Brookdale Community College in New Jersey and Penske Automotive Group have formed a partnership to establish an automotive technician career program to give students the skills and knowledge to succeed in the service and parts industry.
Brookdale, in Lincroft, N.J., about an hour south of New York City, will offer state-of-the-art facilities and an associate’s degree in Applied Science in Automotive Technology designed to develop students’ automotive expertise. Graduates of the program will be eligible to be hired by Penske.
The Automotive Technician Career Program will take three years to complete and cost $20,000. Graduates who get a job at a Penske dealership are eligible for tuition reimbursement of up to $13,140, and will receive $2,000 for tools and a $5,000 employment bonus.
Penske has 26 locations in New Jersey, and more than 150 in the U.S.
“As the largest automotive retail company globally, Penske Automotive Group is always seeking opportunities to bring in talented individuals and provide them with a path to a successful and fulfilling career,” Sam Cammarata, East Region recruiter for Penske, said in a statement. “This partnership with Brookdale allows us to do just that. We are proud to connect with a college that has produced many successful alumni who have excelled within our organization.”
Brookdale President David Stout said the program will provide students with access to high-paying jobs at an affordable price.
“Through this collaboration, we are fulfilling our commitment to providing our students with excellent education and ample employment opportunities,” he said.