Kia is launching a new apprenticeship program designed just for U.S. Military Veterans.
The Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program, in partnership with Educational Resource Systems, Inc. (ERS), gives eligible veterans an opportunity to become a Kia qualified technician at one of their Kia retailers. Kia says the one-year long program also provides veteran-specific assistance through the training process.
"Kia is proud to provide highly specialized career opportunities to military Veterans in conjunction with ERS and our nationwide network of retailers," said Greg Silvestri, vice president, service operations, Kia America. "We thank our Veterans for their service and look forward to helping them leverage their skill set for civilian jobs."
Kia says the program is designed specifically for Veterans and their needs. They'll have access to tools, equipment, vehicles and training needed to completely the apprenticeship and certification process. At the end of the program, the veteran could potentially receive full-time employment at a participating Kia retailer.
Also, Kia says pending approval by the US Government, eligible Veterans may apply for and receive a GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance during their apprenticeship.
You can read more about Kia's program here.
Kia is not alone in offering post-military career support and technician training programs to eligible U.S. veterans. It's sibling Hyundai offers veterans free access to its factory training centers both in-person and via online courses throughout the United States through its Veteran Employment Transition Program.
Other automakers with veteran-focused programs include:
Ford also offers a 24-month U.S. Department of Labor and GI Bill approved registered apprenticeship for veterans For more information click here.
Mercedes-Benz's 17-week MB Drive program is open to eligible veterans and it was the first program by an automobile manufacturer approved for the GI Bill® benefits in the U.S. Read more here.
BMW and the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) also offer a Military Service Technician Education Program at Camp Pendleton in California and Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Read more here.
General Motors' Shifting Gears Automotive Technical Training Program which helps soldiers transition from the Armed Forces to GM service techs has been around since 2014. The 12-week training is provided at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.