Looking to help address the industry’s shortage of auto technicians, Cox Automotive has launched a pilot program at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika, Alabama, to train students with its Xtime software.
Driving the news: Previous NADA data estimated an annual shortage of technicians around 37,000.
New estimates from the TechForce Foundation’s 2026 Supply, Demand and Opportunity Report put the demand for auto techs at 70,865 per year and approximately 50,000 entering the field, leaving a 20,000 gap.
The same study notes that between 2025 and 2029, approximately 354,000 new auto techs will be needed.
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How it works: In addition to running its five tech training centers, the new Cox Automotive pilot program at technical schools will give students access to the software and dealership service workflows to work in a technician role.
Additionally, training and learning materials will be provided for instructors.
Where appropriate, manufacturer-specific content will be available.
Ready to grow: The program in Alabama began Oct. 14 and has 24 student technicians initially.
Cox Automotive is working with two other schools to join the program, according to Brenda Berg, Strategic Product Director at Cox Automotive’s Xtime.
They expect classes to range from 20 to 100 students per school.
“For each one, we're confirming their preferred automaker brand, how many users they expect, and when they'd like to start,” Berg said in an email to CDG News. “Any expansion beyond the pilot will depend on pilot feedback and results.”
Bottom line: The program will give young students access to tools being used in service departments across the country for more than 10 million service appointments.
“Dealerships across the country need skilled technicians, but the challenge isn’t a lack of opportunity. It’s making more people aware of the career paths available and giving them the skills and experience to succeed,” Berg said. “By bringing Xtime into the classroom, we can give students practical experience with the technology dealerships use every day and help them enter the workforce more prepared from day one.”
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