Students to Explore Auto Careers in New Car Dealerships

Governor Schwarzenegger recognizes Automotive Career Week

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 13 -- High school students across California will learn about the wide variety of career opportunities available in automobile dealerships during Automotive Career Week, October 24-28, sponsored by the California Motor Car Dealers Association (CMCDA). During this week, new car dealers across the country will talk to teens about jobs and career opportunities in the automotive industry, a program sponsored by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

To acknowledge the importance of this initiative, Governor Schwarzenegger has recognized the week, October 24-28, as Automotive Career Week in California.

"The retail automobile industry is a vital part of our economy, employing more than 150,000 people and enhancing the quality of life for Californians. In recent years the industry has experienced strong growth, along with advances in technology that have created a need for educated and highly skilled professionals," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I salute you (CMCDA) for your efforts to recognize the distinguished professionals in the automotive industry and to educate students on career opportunities in the field."

California new car dealers will participate in Automotive Career Week by either giving presentations to students at high schools or hosting an open house event at their dealership. Students will hear first-hand how the business operates in all areas, including sales, service and finance, and have an opportunity to ask questions and view a newly released video on auto careers.

"Many young people are surprised to learn that dealerships offer such a wide variety of outstanding career opportunities," said Ed Fitzpatrick, CMCDA Chairman "We're thrilled to have a chance to share our experiences with students, and we hope that many will end up strongly considering careers in our industry."

Today's auto dealership careers are expanding and more cutting-edge than ever. With new vehicles holding more computing power than the Apollo moon launch and dealership businesses growing, dynamic positions with high-income potential can be found in such fields as:

  -- Sales
  -- Auto Repair and Service
  -- Finance
  -- Marketing
  -- Administration
  -- Design
  -- Internet Services
  -- Communications.

Nationally, dealers need to bring 35,000 automotive technicians into the industry every year. The AYES (Automotive Youth Education Systems) program, a school-to-work initiative in partnership with CMCDA and franchised new car dealers addresses the availability of qualified service technicians, and encourages high school students to consider careers in retail automotive service, and prepare them for entry-level career positions or advanced studies in automotive technology.

CMCDA and AYES currently have 25 high schools providing automotive technical training in California that join more than 390 AYES school programs nationally.

For a list of dealerships participating in Automotive Career Week visit NADA's web site at: http://www.nada.org/Content/NavigationMenu/MemberServices/Automotive_Career_Re sources/ACW_Participants.htm

About CMCDA

The California Motor Car Dealers Association (CMCDA) is a statewide trade association that represents the interests of more than 1,400 franchised new car dealer members. CMCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new vehicles, and also engage in automotive service, repair and part sales. CMCDA promotes fair and ethical business practices through a wide range of educational programs, services and industry publications. For more information, visit CMCDA's Web site: www.cmcda.org.