WANADA’s Automobile Dealer Education Institute (ADEI) marked a major milestone on Thursday, August 28, with the 2025 Graduation & Matriculation Ceremony. Held at Montgomery College’s Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education in Rockville, the event recognized 25 graduates of the ADEI apprenticeship program and welcomed the next cohort of apprentices beginning training this fall.
This year’s ceremony was the largest in ADEI’s history, drawing more than 100 attendees, including graduates and their families, dealership sponsors, service managers, funding partners, educators, and representatives from the Maryland Department of Labor. The strong turnout reflected both the accomplishments of the graduates and the program’s growing national reputation as the country’s largest nonprofit auto technician apprenticeship program.
Graduates were awarded official Certificates of Completion from the Maryland Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship and Training Council, marking them as fully qualified professionals in the industry. The credential reflects years of dedication to classroom learning and hands-on training at sponsoring dealerships. For many, the day was a culmination of balancing work, study, and personal commitments with the support of family and mentors. Dealers and service managers were also in attendance to celebrate their apprentices’ success, underscoring the critical role they play in developing and retaining a skilled workforce.
The ceremony also welcomed ADEI’s newest apprentices. This fall’s incoming class of students will train through the proven ADEI model: technical instruction at one of ADEI’s three training sites around the Beltway (Rockville, Camp Springs, Alexandria) combined with on-the-job experience at our member dealerships. With demand for skilled technicians at an all-time high, the program offers a direct pathway into a rewarding career in the automotive industry.
The importance of ADEI’s mission was underscored by remarks from elected officials and community leaders. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) shared video remarks applauding the program for investing in young people and strengthening the workforce. Prince George’s County Councilwoman-at-Large Jolene Ivey attended in person to present commendations to apprentices from her county, praising their commitment and achievement. Montgomery County Councilman Andrew Friedson, a candidate for County Executive, also joined the event to congratulate the graduates and emphasize the role programs like ADEI play in regional economic growth.
Their presence reflected ADEI’s increasing recognition as a model workforce development program and a valued public-private partnership.
The 2025 Graduation & Matriculation Ceremony served as a powerful reminder of ADEI’s growing impact. As the nation’s largest nonprofit auto technician apprenticeship program, ADEI is addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the shortage of qualified technicians. By removing barriers to entry for apprentices and working hand-in-hand with dealers, ADEI provides graduates with both credentials and career opportunities. For dealerships, it ensures a steady pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and professionalism needed in today’s service departments.
WANADA congratulates the Class of 2025 and extends a warm welcome to the incoming apprentices. Their hard work and determination embody the promise of ADEI — and stand as proof that the future of the automotive industry is in capable hands.
Download Bulletin PDF