Page 71 - 2020 Auto Show Guide

We live in a dynamic society, one in which everything around us is constantly changing. This is especially
true in three areas: education, the economy, and employment. And as the decades have progressed, a bit of
conventional wisdom has been upended. The conventional wisdom in question is the notion that one has to
obtain a four-year or advanced degree in order to be successful. That’s simply no longer the case in today’s
society, and in fact, many who have chosen that route find themselves struggling to obtain employment in
their field of study. And while much time is spent exploring the reasons behind the struggle, it’s easy to miss
alternatives that, in the past, have been pushed aside as “less than worthwhile.”

One such alternative is a career in the automotive opportunity. And make no mistake – education is compete both regionally and nationally, in events
field. Let’s face it – cars, SUVs and trucks are still key when it comes to a successful career. It’s such as the National Automotive Technology
all around us – each and every day. They’re a the reason the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Competition, which is held at the New York Auto
necessity. For many, they’re a passion. And Association (MAADA) operates The Academy for Show. In 2019, Forsyth Central High School
here’s the reality that really drives the point Automotive Professionals. It’s the largest dealer- seniors Mason Allen and Mason Barnett placed
of this discussion home: they’re not going owned automotive training operation of its kind third overall in the competition. “It’s exciting
away any time soon. In fact, the demand for in the United States, providing training for and encouraging to see the skill and enthusiasm
automobiles is growing. While the push for public aspiring automotive professionals in the areas of from the students at Forsyth Central High,”
transportation has certainly been growing, the sales, management, and fixed operations. said Shayne Wilson, President of MAADA. “The
fact of the matter is that people need personal instructors, led by Marlo Miranda, are fully
vehicles. The convenience and utility that they MAADA’s 40,000 square foot training facility committed to the education of their students,
provide are benefits that the average working features five large classrooms, each outfitted equipping them for a successful career in the
adult simply cannot sacrifice. So, they’re here to with fully-integrated audiovisual presentation automotive industry.”
stay for the foreseeable future. technology. It also includes 16 fully equipped
service bays, a frame machine, down-draft paint And that dedication is continued by The Academy
What does all that mean with regard to a career booth, and a detailing workshop, all of which for Automotive Professionals at the Atlanta
in the automotive industry? Two words: job provide students with a hands-on, real-world International Auto Show, who hosts a career
security. We need people to make cars. We need training experience. fair in an effort to connect aspiring automotive
people to sell cars. We need people to process professionals with Metro Atlanta’s franchised
all the paperwork associated with those sales. MAADA’s team of industry professionals is new car and truck dealers. Representatives from
We need people to service the cars that are sold. dedicated to the success of every student that several of the area’s dealerships are on hand
When you slow things down and take a look at passes through the doors of the facility, equipping to meet with these youngsters to answer their
all of the jobs associated with the automotive them with the skills that they’ll need to prosper questions, evaluate their potential, and hopefully
industry, it becomes very clear as to what an in today’s ever-evolving automotive landscape. get them started with their first jobs in the field.
important economic driver the industry is. In The Academy for Automotive Professionals
Georgia, for example, over 73,000 people were also works with area high school students who The automotive industry is working hard to offer
employed by franchised automotive dealerships new opportunities for those looking to build
in 2017 (2018 Georgia Economic Impact Report solid futures for themselves and their families.
by the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association). For those willing to try a different route, there’s
How much did that translate to in terms of an entrance ramp onto a highway that can take
salaries? $3.69 billion. Do we have your them there.
attention now?
To learn more about The Academy for Automotive
Young people need to expand their options and Professionals, visit www.maada.com or call
seriously consider a job in the automotive field. (770) 916-1741.
Doing so opens up so much more in terms of
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