This article was written for our sponsor, Wake Tech Community College

Capital Ford Service Manager Dean Myslinski is a Wake Tech grad who just celebrated his 44th work anniversary. He started his career in 1980 when Capital Auto Group owner Tim Michael bought his first dealership. Today the Capital Auto Group has over 26 dealerships. Capital Ford has three service shops and over 100 service employees, 63 of whom are technicians.

When Myslinski was looking to build a dependable pipeline of service personnel, he naturally turned to Wake Tech. Today, Capital Auto Group in the Triangle employs over 43 Wake Tech students part time as apprentices through the WakeWorks® Apprenticeship program. Seventeen of them work at Capital Ford.

"If a student comes to me and they're passionate about the industry, and they're passionate about Capital Ford, we give them an opportunity," Myslinski said.

Big companies aren't the only ones to benefit from WakeWorks®. Alex Bell, owner of Bell Tower Electric, employs eight electricians and he benefits from the apprenticeship program. A liaison at WakeWorks® walks the company through what might otherwise be an overwhelming process for a small business.

"They're pretty proactive," Bell said. "The people are great, and they actually care."

"We help companies all the time," said John Wojcik, Senior Director of the WakeWorks® Apprenticeship program and training at Wake Tech. "And Wake Tech provides this as a service to our community."

A model built to suit unique business needs

Each apprenticeship is tailored to the needs of both the business and the student.

While people were stuck at home during the pandemic, demand for HVAC increased as homeowners remodeled and finding an adequate amount of skilled HVAC technicians was difficult for LaDonna Johnson, Production Manager at AirMakers Heating and Air. She was determined not to get into that situation again. Two years ago, she began hiring apprentices through WakeWorks®. The company of 80 employees has had five apprentices so far.

As part of the partnership, AirMakers provides WakeWorks® a checklist of learning goals and timelines for accomplishment. At regular intervals, mentor and apprentice review that checklist; WakeWorks® also tracks the student's progress, including the apprentice's attitude, attendance, and job hours completed.

WakeWorks® also ensures that the company is meeting its agreement to increase an apprentice's pay as he or she meets the agreed milestones.

"It's that dual accountability which is awesome," Johnson says.

Debt-free classroom and on-the-job training

Johnson sees value in the mix of on-the-job training and classroom education.

AirMakers apprentices attend school for two days a week, then work three days on the job in different departments: repairs and diagnostics, installation, or a bit of both. Wake Tech pays for the apprentice's education and provides a starter toolkit, if needed.

"I truly believe that when you have that combined foundation of the classroom study or setting as well as the learning on the job, it definitely makes less callbacks. There is such a completion and a well-roundedness of their education," Johnson said.

Bell agrees.

"You'll be working during the week. And then all of a sudden they'll talk about something during class and you're like,'Oh, that's that thing we're doing,’" Bell said. "You kind of 'popcorn' with revelation sometimes. It definitely connects the dots on stuff."

Unexpected benefits

Myslinski sees another benefit to the apprenticeship program: development of mentors. Some technicians at Capital Auto have been "turning wrenches" for more than 20 years. These are the mentors now sharing their knowledge with apprentices. Initially, Myslinski admits, some technicians were skeptical, concerned that apprentices would be a drain on their time. Now mentors are eager to pass on what they know while the apprentices manage tasks that enable the mentor to work more efficiently.

"Sometimes you've got to mold mentors, too," Myslinski said. "A lot of people don't know they're a mentor until you make them."

Johnson has seen this as well.

"It's definitely offered a lot of personal growth with our mentors," Johnson said. "I've seen a lot of growth and confidence. They're gaining a level of self-importance by making a difference in these kids' lives."

This article was written for our sponsor, Wake Tech Community College