Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida to Train ASE Auto Technicians in Collier County

FORT MYERS, Fla. - March 15, 2016 - PRLog -- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc® is teaming up with local automotive professional Pam Oakes ASE/EETAS to provide automotive tech training in Naples. The seven-week program will combine classroom instruction with hands-on repairs and maintenance. Students will gain the knowledge and skill to earn ASE G1 certification and perform the duties required of the certification.

Naples classes start April 15 and are held on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Goodwill's classes are taught by Pam Oakes, host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Car Care for the Clueless." Oakes is a fourth generation mechanic and is an instructor for Delphi Automotive Systems.

"There is so much opportunity in the automotive industry for those properly trained and ASE certified," says Oakes, a fourth-generation auto mechanic. "This is the perfect first step for future Master ASE techs."

The auto industry is expected to grow by 30 percent through 2022. Average pay for service technicians typically starts at $15.00/hour.

As part of Goodwill's mission of helping people overcome barriers to employment and independence, the nonprofit will supply student materials. Goodwill will also reimburse students for the cost of the ASE G1 certification test, once passed. Goodwill's trained Job-Link coordinators will assist students as they develop resumes, practice for job interviews, apply for automotive jobs, and prepare for job interviews.

More information about Goodwill's training programs is available at http://www.goodwillswfl.org/trainingcertification.

Classroom facilities will be provided by the United Way of Collier County.

Class participants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a required orientation session. Students also need to be able to pass a level one background screening.

For more information or to sign up for classes, contact Dorothy Browning, Goodwill's community education coordinator, dorothybrowning@goodwillswfl.orgor 239-995-2106, ext. 2304.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties. The organization is committed to helping people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence.  Goodwill's programs in Southwest Florida include Job-Link outreach centers, small business training classes, disability-accessible housing, the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy charter school, and more.

Pam Oakes is a retired, former 20-year owner of nationally/regionally awarded shop (Pam's Motor City Automotive and Tires), ASE-certified technician, nationally awarded automotive author, international automotive speaker, and automotive patent holder. She is also the syndicated radio host of "Car Care for the Clueless" Daily Edition on hundreds of stations nationwide.

For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit http://www.goodwillswfl.org.