On Feb. 28, the CNCDA Foundation and the New Car Dealers Association San Diego County hosted the San Diego Automotive Technology Career Day at Palomar College. This was the second year for this event, which was created by the CNCDA Foundation, in cooperation with the NCDA, for dealers to engage local high school and college auto tech students, and to help fill the labor pipeline with future auto technicians for San Diego County’s new car dealerships.
This high-energy event brought together auto industry professionals (including OEs and dealers) who were excited to introduce students to rewarding and lucrative career opportunities in dealership service departments. After an inspiring keynote address, students rotated through a variety of breakout sessions that taught them lessons in everything from specific auto technologies to soft skills.
After lunch, which included an informative panel discussion, both high school and college students attended the career fair portion of the event, where they were able to explore how they can join a quickly evolving industry. High schoolers also learned about the certificate and degree opportunities at local colleges to help shape their individual career paths.
More than 350 high school auto tech students from all corners of San Diego County attended the event, which included college participation from Palomar College, MiraCosta College, San Diego Miramar College and Southwestern College.
Manufacturer support came from Kia, Hyundai, BMW and Ford, and participating dealers included Audi Carlsbad, Kearny Mesa Hyundai, Kia/Hyundai/Mazda of El Cajon, Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego, North County Ford, Sunroad Automotive and Toyota of El Cajon.
