NWACA Automotive Service Advisor Apprenticeship

What Is iTAC’s Automotive Service Advisor?

The Independent Technicians Automotive Committee (iTAC) have developed a registered Automotive Service Advisor Apprenticeship Program for Washington State. This 2,000-hour apprenticeship is designed to develop career-ready skills in the automotive repair industry.

This apprenticeship program combines structured, paid on-the-job training at an iTAC employer and ASE Education Foundation approved online and/or face-to-face instruction.

What Is an Automotive Service Advisor? 

An Automotive Service Advisor is the intermediary between the customer and the technician. Automotive Service Advisors assist the customer in determining the appropriate maintenance or repair procedures to keep their vehicles operating safely and efficiently. Automotive Service Advisors will provide excellent customer service, prepare estimates, sell necessary parts and procedures, and work with staff to ensure a satisfying experience for the customer.

Registered Apprenticeship Program Outline

Employer Responsibilities for Participation:

1. Become a Training Agent by signing the ITAC agreement form furnished by the Washington State Labor & Industries Apprenticeship Section and NWACA.
2. Grant equal treatment and training opportunities for all apprentices and apply those conditions uniformly.
3. Have equipment available and rotate apprentices in the various processes and equipment of the skilled occupation.
4. Identify and hire an apprentice to train in the apprenticeship program.
5. Identify a Master Tradesperson to mentor the apprentice(s), provide proper on-the-job training, and maintain the appropriate 1:1 ratio.
6. Periodically review and evaluate apprentices before advancement to the next wage progression.
7. Pay your apprentice(s) the percentage of Journey wage rate for hours worked (see table).

 Apprentice Requirements:

1. Must have a high school diploma or GED, or enrolled in an iTAC approved high school or college automotive program
2. Be selected by an ITAC participating employer.
3. Must pass a drug screening.
4. Eligible to work in Washington State.
5. Must have a valid driver’s license.
6. Able to perform the physical requirements of the occupation.
7. Sign an Apprenticeship Agreement with ITAC and abide by the ITAC Standards of Apprenticeship.
8. Attend and pass Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI).
9. Demonstrate progress on the job.
10. Submit monthly work progress reports.

Wage Progression for Occupation:

1. Employers will provide a journey-level wage scale based on the journey level wage rate established for their business. As a registered statewide apprenticeship program, ITAC is required by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), to establish the base hourly rate of a skilled/journey level employee participating in the apprenticeship program.
2. Pay will vary by employer and number of hours worked.

Automotive Service Advisor On-the-Job Tasks & Hours:

• Customer Relations: 600 hours
• Sales Skills: 500 hours
• Engine Systems: 10 hours
• Drive Train Systems: 10 hours
• Chassis Systems: 10 hours
• Body Systems: 10 hours
• Service Maintenance Intervals: 20 hours
• Warranty, Contracts, Bulletins, Recalls/Campaigns: 30 hours
• Vehicle Identification: 10 hours
• Service Desk Operations: 400 hours
• Internal Relations: 400 hours

TOTAL HOURS: 2,000

The above schedule of tasks and hours is designed as a guide. The apprentice shall be instructed, rotated, and trained in all operations and methods customarily used in the industry. Each company will adhere to the schedule as closely as facilities will permit in order to provide the apprentice with well-rounded practical experience on all relevant equipment and processes in the shop.

Automotive Service Advisor RSI Outline

ITAC Apprenticeship provides a mentored educational career path, connecting industry and the public. Earning while learning fosters personal and professional growth as well as providing opportunity for advancement to Master status within a structured educational program. This program teaches fundamentals in shop safety and environmental considerations that are standard in the industry. Also included, detailed instruction in customer service, sales, record keeping, and shop operations. Apprentices will learn critical thinking skills to help then problem solve on a higher level. The curriculum is found in the Related Supplements Instruction (RSI) outlined below.

Safety, Pollution, Mentor, & Job Readiness | 6 Hours

Communications | 80 Hours

Shop Operations | 60 Hours

Total | 165 Hours

It is the mission of the Independent Technicians Automotive Committee (iTAC) that the training of apprentices shall be without discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or as otherwise specified by law. ITAC also encourages women, minorities and veterans to apply with their employer.

Automotive Service Advisor Application

Are you ready to apply for the apprenticeship program? Please fill out the apprenticeship application form below. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at  itac@nwautocare.org or call (253) 660-ITAC