Oct. 14, 2015—D&S Automotive (Mentor, Ohio) announced its plans to implement an Apprentice Program on Tuesday. The program will be offered to students enrolled in auto collision repair programs at Career Centers throughout Northeast Ohio.

“Everything I learned about collision repair came from experience,” said CJ Paterniti, D&S vice president. “You learn by doing; I want to give kids that opportunity.”

The Apprentice Program will provide hands-on experience repairing vehicles, as well as working with professional body and paint technicians, estimators, and managers.

D&S Automotive has a long relationship with Auburn Career Center, whose instructors are excited for the opportunity for their students to work to find out how a professional collision center like D&S operates. D&S also has plans to collaborate with other technical schools in the area for recruitment.

“An internship at D&S helps to kick start a student’s career,” said Chuck Torre, Auburn’s automotive collision repair teacher. “D&S has opened many doors to our students and provided many opportunities for them to be successful.”

The Apprentice position will be a part-time, paid opportunity that could lead to a full-time position upon graduation. For more details and to apply, visit the company’s website.