Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Vehicle Trainer

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

Training and DevelopmentAutomotiveTransportationSafety and Compliance

🎯 Role Definition

As a Vehicle Trainer, you are the pivotal link between cutting-edge automotive technology and the people who use, sell, and service it. You will be responsible for designing and delivering compelling, effective training programs for a wide range of audiences, including service technicians, sales consultants, fleet drivers, and internal employees. Your primary mission is to elevate knowledge, enhance technical skills, ensure operational safety, and drive performance excellence across the organization. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for adult education and professional development.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Master Automotive Technician
  • Field Technical Specialist
  • Experienced Fleet Manager or Lead Driver
  • Service Advisor or Shop Foreman

Advancement To:

  • Senior Technical Trainer
  • Training Manager / Regional Training Lead
  • Curriculum Development Manager
  • Field Service Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Corporate Trainer (Non-technical)
  • Fleet Safety Manager
  • Product Support Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, and continuously update comprehensive training curricula, including instructor-led materials, e-learning modules, job aids, and practical assessments for new vehicle models and emerging automotive technologies.
  • Conduct engaging and effective in-person, virtual, and hybrid training sessions for diverse audiences, ensuring high levels of knowledge transfer and skill development.
  • Provide expert-level instruction on advanced vehicle systems, including Electric Vehicle (EV) and hybrid powertrains, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), telematics, and complex diagnostic procedures.
  • Deliver hands-on technical training, guiding technicians through service, diagnostic, and repair procedures on actual vehicles and training simulators.
  • Conduct in-vehicle driver coaching, ride-alongs, and practical assessments to improve driver safety, fuel efficiency, and adherence to company policies and DOT regulations.
  • Assess trainee competencies and knowledge retention through practical evaluations, written examinations, and performance-based observation, providing targeted feedback.
  • Manage all logistical aspects of training events, including scheduling, facility coordination, vehicle and equipment prep, and management of training materials.
  • Serve as a key Subject Matter Expert (SME) on vehicle products and systems, providing technical support and clarification to internal departments and external partners.
  • Stay at the forefront of the automotive industry by researching new technologies, competitor products, and adult learning trends to ensure training content is current and impactful.
  • Conduct "Train-the-Trainer" programs to certify and develop the instructional capabilities of regional trainers, dealer-level instructors, and team leaders.
  • Collaborate closely with Engineering, Product Development, and Service Operations teams to gather technical information and translate it into easy-to-understand training content.
  • Customize training programs and materials to address the specific needs of different regions, markets, and audience skill levels.
  • Maintain the safety, operational readiness, and presentation of all training vehicles, specialized tools, and classroom/workshop equipment.
  • Utilize the corporate Learning Management System (LMS) to schedule courses, track attendance and certifications, and generate reports on training effectiveness and KPIs.
  • Provide detailed, constructive feedback to both participants and their managers to foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
  • Facilitate high-impact product launch training events, effectively communicating key features, benefits, service procedures, and competitive advantages.
  • Develop and review technical service bulletins, repair manuals, and other support documentation to ensure clarity, accuracy, and usability.
  • Travel to company-owned facilities, dealerships, fleet locations, and regional offices to deliver on-site training as dictated by business needs.
  • Evaluate the overall effectiveness of training initiatives through post-training surveys, performance metrics, and feedback channels, recommending strategic improvements.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose complex vehicle issues in a live training environment to demonstrate advanced, logical problem-solving techniques to trainees.
  • Ensure all training materials and instructional practices comply with corporate brand standards, safety protocols, and relevant government regulations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to training impact and technician performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's long-term training strategy and technology roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate product and service needs into effective training and performance support requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the curriculum development and training teams.
  • Assist marketing and sales teams by providing subject matter expertise for the creation of technical product literature and customer-facing content.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • In-depth, expert-level knowledge of modern vehicle systems, including EV/hybrid powertrains, ADAS, infotainment, network communications, and telematics.
  • Proficiency with OEM-specific and generic diagnostic scan tools, software, and other workshop equipment.
  • Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) for course administration and tracking.
  • Proficiency with e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar software.
  • ASE Master Technician Certification and/or equivalent manufacturer-specific master certifications are highly desirable.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, for creating professional and engaging presentations.
  • A valid driver's license with a clean driving record; a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) may be required depending on the vehicles being trained on.
  • Proven ability in instructional design, including needs analysis, objective writing, and assessment creation.
  • Technical writing skills for creating clear and concise service manuals, job aids, and bulletins.
  • Basic video production and editing skills for creating instructional video content.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage and hold the attention of diverse audiences.
  • Superior written and verbal communication abilities, capable of simplifying highly complex technical concepts for non-technical individuals.
  • Strong coaching and mentoring skills, demonstrating patience, empathy, and the ability to provide constructive, actionable feedback.
  • Excellent classroom and workshop management abilities, maintaining a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment.
  • High degree of adaptability to manage changing priorities, technologies, and audience needs.
  • Advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, both for technical diagnostics and for overcoming training challenges.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and credibility quickly with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to effectively manage multiple training projects and logistics simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED combined with significant, relevant professional certifications (e.g., ASE Master) and extensive hands-on experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Automotive Technology, Adult Education, Instructional Design, or a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Instructional Design & Technology
  • Adult Education
  • Mechanical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-8 years of combined, progressive experience in the automotive industry, including roles such as a master service technician, shop foreman, or field service engineer. A minimum of 2-3 of these years should include formal or informal training, mentoring, or instructional responsibilities.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience as a corporate automotive trainer, OEM technical trainer, or a dedicated training role within a large dealership group or fleet operation. Experience developing digital and/or video-based training content is a significant plus.
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