Six men standing indoors, with two of them shaking hands and holding a check, in front of a yellow sign and a digital display board.

Your Road To Automotive Career Success

San Diego

Step 1.

Connect with the CNCDA Foundation:

Sign up to receive important updates and local dealership opportunities.

A man at a Toyota dealership handing a check to another man in front of a black Toyota Tacoma truck.
A collage of multiple car brand logos including Volkswagen, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, BMW, Audi, Hyundai, Fiat, Lincoln, Land Rover, Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Mazda, Mazda, Subaru, Jaguar, Porsche, Porsche, Kia, Toyota, Maserati, Maserati, Maserati, GMC, RAM, Dodge, Chrysler, Bentley, Nissan, Lexus, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Buick, Honda, Land Rover, Hyundai, Fiat, Lincoln, Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Jaguar, Porsche, Kia, Toyota, Maserati, GMC, RAM, Dodge, Chrysler, Bentley, Nissan, Lexus, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Buick, Hyundai, Fiat, Lincoln, Land Rover, Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Jaguar, Porsche, Kia, Toyota, Maserati, GMC, RAM, Dodge, Chrysler, Bentley, Nissan, Lexus, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Buick, Hyundai, Fiat, Lincoln, Land Rover, Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Tesla, and more.

Step 2.

Explore Which DEALERSHIP CAREER FITS YOU!

85% of technicians recommend their career, but our industry offers many other excellent careers! Check out which position might be right for you! With abundant opportunities and competitive, high paying salaries, there has never been a better time to join the industry!

  • Young woman smiling in a mechanic's or technician's uniform standing with her arms crossed in a garage or workshop.

    Automotive Technician

    Goal:

    Keep vehicles running smoothly so people reach their destinations safely.

    Personality Type: DOER

    I love diving into challenges, finding solutions to problems, and working hands-on to keep vehicles moving efficiently and safely.

  • Three men working together on a motorcycle in an auto repair shop, laughing and wearing mechanic uniforms and gloves.

    Parts Concierge

    Goal:

    I want to help you find what you need to keep your car in perfect shape!

    Personality Type: SCOUT

    I enjoy learning how things work, love searching for the right solutions, and thrive when helping others get exactly what they need.

  • Three men standing in front of a blue wall, with one in the middle shaking hands with the man on the right and holding a check. The man on the left is smiling.

    F & I

    Goal:

    I want to help customers get the money they need to buy the car of their dreams.

    Personality Type: LIASON

    I am a problem solver who enjoys finding answers to financing and valuation questions. I do not mind some math to help customers get the resources they need:

  • Two men inspecting a car engine in a garage or workshop.

    Service Advisor

    Goal:

    I want to bring the gap between customers and technicians, ensuring our service meets customer expectations.

    Personality Type: COMMUNICATOR

    You enjoy helping people understand what their vehicle needs, explaining services clearly, and ensuring customers are satisfied.

  • Sales

    Sales

    Goal:

    I want to help customers find the perfect vehicle to fit their lifestyle, budget, and driving needs.

    Personality Type: PERSUADER

    You thrive on interacting with people, understanding their needs, and helping them make one of their biggest purchasing decisions.

    Explore Sales Careers

Step 3:

Choose Your Path

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JUMPSTART YOUR AUTOMOTIVE CAREER WITH CALifornia’s NEW Automotive Technician APPRENTICESHIP Program.

Text with icons on a black background promoting earning wages while learning and guaranteed job placement at a dealership.

OR

Text and icons promoting earning an auto degree in one semester or two years, with low or free tuition, featuring a stopwatch and a hand holding money.

Start exploring local automotive colleges and education programs.

Helpful Links:

Three men stand in front of a modern building with glass doors, the man in the middle holding a check and wearing a black uniform, the other two men wearing casual work shirts with company logos, all smiling.
Cover page of the California Technician Report by CNCD Foundation, featuring a person in black uniform and air conditioning unit in the background.
Logo with large green T in the center, flanked by stylized navy blue F's on each side.
Logo of the ASE Education Foundation, featuring a blue gear with 'ASE' in the center and orange text reading 'Education Foundation' below.
Logo for California Community Colleges featuring a blue and yellow circular emblem with a stylized swirl in the center and the text 'California Community Colleges' around the edge.