Program participants will earn while they learn to become Automotive Technician Specialists
Miami, June 15, 2021 – Miami Dade College (MDC) and Bean Automotive Group join forces, with support from Career Source South Florida and the Miami-Dade Beacon Council Miami Community Ventures, to launch the dealership’s first Automotive Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program. The one-year, 220-hour paid apprenticeship also offers free tuition, health insurance, books, and tools.
“As a Sponsor of Apprenticeships, we are so excited to collaborate with Bean Automotive Group and other community partners to bring this unique employment opportunity to our students and the community at large,” said Dr. Alexia Q. Rolle, Director of Career and Technical Education at MDC. “This and the many other apprenticeships and rapid credential programs the College offers are key to creating jobs, employing South Florida and fueling the economy.”
Sponsored by MDC’s Apprenticeship Program, the Bean Automotive Group Apprenticeship combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training to prepare participants to become Automotive Technician Specialists. Hands-on training will take place at Bean Automotive Group’s West Kendall location. Upon completion, apprentices will receive an Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion and have the option to work at one of Bean’s dealership locations.
“What better way to execute our vision of being the “leading automotive group” than by serving our communities and associates with an opportunity for a life-long, lucrative career in the auto industry, with Bean Automotive Group, who has served the local community in Miami-Dade for more than 52 years,” said Bean Auto Group’s Chief Financial Officer George Wiltz.
“The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is thrilled to collaborate with three partner organizations in creating this automotive technician apprenticeship. This apprenticeship program is a great example of public and private sector organizations coming together to create career pathways for Miami-Dade residents, while also addressing the urgent talent needs of employers,” said Michael A. Finney, President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. “The program goes beyond providing living-wage jobs. It provides security and a strong career pathway to those needing it most. We look forward to including Miami Community Ventures candidates in the selection and training process.”
“CareerSource South Florida is committed to developing talent that is prepared to compete for employment in the Automotive Industry,” said Rick Beasley, Executive Director of CareerSource South Florida. “To accomplish this, we tailor the delivery of our programs to address the skill needs identified by businesses.”
Applications are being accepted for the first cohort, which will begin in mid-July. To apply, visit https://www.mdc.edu/apprenticeships/default.aspx.
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About Bean Automotive Group
Since 1969, Bean Automotive Group has been committed to serving its customers as the leading auto dealer in South Florida. A customer-centric focus differentiates them in the industry, providing car shoppers with a simplified buying process.
Treating associates and employees with the utmost ethical standards, Dealer Principal Lori Bean is recognized as one of the industry’s top women leaders. The group serves its 700 associates through fitness and wellness programs, earning it the title as South Florida’s Healthiest Employer in 2021.
Above and beyond, Bean Automotive Group gives back to its community through volunteer hours and corporate contributions to Live Like Bella® Childhood Cancer, Habitat for Humanity and Miami-Dade County Public Schools among others.
For a full list of charitable partners please visit www.beanauto.com/community.
Visit Bean Automotive Group’s sales and service locations at Kendall Toyota, West Kendall Toyota, Lexus of Kendall and Lexus of West Kendall. For more information contact 305-KENDALL or visit www.BeanAuto.com.
About Miami Community Ventures, a Beacon Council Foundation Initiative
Miami Community Ventures, a Beacon Council Foundation initiative, is a collective impact initiative that connects low-income, structurally unemployed individuals to living wage jobs and long-term career pathways. The Miami‐Dade Beacon Council is the official economic development organization for Miami‐Dade County. Its mission is to increase jobs and investment through marketing Miami as a world-class business destination, helping grow local companies, and shaping Miami-Dade’s economic future. The Beacon Council Foundation, Inc. is a Florida Not-for-Profit Corporation created exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to publish Miami‐Dade County Florida statistical data, lessen the burdens of government, and combat community deterioration. More information can be found at www.beaconcouncil.com.
About CareerSource South Florida
CareerSource South Florida is a public-private partnership that establishes state and federally funded workforce development and training policies for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. CareerSource South Florida provides high quality, customized employment and training solutions to workers and employers in support of economic development. Services are available to everyone at no cost through a network of centers located throughout the region.
For more information on CareerSource South Florida, including valuable resources for businesses and job seekers, please visit www.careersourcesfl.com or call 305-594-7615.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is the most diverse institution in the nation. There are 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways including associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates and apprenticeships. Baccalaureate degree offerings include biological sciences, engineering, data analytics, information systems technology, education, public safety, supervision and management, nursing, physician assistant studies, film and others. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards including the Aspen Prize. As Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high quality-teaching and learning experiences. It is the home of the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, the Eig-Watson School of Aviation, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, the Cloud Computing Center, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation, the School for Advanced Studies, and the New World School of the Arts, to name a few of its most innovative programs. MDC has been named among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural, and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. Its alumni and employees contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy, and MDC graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC is renowned for its rich cultural programming. It is the home of the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, the Tower Theater, Dyer Building, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, the Museum of Art and Design, a sculpture park and a large campus art gallery and theater system. MDC has admitted more than 2,000,000 students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. More than 100,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.