Mentors and students meet to launch ADEIs spring tech training semester

Mentors and students meet to launch ADEIs spring tech training semester

WANADAs Automobile Dealer Education Institute (ADEI) entry-level technician training program kicked off another semester at Montgomery College this week as students and their dealership mentors sat down for a lunch and a discussion of goals for the spring semester. There were more than 50 students present at the luncheon, including a number who began in the program and then became mentors to younger students themselves.

The ADEI program is the only one of its kind nationwide that is NATEF Certified and has produced nearly 300 technicians for WANADA dealer members since its inception. It places students in dealerships in Maryland, Virginia and DC as fulltime entry-level technicians and sends them to dedicated classes at Montgomery College and the NOVA college campuses in Alexandria and Manassas. The two-year program graduates students as productive line technicians with ASE Certifications in a number of critical repair skill set areas.

Before entering the program the students are carefully screened by ADEI staff and upon entry are field monitored. Participating dealers pay a $1,000 per semester fee, which is tax deductible, to offset the cost of the nationally recognized program. ADEI also receives funding from government agencies and local foundations. ADEI currently has a number of well qualified applicants. Dealers in need of entry –level technicians and wishing to participate in the program should call Bill Belew, program director, at 202-237-7200 or via email at bb@wanada.org.