CareerEdge and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Manatee Technical College (MTC) and major automotive groups in the Sarasota, Fla., region (Cox Automotive, Sunset Automotive Group and Morgan Automotive Group) have joined forces to offer a free, first-of-its-kind fast-track automotive collision technician training program. Employers are excited to recruit and train people for this high-demand job and further develop their workforce. 

CareerEdge brought the employer and college together to determine the industry’s workforce needs and identify the specific curriculum components, which will be a condensed version of MTC’s Automotive Collision program. Graduates of the program will earn EPA and OSHA 10 certifications.

The tuition-free classes are planned to begin March 20, 2023 and run through May 25, 2023, with classes held in the evening Monday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at MTC in Bradenton, Fla. The program will also include CareerEdge’s Bridges to Careers soft skills and employability training. Sunset Automotive Group, Morgan Automotive Group and Cox Automotive will host their own interview processes, while CareerEdge continues to look for additional employer partners.

Funding for the program is made possible by the donors of the CareerEdge Funders Collaboration.

Eligibility includes having a clean background, background and drug test prior to starting the training, a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, ability to lift 75 lbs., reliable transportation and enjoyment of hands-on work. No technical experience is required, and all interested applicants will need to apply for the free program and be screened by the college and employer. Interested applicants must be Sarasota or Manatee County residents. To access the online application, click here.