CNCDA Foundation Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CNCDA Foundation?
The CNCDA Foundation supports automotive workforce development across California. We connect students, educators, and dealerships to create career pathways for future automotive technicians and industry professionals.
Why should students connect with the CNCDA Foundation?
We provide direct access to career pathways in the automotive industry through:
Hands-on experience at new car dealerships
Industry-aligned training and certifications
Apprenticeship and internship opportunities
Connections to employers actively seeking talent
Automotive Technician Careers & New Car Dealerships:
What does an Automotive Technician do?
Automotive Technicians diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles using advanced tools and technology. Today’s technicians are highly skilled professionals who combine mechanical expertise with computer diagnostics and technical problem-solving.
Why work at a new car dealership?
Dealerships offer:
Access to OEM (manufacturer) training and certifications
Exposure to the latest technology and vehicles
Competitive pay, benefits, and clear career growth paths
A professional shop environment with ongoing training
What skills do I need to become an Automotive Technician?
Key skills include mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication. Training through an automotive education program or apprenticeship will help you build these competencies.
How can I start a career as an Automotive Technician?
Begin by enrolling in a high school or community college automotive program, participate in CNCDA Foundation Career Days to connect with employers, and explore our internship or apprenticeship programs to gain hands-on experience.
CNCDA Foundation Internship Program:
www.cncdafoundation.org/intern
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
8 Week program. 2 days per week. 4 hours per day.
Interns will be referred by and managed by their educator in partnership with CNCDA Foundation.
The intern selected will be in their last semester of course completion and eligible for hire when internship is completed.
Intern works directly with assigned mentor (s).
Service Manager/mentor/intern work together to determine specific days/hours intern will work. (64-hour total required)
Interns will be covered under their school district’s worker’s compensation insurance.
Interns will have a valid driver's license but will not be authorized to drive any customer vehicle or dealer inventory vehicles on/in your dealership, per their internship agreement.
What is the CNCDA Foundation Internship Program?
Our internship program is a professional, hands-on experience for aspiring technicians. Over an 8-week period, college-level students work at a new car dealership alongside experienced mentors, learning the dealership’s equipment, processes, and culture.
Are internships paid?
Internships are unpaid, but students receive college credit through their school’s automotive program. This allows students to gain real-world experience while fulfilling their educational requirements.
How is the internship like an extended interview?
The program allows dealerships to recruit, train, and evaluate potential employees in real-world conditions before making a hiring decision. Interns showcase their skills while learning the shop’s workflow.
Who can apply for the internship program?
Students must be enrolled in a college-level automotive program and receive approval from their instructor.
How do I apply?
Students can apply through our website or work with their instructor to be recommended to participating dealerships.
CNCDA Foundation Apprenticeship Program:
www.cncdafoundation.org/apprentice
What is the Apprenticeship Program?
Our apprenticeship program is a structured, multi-year training path where apprentice technicians learn on the job while completing ASE/NATEF-aligned competencies. Apprentices earn wages while developing the skills required to become a certified journeyman-level technician.
What makes the apprenticeship unique?
It combines paid employment, mentorship, and structured training tied directly to industry standards, bridging the gap between school and full-time technician careers.
Who is eligible?
Students recommended by their college automotive instructors near participating dealerships are eligible to apply.
Do apprentices receive certifications?
Apprentices work towards ASE certifications and complete a competency-based training plan that aligns with dealership and industry standards.
How do I apply?
Visit our apprenticeship program page or speak with your instructor to learn about participating dealerships.
CNCDA Foundation Automotive Technology Career Days:
www.CNCDAFoundation.org/career-day
What are Career Days?
CNCDA Foundation Automotive Technology Career Days connect students with dealerships, manufacturers, and industry professionals through job fairs, hands-on activities, and career exploration.
Who can attend Career Days?
High school and community college automotive students, instructors, and educators are invited to participate.
What happens at a Career Day event?
Students explore career opportunities, meet employers, participate in breakout sessions, and engage with OEM training representatives. It’s a gateway to internships, apprenticeships, and employment.
Where are Career Days held?
Career Days are hosted at partner colleges and technical education centers across California. Event schedules and locations are posted on our website.
How do I register my students?
Instructors can register their classes via the CNCDA Foundation website. Each student must register individually to receive custom name badges and lunch.
For Dealerships and Industry Partners:
Why should dealerships partner with the CNCDA Foundation?
We help you:
Recruit motivated, trained entry-level technicians
Access students already engaged in automotive training programs
Save time and cost in technician hiring through internships and apprenticeships
Build a sustainable pipeline of talent for your service department
How do we get involved?
Dealerships can host interns, hire apprentices, or participate in Career Day events. Visit our website for details on how to partner.
Contact Us
For more information on programs, events, or partnerships, visit www.cncdafoundation.org or contact us via email at foundation@cncda.org