Automotive Technician

The Automotive Technician apprenticeship is a four-year training program consisting of two years of full-time technician training at Parkland, followed by two years of full-time work experience at the sponsoring employer. Apprenticeship completers will earn an associate in applied science (AAS) degree along with a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion, or Journeyworker Certificate.

Apprentices enrolled in the comprehensive automotive program can work part-time for their employer while completing their (AAS) degree. Students may also earn Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications throughout their apprenticeship.

Apprentices enrolled in the Ford ASSET program will alternate between classroom training at Parkland and work experience in their sponsoring Ford-Lincoln dealership. Learners switch between work and school every eight weeks throughout their first two years of apprenticeship. All Ford ASSET students can earn every technician certification available through Ford Motor Company in addition to their AAS degree.

Sam Leman Automotive Group

Sam Leman Automotive Group operates multiple dealerships in the Champaign, Bloomington, and Peoria areas. Their four-year U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship program provides each learner with an experienced mentor in the shop. Apprentices begin with a two-year training program at Parkland and complete the apprenticeship by working two more years full-time at a Sam Leman dealerships.

Sam Leman Ford (Bloomington) trains their apprentices in Parkland's Ford ASSET program. ASSET alternatives classroom time and work experience (co-op) every eight weeks. Apprentices gain full-time, paid work experience during their co-op rotations. ASSET apprentices have the opportunity to earn every technician credential offered by Ford Motor Company in addition to their AAS degree and U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion. Contact Service Manager Rocky Griffin to learn more about this opportunity.  

Sam Leman's many dealerships train their apprentices in the Automotive Technology program. Learners are able to work part-time while attending training full-time for two years to earn their AAS degree. After the four-year apprenticeship is complete, apprentices earn a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion. Contact the Service Manager listed below to learn about the opportunities in their store:

  • Sam Leman CJDR Mazda BWM of Bloomington | 
  • Sam Leman Toyota of Bloomington |
  • Sam Leman Cadillac Chevrolet of Champaign | Service Manager Joe Reynhout
  • Sam Leman CJDRF of Champaign | Service Manager Sabreena Ekstrom
  • Sam Leman Chevrolet of Bloomington | 
  • Sam Leman Mercedez-Benz of Champaign | Service Manager Joe Reynhout
Rick Ridings Automotive Group

Ridings Automotive Group operates three dealerships in Monticello, IL: Rick Ridings Ford, Rick Ridings Chevrolet Buick, and Rick Ridings Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Their four-year U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship program provides each learner with an experienced mentor in the shop. Apprentices begin with a two-year training program at Parkland and complete the apprenticeship by working two more years full-time at a Rick Ridings dealerships.

Ridings Ford trains their apprentices in Parkland's Ford ASSET program. ASSET alternatives classroom time and work experience (co-op) every eight weeks. Apprentices gain full-time, paid work experience during their co-op rotations. ASSET apprentices have the opportunity to earn every technician credential offered by Ford Motor Company in addition to their AAS degree and U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion. Contact Service Manager Chad Marshall to learn more about this opportunity.  

Ridings Chevy Buick and CDJR stores train their apprentices in the Automotive Technology program. Learners are able to work part-time while attending training full-time for two years to earn their AAS degree. After the four-year apprenticeship is complete, apprentices earn a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion. Contact Service Manager Louis VonHatten for more information.