Automotive Technician Trainer / Director of Technician Development

Pohanka of Salisbury•Salisbury, MD

20d•Onsite

About The Position

Pohanka Automotive Group is seeking a passionate, hands-on Automotive Technician Trainer (or Director of Technician Development) to build, lead, and grow their technician training program from the ground up. This is an opportunity to shape the next generation of automotive professionals at a premier dealer group. The ideal candidate has significant experience in the shop, understands how to develop talent, and is ready for a leadership role.

Requirements

5+ years of hands-on automotive technician experience at a dealership or high-volume service environment.
Demonstrated experience training, mentoring, or developing other technicians.
Strong working knowledge of ASE certification pathways and requirements.
Familiarity with OEM training platforms and manufacturer-specific diagnostic procedures.
Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining complex procedures clearly to all levels of technicians.
Organized, self-directed, and capable of managing multiple trainees and program tracks simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

ASE Master Technician certification (A1–A8) or equivalent.
Prior experience running or contributing to a formal apprenticeship or technician development program.
Experience with EV/hybrid systems training.
Background in curriculum development, instructional design, or vocational education.
Familiarity with dealer management systems (CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, etc.).

Responsibilities

Design and own the training program, developing structured, multi-phase curriculum covering shop fundamentals to advanced diagnostics.
Onboard entry-level technicians with zero prior experience, providing a clear, supported pathway into the trade.
Guide technicians through ASE certification, including building prep materials, tracking progress, and celebrating milestones.
Deliver OEM/brand-specific training aligned with manufacturer requirements, tools, and repair standards across the brand portfolio.
Manage the apprenticeship program, including recruiting candidates, overseeing earn-while-you-learn structures, and coordinating with vocational schools and community partners.
Assess skill gaps across the technician workforce and develop targeted remediation and advancement plans.
Track and report on training outcomes, such as certification rates, productivity benchmarks, technician retention, and program ROI.
Partner with Service Managers and Fixed Operations leadership to align training with shop needs and business goals.
Stay current on evolving automotive technology, including EVs, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and emerging OEM platforms.