Auto Education
Education News
PrintHelms Bros Gives Students a Lesson on Dealership Careers
In an effort to attract young talent to the automotive retail industry, GNYADA has begun organizing opportunities for local technical high school students to experience the inner workings of new car dealerships. Most recently, students from Thomas Edison Technical Education High School received a full tour of Helms Bros’ facilities on Northern Boulevard, exploring each department and learning about the vast opportunities available.
The visiting eleventh- and twelfth-graders were welcomed by Helms Bros General Manager, GNYADA Education Committee Chair, Suzanne Cochrane, who spoke about the importance of a positive outlook and a strong work ethic. “You can teach almost any job skill, but the right attitude is everything. Attitude increases your altitude,” said Cochrane. “If you want to work with the best, you’ve got to be prepared to give your best.”
The tour included stops at Helm Bros’ Mercedes-Benz showroom, as well as the dealership’s DMV desk, sales offices, payroll department, and service center. Throughout the morning, students were highly attentive and engaged, eagerly sharing thoughts and questions with each team they met.
The student group featured a mix of males and females, prompting Cochrane to highlight her own dealership as an indicator of the opportunities open to women in the industry. During the visit, students received career advice from two such Helms Bros staffers: Controller Melissa Evans and Assistant Service Manager Andrea Mairena. "Every day you learn something new is a great day," said Evans, sharing her personal approach to career growth. "When you stop learning you stop growing."
“Our goal with these visits is to open young people's eyes to the world of diverse job opportunities and good salaries they’ll find at a franchised new car dealership,” said GNYADA Vice President of Education Eddie Gazzillo. “We’re very grateful that GNYADA members, like Helms Bros, understand the importance of showing these eager minds what working in a dealership is all about.”
The Association thanks Suzanne Cochrane and the staff at Helms Bros for volunteering their dealership to provide this rewarding and instructive experience to local automotive students.
