Training program expands to six auto dealerships

SARASOTA — CareerEdge Funders Collaborative is partnering with six local automotive dealerships to offer a free short-term technician training program at Suncoast Technical College.

The certification class was piloted this fall with a class of 10 Gettel Automotive entry-level employees. A second class of students will start in January.

Gettel Automotive, Sunset Auto Group, Peterson Toyota of Sarasota, Venice Honda, Venice Toyota and Wilde Automotive will hire people for full or part-time trainee positions. The new hires must attend the mandatory, free 11-week automotive program. After the class, the participants will be paid $13 an hour, full time with benefits.

CareerEdge is funding the training program through a donor with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. CareerEdge is a partnership of business, government and philanthropic organizations that works to provide opportunities for better jobs and wages in Manatee and Sarasota counties.