Cox Automotive pilots program to help train future auto technicians

Cox Automotive is going back to school.

The company has launched a pilot program to provide free access to Xtime software, training and learning resources to students at automotive technical schools.

The program, which launches at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika, Ala., is designed to help prepare young technicians for dealership service careers.

It provides hands-on training with real dealership service workflows and the technology they might use in service careers.

Cox Automotive teamed up with dealer partner Allen Turner Auto and the Automotive Technology Department at Southern Union to develop the pilot.

“Dealerships across the country need skilled technicians, but the challenge isn’t a lack of opportunity. It’s making more people aware of the career paths available and giving them the skills and experience to succeed,” said Brenda Berg, who is a fixed operations strategist at Cox Automotive, in a news release.

“By bringing Xtime into the classroom, we can give students practical experience with the technology dealerships use every day and help them enter the workforce more prepared from day one.”

Participating schools will receive the following, according to Cox:

• Access to Xtime software and dealership service workflows at no cost to participating schools.
• Training and onboarding resources for instructors, including playbooks, videos and ongoing learning materials.
• Hands-on experience for students using the platform in a technician role.
• Training environments tailored to participating schools and their existing automotive programs, including manufacturer-specific content where appropriate.

“Being selected as the first pilot school for Cox Automotive’s Xtime program opens opportunities and gives an edge to our Automotive Technology students,” said Keith Futral, who is an automotive technology instructor at Southern Union State Community College.

“This partnership allows us to introduce students to the technology, service management processes, and professional practices they will encounter in modern automotive dealerships. This fully supports our goal at Southern Union State Community College, to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world industry experience.”

Allen Turner Automotive founder Allen Turner said: “We are appreciative that Cox Automotive is bringing Xtime software into the curriculum at Southern Union. In my opinion, it is the best tool being used in shops all across America today and helps equip these future automotive technicians with real life skills for the workplace.”