Local dealership aims to fill automotive technician shortage

South Carolina and the nation are facing a shortage of automotive service technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina has a shortage of 1,400 automotive technicians scattered throughout the state. The South Carolina Automotive Dealers Association (SCADA) and the technical college system are working to close that gap through a scholarship and apprenticeship program administered by local dealerships. And an added bonus: some apprentices qualify to receive up to $10,000 in tools courtesy of SCADA.

Matthew Brown is one of the students enrolled in the SCADA Tools-for-Tech apprenticeship program. He spends part of his time studying at Greenville Technical College and the rest completing an apprenticeship with Richard Kay Superstore. By being enrolled in the apprenticeship program, he is learning and earning at the same time.

“Being able to learn from the professors at Greenville Technical College and then apply that knowledge directly through my apprenticeship with Richard Kay, it truly gives me hands-on experience,” shared Brown. “I am going to graduate with over a year of experience, which makes me stand out from my peers when entering the workforce.”

Brown received the two-year paid apprenticeship and was awarded two $4,000 scholarships through SCADA to help reduce tuition costs and the financial burden many college students face.

“Receiving the scholarships from SCADA definitely helped ease worries about how I was going to pay for college,” said Brown. “Having a year of hands-on experience and little debt when I graduate is something many of my peers can’t say.”

“We are thrilled to have Matthew on our team,” shared Justin Smith, Richard Kay Superstore’s fixed operations manager and Matthew’s supervisor. “Being able to not only know that we at Richard Kay are helping close the gap on skilled automotive technicians, but partnering with SCADA to help ease financial burdens on those who want to go into automotive repair, means that students from every corner of South Carolina can participate in the program.”

Following graduation, Brown hopes to continue his employment with Richard Kay Superstore. “Everyone I work with at Richard Kay has been extremely supportive of not only in helping expand my skillset, but also my education. You don’t find people like that in other companies. I value the energy and knowledge they have poured into me, so I hope I can continue to work alongside them after walking across the stage.”

Anyone interested in becoming an automotive technician or to learn more about SCADA’s automotive tech development program, should visit scautotech.org.