It could be considered a challenge to land a prime spot on the race automobile pit crew. But car dealerships across the region are scrambling to locate capable automotive technicians for his or her individual "pit crews"-even with salaries of $30,000 to $70,000 or even more, relying on the market place and the technician's stage of instruction.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the auto industry will require 35,000 new technicians yearly by means of 2010.

Worthwhile But Overlooked Careers

With that in thoughts, an unusual contest is acquiring into gear using the objective of growing awareness about this rewarding and rewarding however often-overlooked occupation, and help coaching opportunities for future technicians. It's referred to as the No. 29 Goodwrench Experience Challenge. And it is a challenge. "Historically, becoming an automotive technician has been depicted being a dirty, dead-end sort of work," said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. "That aged stereotype couldn't be additionally through the fact. Present-day automobiles and trucks are incredibly sophisticated-the pc technology in them on your own, as an example, is almost 1,000 occasions more potent than what took the Apollo mission to your moon."

"Dealerships require skilled, capable technicians given that they understand that satisfaction with vehicle support and fix operate is carefully tied to how clients see their vehicles along with the dealership."

The Challenge benefits automotive technician coaching like this: If driver Kevin Harvick's No. 29 vehicle wins two out of twelve chosen NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Sequence races starting May well 28 using the Coca-Cola 600, GM Goodwrench will build a $200,000 scholarship fund to inspire Automotive Youth Instructional Methods (AYES) large college college students to proceed their automotive technical education by attending GM Automotive Service Educational Plan (ASEP) colleges. AYES is often a nonprofit business and education partnership that creates automotive technological innovation career opportunities for promising young guys and females at automotive dealerships. It was founded in 1995 by previous GM Chairman Jack Smith as a approach to handle the increasing will need for technicians.

Spreading The Word

"There are thousands of NASCAR fans-and others-who are ideal candidates for any career as an automotive technician," explained Larry Cummings, CEO of AYES. "The Knowledge Challenge is a entertaining and engaging strategy to assist spread the phrase about these wonderful job opportunities."

Students enrolled in GM ASEP two-year software programs earn although they discover, rotating their time involving courses and interning at GM dealerships as well as other GM service centers. You will find 66 GM ASEP taking part universities in 38 U.S. states, fifteen in Canada and one particular in the People's Republic of China. Productive college students graduate with an associate's degree, and either are ready for or have handed their Nationwide Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification check. More than two,000 college students are currently enrolled inside the system, and you'll find over 14,000 graduates.

If Harvick along with the crew meet the Knowledge Problem by winning two from the 12 select races, GM Goodwrench will award 29 Grand Prizes, which include an all-new 2007 Chevy Avalanche, a $1,000 GM automobile maintenance certificate and also a trunk packed with Reese's products.

Program Guidelines Obtainable

If only one race is won for the duration of the promotion, two fortunate winners will likely be awarded an all-new 2007 Chevy Avalanche, a $1,000 GM motor vehicle upkeep certificate, and a trunk full of Reese's products. They'll also donate $25,000 towards the GM Goodwrench Scholarship Fund. If no races are won during the promotion, the marketing will nonetheless give away an all-new 2007 Chevy Avalanche, a $1,000 GM vehicle servicing certificate, and also a trunk filled with Reese's merchandise to 1 fortunate winner, and present a $25,000 donation for the GM Goodwrench Scholarship fund.