Moran program prepares students for auto service career

Moran Industries Inc. photo
Moran Industries, franchisor of the Milex Complete Auto Care, Mr. Transmission and other auto repair businesses, has launched an internship program called 'Future Tech' for high school and vocational school students.

MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. — Moran Industries Inc., franchisor of the Milex Complete Auto Care, Mr. Transmission and other auto repair businesses, has launched an internship program for high school and vocational school students.

The program, dubbed "Future Tech," is designed to give students first-hand experience in learning about the automotive repair industry. The inaugural program launched June 13 at Moran Family franchise locations nationwide.

Moran said it started the program at a time when fewer students are attending trade schools to prepare them for careers as automotive technicians.

The Midlothian-based franchisor is running two separate internships — one for students who are in their junior or senior years of high school or have just started vocational school, and a more advanced program open to students who are finishing their degree or who have recently graduated from a vocational school.

• This story appeared in the Aug. 14 print issue of Tire Business.

The Automotive Shop Internship offers a maximum of 25 hours per week over a three-month period, and the student can request to extend it an additional three months if desired.

Participants shadow and learn from shop managers and technicians and can assist in some areas, such as performing vehicle inspections, completing paperwork, assisting with vehicle maintenance work or picking up and delivering parts.

The Technician Internship is an entry-level, paid position for up to 30 to 40 hours per week, depending on course schedules, at a participating franchise location. The program is for a six-month period with the possibility of being hired for a full-time position at the facility once the internship is completed.

This internship is designed to help students take what they have learned in their specific area of study in school and apply it in a business and auto shop environment.

Participating Moran franchisees have started visiting their nearby middle schools and high schools, where they are speaking to students, emphasizing the skills gap in this country, discussing available Moran internships, and benefits of attending a vocational school and going into a career in automotive repair.

Moran franchisees will be encouraged to share their experiences on how they became business owners through franchising.

In addition, Moran corporate representatives visited a career fair at Lincoln Technical Institute in Nashville, Tenn., where they met with more than 300 interested students.

"We, as a franchise system, need to be a part of the solution in reducing the skills gap that is occurring in this country," said Barbara Moran-Goodrich, CEO and co-founder of Moran Industries.

"That is why we have developed our Future Auto Tech internship program for our franchisees to participate in.

"We believe that this will be extremely beneficial for students who are not sure what their path will be beyond high school. There are a lot of talented students out there who will soon become part of tomorrow's workforce, and we want them to know that the skills gap in this country can bring financially rewarding jobs to them.

"Our internship programs will give them practical experience at our participating franchisee shops and prepare them for successful careers in the field."

Moran Industries — d.b.a. Moran Family of Brands — franchises six automotive aftermarket business concepts: Mr. Transmission; Dr. Nick's Transmissions; Multistate Transmissions; Milex Complete Auto Care; Alta Mere Automotive Outfitters; and SmartView Window Solutions.

There are more than 120 franchise locations operating under the firm's various brands.

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