Automotive Technician Trainer / Director of Technician Development

Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury | Full-Time | Salaried

About Pohanka Automotive Group

Pohanka Automotive Group is one of the most respected names in the automotive industry, with a long-standing reputation for excellence in sales, service, and customer satisfaction. As we continue to grow, we are investing in the future of our service departments by building a best-in-class technician development program — and we need an exceptional leader to make it happen.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a passionate, hands-on Automotive Technician Trainer (or Director of Technician Development) to build, lead, and grow our technician training program from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to shape the next generation of automotive professionals at one of the region's premier dealer groups.

If you've spent years in the shop, understand what it takes to develop raw talent into skilled technicians, and are ready to step into a leadership role where your impact is felt every day — we want to talk to you.

What You'll Do

• Design and own the training program — develop structured, multi-phase curriculum covering everything from shop fundamentals to advanced diagnostics
• Onboard entry-level technicians with zero prior experience, giving them a clear, supported pathway into the trade
• Guide technicians through ASE certification — build prep materials, track progress, and celebrate milestones
• Deliver OEM/brand-specific training aligned with manufacturer requirements, tools, and repair standards across our brand portfolio
• Manage our apprenticeship program — recruit candidates, oversee earn-while-you-learn structures, coordinate 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 — 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

What We're Looking For

Required:

• 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 — you can explain a complex repair procedure just as clearly to a first-week apprentice as to a 10-year veteran
• Organized, self-directed, and capable of managing multiple trainees and program tracks simultaneously

Preferred:

• 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.)

Why Pohanka

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package: health, dental, vision, life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Manufacturer training and continued professional development support
• The backing and resources of a well-established, growing dealer group
• A leadership role with real autonomy — you'll build something that lasts

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief summary of a training program or initiative you led or contributed to. We want to understand not just your technical background, but how you've helped others grow.

Apply directly  at [Pohanka's careers page] or contact us 

Pohanka Automotive Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Keywords: automotive trainer, technician trainer, service trainer, ASE trainer, dealership trainer, automotive instructor, technician development, fixed ops training, apprenticeship coordinator, automotive education