Auto technician program expanding in Manatee-Sarasota region

Six automobile dealerships in Manatee and Sarasota counties are teaming with CareerEdge Funders Collaborative to offer a free technician training program at Suncoast Technical College.

The dealerships will hire workers – no experience required – for part- and full-time trainee positions at $12 per hour. The new hires will then attend a mandatory 11-week automotive training program at STC’s campus on Beneva Road in Sarasota.

The program will be held Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. starting Jan. 16 and running until March 28. Participants who complete the training program will be paid $13 per hour with benefits, and will have the opportunity for additional certifications at the dealerships.

Those interested should apply online at one of the following dealerships:

Gettel Automotive: gettel.applicantstack.com/x/openings

Sunset Auto Group: sunsetautogroup.applicantpro.com/jobs/689331-236271.html

Toyota of Sarasota: toyotaofsarasota.com/employment-application/

Venice Toyota: venicetoyota.com/employment

Venice Honda: venicehonda.com/employment

Wilde Honda: gowildehonda.com/careers/

Officials from the six dealerships will choose the participants for the free technician training program, which is being funded through a donor with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 1:40 PM with the headline "Auto technician program expanding in Manatee-Sarasota region."