Finding and keeping skilled technicians has been a persistent challenge for dealers nationwide. One Colorado school district is tackling the problem by giving students a hands-on, paid opportunity to work in local dealerships. On today’s episode of Service Drive, Brion Stapp, dealer principal of Stapp Interstate Toyota, and Joe McBreen, assistant superintendent of Innovation at St. Vrain Valley Public Schools, share more about the collaboration and how it’s shaping the future of retail automotive.
For the past 10 years, the St. Vrain school district has focused on advancing academic excellence through school-industry paid partnerships. The district currently employs over 200 high school students, with the automotive technician career path being one of 11 opportunities available to students.
McBreen notes that students are eager for meaningful, challenging experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Partnering with industry professionals allows them to gain practical skills, real-world exposure and insight into potential careers.
"When you connect authentic work with high school students and give them real pay, the possibilites are endless." — Joe McBreen
Stapp, a product of the St. Vrain Valley school district himself, grew up in the community. As a third-generation dealer whose family has been in business for 51 years, he’s committed to supporting his local community. With technicians increasingly challenging to recruit and retain, many dealers have resorted to poaching talent from competitors. Stapp chose a different path, deciding to invest in developing the next generation of technicians. While this approach takes longer, he believes it’s essential for the industry’s future.
Stapp also praised Toyota, his OEM, for its forward-thinking approach. The automaker introduced its TECS Elite program into the St Vrain school district. The program brings vehicles, tools, mentorship and job opportunities to students, exposing them to the latest automotive technology and providing a clear career path.
"With the onset of AI coming into our world, programs like this are going to be critical for young adults to find something they're passionate about pursuing." — Brion Stapp
Stapp Interstate Toyota offers several career paths for the students who come into the dealership, introducing them to the day-to-day operations and expectations of a career as an auto technician. Students begin with the Express Technician program. Those who are passionate can continue into Toyota’s T-Ten junior college program. It’s a two-year program, with a rotating schedule: three months in school, three months at the dealership. Graduates emerge as certified, expert-level Toyota technicians with tools and a path forward.
Stapp and McBreen agree that mentorship is the key factor in the program’s success. Students who feel valued and supported are more likely to succeed. Many of Stapp’s current technicians were once students themselves and are eager to pay it forward. With such a high turnover rate in the industry, mentorship is often lacking, making these programs incredibly impactful.
Giving back to the community is also a large part of the initiative. Students work alongside a Stapp Toyota technician to repair vehicles before they’re donated to A Woman’s Work, a nonprofit organization that provides support to local women in need. To date, 41 cars repaired by students and Stapp technicians have been donated.
Currently, 186 students are enrolled in the automotive technician program at the St. Vrain Valley Career & Tech Center, with 500 additional students on the waiting list. To meet this demand, the district is constructing a new Career and Technical Education Center that will focus primarily on automotive.
For other school districts looking to replicate St. Vrain Valley’s successful program, McBreen advises school administrators to reach out to local dealers. He also emphasizes that the opportunities aren’t limited to automotive tech. Students can contribute to dealerships in many ways: video production, social media strategy, graphic design, and more. By forming these partnerships, schools and dealers can help students discover meaningful careers while strengthening the future of retail automotive.
