Explore a Career in Automotive Service & Repair

Automotive Youth Apprenticeship

Do you enjoy a passion for cars and enjoy hands-on work?

Do you like fixing things, solving mechanical problems, and helping people at the same time?

If so, Automotive Technology might be the perfect area of study for you.

As an auto mechanic, you might use a computer to identify an engine problem or your hands to replace a part. You could build cars from scratch or work on innovative electric or hybrid vehicles. You’ll also get to perform regular maintenance, like oil changes and brake inspections, to keep things running smoothly. If this sounds like a career you’d enjoy, Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) can help you get started.

As a GAP youth apprentice, you will:

Gain the hands-on skills you need

Get paid to go to school and train

Earn a college degree for free

Interested? If you’re in high school, you can participate in a registered youth apprenticeship program to learn how to be an auto mechanic (and get paid). At the same time, you can earn an automotive technology degree for free, fast-tracking your way to a paycheck and a rewarding career.

Skills for Success as an Automotive Technician

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could harness your strengths and interests and turn them into a rewarding career? Some of the best auto mechanics share characteristics like the ones below. If these seem familiar, automotive technology might be an excellent path for you.

Interests

  • Cars
  • Engines
  • Electronics
  • Machines
  • Technology
  • Repairing
  • Assembling
  • Troubleshooting
  • Systems construction

Skills

  • Mechanical ability
  • Problem-solving 
  • Physical stamina
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer service
  • Communication
  • Hands-on work
  • Time management

School Subjects

  • Technical/shop class
  • Electrical systems
  • Computers
  • Math
  • English
  • Business

Parents…

If this sounds like your child, discover how a GAP apprenticeship can prepare them for career success.

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The Future of Automotive Technology Careers

Each year, approximately 73,300 new jobs for auto mechanic and service technicians are expected to open, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s because there’s a large workforce of auto mechanics who will be retiring and will need to be replaced with younger skilled workers. What’s more, the number of vehicles on the road is expected to rise, another reason qualified service and repair professionals will be in need.

As a trained automotive technician, you’ll get to diagnose issues with cars, trucks, and motorcycles using special tools and your knowledge of vehicles. You also might specialize in specific service repairs or vehicle models.

Your apprenticeship program could get you ready for one of these roles (and others):

  • Diagnostic technician
  • Front-end technician
  • Brake technician
  • Drivability technician
  • Transmission technician

Leverage your skills and passion for work within:

  • Car dealerships
  • Mechanic shops
  • Auto parts stores
  • Vehicle rental companies

Ultimately, the accelerated real-world experience you get from a youth apprenticeship can give you a head start in the field and provide you with access to a higher-paying position sooner. That means you’ll also have the chance to build up your salary quicker throughout your career.

Ready to jump-start your career?

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Potential Apprenticeship Providers and Employers

At Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP), we work with top automotive employers in the Piedmont-Triad area to provide the best hands-on youth apprenticeship training. Learn from experienced workers who live in your community, gain valuable skills, and develop strong connections.

Once your apprenticeship is complete, you could continue working with your apprenticeship provider as a regular full-time employee. After all, our apprenticeship partners are looking to invest in you — building their next generation of skilled, loyal workers.

Learn more about our participating employers.

High Point Tire & Automotive
High Point Tire & Automotive provides honest and professional automotive repair and auto maintenance services to the people of High Point and surrounding areas.
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Ilderton
Since 1926, the Ilderton family has been serving customers with quality automobiles in the triad cities of High Point, Greensboro and Winston Salem.
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Mercedes Benz of Greensboro and Winston-Salem
Whether you need service, parts, or are in the market for a new vehicle for yourself, we offer a wide range of amenities to enhance your experience here!
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Toyota of Greensboro
With the Toyota Apprenticeship Career Training program, we help you be the best technician you can be by developing your technical skills, leadership ability, and ideal career path.
Learn More

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about GAP’s apprenticeship and a career as an auto service technician or mechanic.

We provide apprenticeships for high school students throughout Guilford County, North Carolina, including Greensboro, Jamestown, Summerfield, Stokesdale, Oak Ridge, McLeansville, Pleasant Garden, Whitsett, and Sedalia.

No, students do not need to live in Guilford County, NC, or attend high school in Guilford County to qualify.

You can apply for our youth apprenticeship program starting your junior year of high school. If accepted, you start on-the-job training while you’re still in high school. You are paid for your work as an apprentice, and the cost of all of your tuition, books, and fees are covered as well.

You’ll earn a competitive hourly wage that increases as you progress through the program. Once you’ve completed the apprenticeship, you’ll have earned an associate’s degree from Guilford Technical Community College. If you’d like to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree, your associate degree credits are eligible for transfer to most state 4-year universities.

According to Salary.com, the average auto mechanic salary is about $48,400, often ranging from $41,825 to $54,565. Specific salary can vary by factors such as location, experience level, and certifications.

See Where You Can Work a Youth Apprentice

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