Automotive Technician Trainee / Apprentice

Learn a Trade. Earn a Living. Build a Future.

M&A Auto Repair & MD State Inspection is starting the M&A Automotive Career Launch for people who want to learn automotive repair and build a real career.

You do not need to have a perfect work history to apply.

We are open to people who may have:

● A criminal record or previous incarceration

● Gaps in employment

● Experienced housing instability

● Gone through financial hardship

● Had trouble getting hired in the past

● Worked on cars without formal training

● Automotive experience but no certifications

● Recently entered the workforce

● Decided college was not the right path

● A strong work ethic but limited professional experience

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you.

Housing instability does not automatically disqualify you.

Not having ASE certifications does not automatically disqualify you.

What matters is that you are ready to show up, work hard, learn and move forward.

What You Will Learn

You will receive paid, hands-on training in a working automotive repair shop.

Your training will depend on your current experience and how quickly you progress. It may include:

● Shop and vehicle safety

● Proper use of automotive tools

● Oil changes and preventive maintenance

● Tire mounting, balancing and repair

● Brake repairs

● Steering and suspension

● Batteries and charging systems

● Cooling systems

● Vehicle inspections

● Check-engine diagnosis

● Scan-tool use

● Basic electrical diagnosis

● Digital vehicle inspections

● Writing repair orders

● Identifying parts

● Taking care of customer vehicles

● Quality-control procedures

● Maryland State Inspection procedures

● General shop operations

As you gain experience, you will be trusted with more advanced work.

Career Advancement

The goal is not to keep you at trainee pay forever.

M&A wants to help you become a skilled, dependable automotive technician.

A possible career path may look like this:

Automotive Trainee

↓

Apprentice Technician

↓

Automotive Technician I

↓

Automotive Technician II

↓

ASE-Credentialed Technician

↓

Maryland State Inspection Candidate

↓

Maryland State Inspector / Advanced Technician

↓

Lead Technician / Shop Leadership

Technicians who continue to improve may eventually earn approximately $25–$40+ per hour, depending on their skills, certifications, experience, productivity, position and compensation structure.

The $25–$40+ range is a potential career range and is not guaranteed starting pay.

ASE Certification Support

M&A will help qualified employees work toward ASE certifications.

Support may include:

● ASE study materials

● Skills assessments

● Practice tests and preparation

● Help documenting qualifying work experience

● Mentoring from experienced technicians

● Assistance with approved certification costs

● Opportunities for advancement after certifications are earned

The goal is to help you earn credentials that can continue to benefit you throughout your automotive career.

Maryland State Inspector Pathway

Employees who show strong attendance, reliability and technical ability may be considered for M&A’s Maryland State Inspector development pathway.

M&A may provide:

● Documented automotive work experience

● Training on inspection procedures

● Hands-on preparation

● Study support

● Mentoring from experienced inspection personnel

● Guidance on applicable Maryland requirements

Completing M&A training does not guarantee a Maryland inspection license. You must still meet all State of Maryland requirements and pass any required examinations.

Career Launch Benefits

Eligible employees may have access to the following benefits and support:

Paid hands-on automotive training

ASE certification pathway

Maryland State Inspector pathway

Opportunity to advance toward $25–$40+ per hour

M&A Technician Tool Bank

Access to shared professional tools and specialty equipment while you build your own tool collection.

Employee Vehicle Service Program

Discounts on qualifying maintenance and repair services.

Employee Tire Discounts

Preferred pricing on qualifying tires.

Certification Assistance

Financial assistance may be available for approved certifications and training after eligibility requirements are met.

Workwear and Uniform Support

Company uniforms and possible assistance with required work clothing.

Voluntary Employee Benefits

Depending on eligibility and availability, employees may have access to employee-paid dental, vision, accident, disability, life and other voluntary benefits.

Retirement Savings Access

Eligible employees may have access to an employer-facilitated retirement savings program.

Prescription and Employee Discount Programs

Access to participating discount and savings programs.

Financial and Career Education

Support with budgeting, credit, banking, career planning and professional development.

Transportation and Stability Assistance

Limited assistance may be available to qualified employees dealing with short-term problems that could affect their ability to stay employed.

Housing Stability Support

Qualified employees experiencing housing instability may be considered for available support resources. Assistance is limited, and housing is not guaranteed as part of employment.

What We Expect From You

This is a second-chance opportunity, but it is still a professional job.

We expect you to:

● Show up on time

● Maintain good attendance

● Be ready to learn

● Follow safety rules

● Treat customers and coworkers with respect

● Protect customer vehicles and property

● Follow directions from senior technicians and management

● Accept coaching and feedback

● Take responsibility for your work

● Keep your work area clean and organized

● Communicate professionally

● Continue improving your skills

● Be honest and dependable

You do not need to know everything on your first day.

You do need to be willing to learn and put in the effort.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should:

● Have a real interest in automotive repair

● Be willing to learn hands-on work

● Be dependable and able to maintain regular attendance

● Follow shop safety procedures

● Work well with others

● Be willing to accept instruction and coaching

● Be able to perform the essential duties of the job, with reasonable accommodation when applicable

● Meet any legal requirements related to the position

A valid driver’s license is strongly preferred and may be required for certain duties or advancement opportunities.

Previous automotive experience is helpful but not required for every Career Launch position.

Experienced Applicants Are Welcome

This program is not only for beginners.

If you already have experience with:

● Brakes

● Suspension

● Diagnostics

● Electrical repairs

● Engines

● Tires

● Maryland State Inspections

● Collision repair

● Fleet maintenance

● General automotive repair

M&A will evaluate your experience and may place you at the appropriate technician level instead of starting you as a trainee.

Second-Chance Hiring

M&A believes a person’s past should not automatically decide their future.

Applicants with criminal histories will be considered based on their qualifications, the duties of the position, applicable laws, safety requirements and the individual circumstances involved.

If you are serious about rebuilding your career, we encourage you to apply.

Second chance does not mean lower standards.

It means getting the opportunity to show what you can do now.

What Success Can Look Like

The goal is not to give you another temporary job.

The goal is to help you build:

Steady income

Real work experience

Automotive skills

Industry certifications

Better financial stability

A long-term career

Opportunities to move into leadership

For employees interested in owning a business someday, the program may also provide exposure to the skills and knowledge needed to eventually build a legitimate automotive business.

Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hyattsville, MD 20784