Bridges Introduction to Automotive Careers

Bridges Introduction to Automotive Careers

There are more cars and trucks on the road today than ever before and it takes a lot of skilled professionals to keep all those vehicles moving. Whether under the hood or on the showroom floor, the Automotive Industry offers career opportunities wherever there are roads.

Dondelinger Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hyundai is a full service auto dealer in Baxter, Minnesota. In addition to new and used vehicle sales and service, Dondelinger also has a full parts department and finance and leasing operations. Each department employs people with a wide variety of skills who work together as a team to make the dealership successful.

Working at a dealership doesn’t have to mean becoming a service technician or sales person. There are automotive career paths for accountants, marketing and finance professionals too.

In Minnesota, there are more than 6,800 auto service centers and about 1,500 dealerships, which means there is a lot of opportunity for qualified service technicians

The automotive service career ladder starts with lube techs. Then come maintenance and light repair technicians. With more experience and training you can become a certified to auto technician, a Certified Advanced Specialist or Service Manager.

There is an 11-Month training program in Automotive Technology at Central Lakes College in Brainerd designed to build a foundation of basic knowledge for a career as a service technician. You may even be eligible for scholarships to help fund your studies.

As a high school student, it is important to start preparing now for your future career. Ask your school counselor about courses and other opportunities that will help you learn more automotive careers.

Choosing a career and educational path after high school is one of the most important decisions you can make. In a time of life when there are more questions than answers, the Bridges Career Academies and Workplace Connection provides information about education and career pathways and gives you the tools you need to make a smart choice…one that’ s right for you and right for your future. To learn more visit BridgesConnection.org.