Vocational Education Academy

The San Diego Automotive Museum's Vocational Education Program provides participants with unique opportunities. The program is designed in two components, Career Exploration and Hands-on Learning.

Career Exploration

The Career Exploration component is designed to introduce participants to a variety of career opportunities within the automotive industry. Leveraging the SDAM's partners and museum supporters, youth get the opportunity to explore the Auto Industry on monthly outings.

A key part of the Career Exploration component is matching participants with mentors. As participants identify a particular interest for a job within the industry, they are partnered with a mentor who has expertise in their area of interest. Mentors play a pivotal role in giving youth guidance and networking skills necessary for job readiness.

Hands-on Learning

The Hands-on Learning component allows students to learn basic mechanical repair, restoration, automotive design, customization, and financial skills during a 10-week program. These are all skills that can be applied in entry level positions throughout the auto industry.

San Diego Automotive Museum's Vocational Education Program participants will also build a portfolio of accomplishments that highlight their knowledge and abilities they've acquired. This will lead into our Internship component.

Working with partner organizations such as West Coast Customs, Discount Tire, Nissan North America, Hoehn Motors, HRE Wheels, Carl Burger Dodge, JBA, and more, the San Diego Automotive Museum is designing an Internship program to match apprentice-seeking employers with our participants to further strengthen their passions and skill sets needed for job readiness.

If you're interested in joining, please fill out the interest form below. Questions can be sent by e-mail to gabby@sdautomuseum.org.

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