The IGNITE Academy at the San Diego Automotive Museum
The IGNITE Academy is an innovative, broadly accessible program designed to work in collaboration with and independent of school-based CTE automotive programs to introduce students to careers in the automotive industry, help them connect with professionals in the field, and gain valuable experience.
Kickstart Your Career in Cars and Innovation
This FREE innovative program combines career exploration, independent research, and skill-building through project-based hands-on learning to prepare students for internships and other pathways towards successful careers in the automotive industry.
Automotive Career Exploration
Students will have access to site visits and demonstrations in a broad spectrum of automotive careers with some of the museum's many partners. These partners will showcase their respective field, exposing students to some of the many different careers available in the automotive industry. Resume building, interview skills, and exposure to a variety of career growth pathways are also integral to this multi-faceted program.
Hands-On Workshops
Throughout the year, students will be able to participate in a variety of hands-on workshops where they will learn various automotive skills, from the basics of engine repair to auto body repair and paint work. Through SDAM’s network of industry professionals and educators, the IGNITE Academy has identified a list of critical skills necessary for students interested in careers in the automotive industry to learn. Students will learn and practice these skills in the IGNITE Academy alongside master technicians and other industry professionals.
Vehicle Project
Students will apply the skills they are learning in each workshop to restoring and modifying a car provided by the museum. Students will not only be able to gain experience repairing any defective parts of the car, but they will also be able to modify it as they desire, from custom suspension and brakes to new interior upholstery and body work. At the end of the year the completed vehicle will be displayed in the museum to showcase the work IGNITE students are accomplishing.
Apprenticeship Program
The IGNITE Academy is piloting a new apprenticeship program in 2025 that will prepare students for full-time career opportunities. Several of the museum's partners have indicated they are interested in taking on select students as paid apprentices after high school graduation. As an apprentice, students will work directly with a mentor at a partner's business, learning the skills of their respective trade to prepare them for future full-time employment. To be considered for this opportunity, students must show continued and dedicated participation in IGNITE as well as leave a good impression with instructors and SDAM staff.
IGNITE Academy Education Partners
