Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vehicle Workshop Trainer

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

AutomotiveTraining & DevelopmentSkilled TradesEducation

🎯 Role Definition

We are on the hunt for a dynamic and knowledgeable Vehicle Workshop Trainer to join our team. This pivotal role is responsible for elevating the skills and expertise of our service technicians through the design, development, and delivery of world-class technical training. You will be the go-to subject matter expert, translating complex automotive systems and diagnostic procedures into engaging and understandable content. By mentoring apprentices and certifying seasoned professionals, you will directly impact our service quality, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. If you are a master of your craft with a passion for teaching, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Master Automotive Technician / Diagnostic Specialist
  • Workshop Foreman / Team Leader
  • OEM Field Technical Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Senior Technical Trainer / Curriculum Development Lead
  • Regional Training Manager
  • Technical Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Field Service Engineer
  • Service Operations Quality Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, and update comprehensive technical training curriculum, including instructor-led presentations, e-learning modules, hands-on workshop labs, and video content.
  • Deliver engaging and effective technical training to dealership technicians, apprentices, and internal staff on vehicle diagnostics, repair, and maintenance procedures.
  • Conduct both in-person classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training sessions within a live workshop environment.
  • Assess, evaluate, and certify technician skill levels through practical examinations, written tests, and ongoing performance monitoring.
  • Mentor and coach apprentice technicians, guiding their professional development from foundational skills to advanced diagnostic competencies.
  • Maintain an expert-level knowledge of the latest automotive technologies, including Electric Vehicles (EV), Hybrid Powertrains, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), and onboard telematics.
  • Act as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all vehicle systems, providing top-tier diagnostic support and guidance to resolve complex or escalated vehicle issues.
  • Demonstrate proper and safe use of diagnostic tools, specialized equipment, and workshop machinery during all training activities.
  • Translate complex technical information, service bulletins, and engineering specifications into clear, concise, and accessible training materials.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs by gathering feedback, analyzing technician performance data, and tracking key service metrics to drive continuous improvement.
  • Conduct "Train the Trainer" sessions to enhance the instructional and mentoring capabilities of workshop leaders and senior technicians.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and compliant training environment, strictly enforcing all workshop safety protocols and OEM procedures.

Secondary Functions

  • Manage the training center's workshop, including the maintenance and readiness of training vehicles, diagnostic tools, and specialized equipment.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Product Development, and Field Service teams to ensure training content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with new product launches.
  • Administer course scheduling, enrollment, and completion records within the company's Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Travel to regional service centers and partner locations to deliver on-site training, technical support, and competency assessments as required.
  • Assist in the development and validation of new service repair procedures and the testing of special service tools.
  • Prepare detailed reports for management on training activities, attendee progress, and the overall impact of the training program on business goals.
  • Research and analyze emerging industry trends, competitor service strategies, and new diagnostic technologies to proactively update the curriculum.
  • Facilitate and proctor OEM and ASE certification testing sessions for workshop technicians.
  • Support the technical assistance helpline by providing top-tier diagnostic advice and solutions for escalated cases.
  • Develop video-based training content and digital quick-reference guides to support just-in-time learning in the workshop.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ASE Master Technician Certification (A1-A9) and/or equivalent OEM Master-level certification.
  • Expert proficiency with advanced automotive diagnostic tools, including OEM scan tools (e.g., GDS2, IDS), oscilloscopes, multimeters, and data loggers.
  • In-depth, hands-on knowledge of modern vehicle systems, especially Electric Vehicle (EV) / Hybrid powertrains, high-voltage battery systems, and ADAS calibration.
  • Strong understanding of vehicle network diagnostics, including CAN, LIN, and FlexRay communication protocols.
  • Experience in curriculum development and creating technical training materials (e.g., PowerPoint, job aids, lab sheets).
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
  • Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills with the ability to command a room and engage a technical audience.
  • Proven ability to mentor, coach, and motivate adult learners with varying skill levels.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a talent for explaining complex technical concepts in a simple, clear manner.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, both for vehicle diagnostics and for adapting training to meet learner needs.
  • Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for teaching and fostering the development of others.
  • High degree of adaptability to new technologies, changing repair procedures, and diverse learning environments.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple training schedules and projects simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Completion of a formal Automotive Technology program or registered apprenticeship.
  • Relevant ASE or OEM Master-level certifications.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Automotive Technology, Engineering, or Adult Education.
  • "Train the Trainer" or Adult Learning certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Adult Education & Corporate Training

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in the automotive service and repair industry.

Preferred:

  • At least 5 years of experience as a dealership Master Technician or Diagnostic Specialist.
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in a formal or informal training, mentoring, or teaching capacity (e.g., workshop foreman, in-shop trainer, or technical school instructor).
  • Verifiable experience diagnosing and repairing Electric (EV), Hybrid, and ADAS-equipped vehicles.
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