Top row, from left: Youth Transition Auto Tech Apprentices Jason Treloar, Jeremy Van Leuvan, Georgios Maris, Carlos Marin and Jorge Corona-Tomay. Bottom row, from left: Michael Csordas, Joas Jean, Damian Nieves, Robin Vasquez, Kurtis Morante, District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Juan Negron and New Jersey CREST Project Coordinator Ira Stern. Not pictured: Ryan Nobrega.
The IAM has successfully placed a fifth class of New Jersey high school graduates into apprenticeships at IAM-represented auto dealers and trucking companies through the Youth Transition to Work (YTTW) Auto and Diesel Technician Program.
The New Jersey state-funded initiative is operated by IAM CREST and IAM District 15, along with various auto dealerships and diesel repair facilities. The 10 YTTW apprentices will get free on-the-job training – a steal when compared to some private technical schools which can cost more than $25,000 a year.
“As always, we’re very excited to welcome these bright young people into their careers as auto techs,” said Ira Stern, New Jersey IAM CREST Project Coordinator. “Youth Transition to Work is once again proving to be a powerful tool in placing aspiring auto mechanics into secure union jobs. The IAM is proud to support a program that is a ticket to the middle class for so many.”
Trained auto techs can earn between $60,000 and $100,000 per year. The U.S. Labor Department has ranked the field as one of the top-10 highest growth jobs for the future.
Click here to learn more about the Youth Transition to Work Auto and Diesel Technician Program.
