DOD SkillBridge / Automotive Technician / Nationwide

Kiavets; Red Bank (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking skilled and experienced military veterans for an inspiring career as a Kia Certified Service Technician. This role offers the opportunity to diagnose, maintain, and repair vehicles while ensuring an optimal customer experience. With a focus on empowering veterans, the Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program provides a structured pathway for long-term growth and advancement in the automotive industry. Graduates gain access to exciting career benefits, including full-time employment, advanced training, and increased earning potential, all while working in a supportive environment that values military service. Join this initiative and transition into a rewarding civilian career.

Benefits

Full-Time Employment

Advanced Training & Growth

Increased Earning Potential

Access to Manufacturer Support

Veteran-Focused Career Path

GI Bill Benefits

Qualifications

• Must have active-duty military status and be eligible for DOD SkillBridge.
• Experience in a technical or mechanical field is required.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, maintain, and repair Kia vehicles efficiently.
• Complete repair and warranty request orders following policies.

Skills

Diagnosing vehicle issues

Repairing automotive systems

Technical/Mechanical experience

Customer communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kia diagnostic strategies

Specialized automotive tools

Job description

Kia Retailers across the country are offering skilled and experienced military Veterans the opportunity to begin an inspiring career as a Kia Certified Service Technician. To support this initiative, Kia America, Inc. has established the Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP).

Job Description

As a Kia Automotive Technician, you will:

1. Diagnose, maintain, and repair Kia vehicles, including engine, transmission, steering, suspension, brakes, HVAC, and electrical components.
2. Complete repair and warranty request orders following Kia and Retailer policies and procedures.
3. Test drive vehicles, analyze, diagnose, and repair components and systems using Kia diagnostic strategies, special equipment, and tools.
4. Perform services, diagnostics, and repairs efficiently while communicating with the shop foreman and service advisor to ensure an optimal customer experience.

Important Notes

• All employment opportunities advertised are with independently owned and operated Kia Retailers.
• Applicants are not applying for employment with Kia America (KUS) or Educational Resource Systems (ERS) but with participating Kia Retailers.
• All employment opportunities are subject to Federal and State employment laws applicable to the specific Kia Retailer’s location.
• KUS and ERS do not guarantee employment for any individual seeking to participate in VTAP. All hiring decisions are made by individual Kia Retailers based on eligibility, skills, and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active-Duty Military Status – Must be currently serving and eligible for the DOD SkillBridge Program.
• 180 Days or Less of Service Remaining – Applicants must have six months or less left in the military to qualify.
• Pending Honorable Discharge from military service.
• Valid Driver’s License (from any state) with a clean driving record.
• Experience in a Technical/Mechanical field is required.

Kia VTAP Post-Apprenticeship Benefits

After successfully completing the Kia Veteran Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP), graduates will gain access to exciting career benefits, including:

• Full-Time Employment – Continue your career as a Kia Certified Service Technician with a participating Kia Retailer.
• Advanced Training & Growth – Opportunity to pursue Master Technician certification and additional Kia specialty training.
• Increased Earning Potential – Graduates typically receive competitive compensation, including higher wages based on certifications and experience.
• Access to Manufacturer Support – Stay up-to-date with Kia’s latest technology, tools, and resources to enhance your expertise.
• Veteran-Focused Career Path – Work in an environment that values and supports military Veterans, with leadership and mentorship opportunities.
• GI Bill Benefits – Veterans who qualify may continue receiving GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) benefits during their transition into full-time employment.

This initiative is designed to empower veterans in their transition to civilian careers, offering not only immediate employment opportunities but also a structured pathway for long-term growth and advancement within the automotive industry.