Patrick Sells, service manager at Miller Brothers, Ellicott City, has living proof that the Automotive Youth Educational System program works.
In these days where dealers across the country bemoan the dearth of auto technicians, Sells has four technicians who have been homegrown via the AYES program.
“For us it has worked out very well,” Sells said. “It gives us people that we can start completely fresh with that haven?t learned [poor] practices.”
The AYES program began with funding by General Motors and 13 other major automakers.
The program also receives federal and other funding. In Maryland, the state Department of Education contributes to the program, which involves 13 schools and 36 auto dealers, said AYES State Manager Richard Glenn.
High school students apply and go through a selection process.
Once in, they complete 11th grade summer internships, part-time work during senior year, and then two years of post-high school employment.
“We are looking for the best of the best,” Glenn said. “It?s great to watch them grow and mature as they go through the program.”
The AYES program provides student with up-to-date tools and training. Improved training equals better results and higher customer satisfaction.
William Herman, 20, a 2004 graduate of South Carroll High School, said the program gave him a chance to actually “go out and work” in order to learn a skill. “I want to stay with the dealer and work right here,” he said.
But not all the students opt to continue as technicians, instead taking advantage of one of more than the 50-plus available auto career paths.
One such student is Ryan Washington, 20, who also graduated from South Carroll in 2004.
Like Herman, he?s spent two years working as a technician at Miller Brothers.
Now, he plans to head to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., to study automotive engineering.
“I never would have seen myself in this industry if I hadn?t heard of the program,” Washington said.
Having choices is what the program is all about.
“We aren?t the end for these students,” Glenn said. “We?re the beginning.”
More detail
» For more information about AYES, go to www.ayes.org
