local dealerships while completing coursework at Montgomery College. This combination of hands-on experience and academic instruction prepared them to enter the workforce as highly skilled, fully credentialed professionals. Each graduate received a Maryland Department of Labor Apprenticeship and Training Council Certificate of Completion.

“ADEI provides ATF graduates with the opportunity to work full time at a partnering dealership while completing a registered apprenticeship at Montgomery College,” said Steven Boden, Supervisor, Foundations Office. “We are fortunate to have strong partnerships that provide our students post-secondary education at no cost to our graduates.”

With industry-recognized credentials and real-world experience, graduates are well positioned for careers in a field that continues to evolve.