Smith Kia of Bellingham in Bellingham, WA is seeking Military Veterans with mechanical experience who are interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Automotive Service Technician.This position is part of the Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP), a structured apprenticeship program created by Kia America to help Military Veterans transition into the automotive industry. Through this program, participants gain hands-on dealership experience while completing a one-year competency-based apprenticeship that leads to Kia Service Technician certification.VTAP provides Veterans the opportunity to work full-time at a participating Kia dealership while receiving the training, tools, and support needed to develop into highly skilled automotive technicians. The program is GI Bill® approved, allowing eligible Veterans to receive Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) during their apprenticeship.As an Automotive Technician Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced technicians and service professionals while developing the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair Kia vehicles.Job ResponsibilitiesDiagnose, maintain, and repair Kia vehicles, including engines, transmissions, steering, suspension, brakes, HVAC, and electrical systemsPerform vehicle inspections, diagnostics, and mechanical repairs using Kia diagnostic procedures and equipmentComplete repair orders and warranty documentation according to Kia and dealership policiesTest drive vehicles and verify repair quality using appropriate diagnostic tools and equipmentCommunicate effectively with service advisors and shop foremen to ensure a positive customer experienceMaintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment while following dealership safety proceduresRequirementsHonorable Discharge from U.S. Military ServiceValid driver’s license with a clean driving recordPrior experience in a mechanical or technical fieldStrong troubleshooting and diagnostic skillsAbility to work in a fast-paced dealership service environmentWillingness to complete background check and drug screening Preferred Skills (Not Required) Basic automotive maintenance or repair experienceFamiliarity with diagnostic tools and hand toolsExperience working with engines, electrical systems, or mechanical equipmentASE certifications or technical training (a plus)BenefitsKia VTAP Apprenticeship HighlightsFull-time employment with a participating Kia RetailerA program designed specifically for Military Veterans, facilitated by VeteransParticipation in a one-year, competency-based GI Bill®-approved apprenticeship leading to Kia Service Technician certificationEligible Veterans may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) through the GI Bill® during the apprenticeship
Smith Kia of Bellingham in Bellingham, WA is seeking Military Veterans with mechanical experience who are interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Automotive Service Technician.
This position is part of the Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP), a structured apprenticeship program created by Kia America to help Military Veterans transition into the automotive industry. Through this program, participants gain hands-on dealership experience while completing a one-year competency-based apprenticeship that leads to Kia Service Technician certification.
VTAP provides Veterans the opportunity to work full-time at a participating Kia dealership while receiving the training, tools, and support needed to develop into highly skilled automotive technicians. The program is GI Bill® approved, allowing eligible Veterans to receive Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) during their apprenticeship.
As an Automotive Technician Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced technicians and service professionals while developing the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair Kia vehicles.
Job Responsibilities
- Diagnose, maintain, and repair Kia vehicles, including engines, transmissions, steering, suspension, brakes, HVAC, and electrical systems
- Perform vehicle inspections, diagnostics, and mechanical repairs using Kia diagnostic procedures and equipment
- Complete repair orders and warranty documentation according to Kia and dealership policies
- Test drive vehicles and verify repair quality using appropriate diagnostic tools and equipment
- Communicate effectively with service advisors and shop foremen to ensure a positive customer experience
- Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment while following dealership safety procedures
Requirements
- Honorable Discharge from U.S. Military Service
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Prior experience in a mechanical or technical field
- Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced dealership service environment
- Willingness to complete background check and drug screening
Preferred Skills (Not Required)
- Basic automotive maintenance or repair experience
- Familiarity with diagnostic tools and hand tools
- Experience working with engines, electrical systems, or mechanical equipment
- ASE certifications or technical training (a plus)
Benefits
Kia VTAP Apprenticeship Highlights
- Full-time employment with a participating Kia Retailer
- A program designed specifically for Military Veterans, facilitated by Veterans
- Participation in a one-year, competency-based GI Bill®-approved apprenticeship leading to Kia Service Technician certification
- Eligible Veterans may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) through the GI Bill® during the apprenticeship
Kia Retailers are offering skilled and experienced military Veterans with the opportunity to begin an inspiring career as a Kia Certified Service Technician. To support this Kia Retailer initiative, Kia America, Inc. has established the Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP).The Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP) enables our Kia Retailer business partners to connect with high quality former military technician talent to meet the demand for skilled Kia Service Technicians, while providing an elevated customer service experience.Transitioning Service Members, Military Veterans, National Guard, and Reserve Service Members, are connected through VTAP, which provides access to inspiring career opportunities, through a Kia Service Technician, US Department of Labor, and GI Bill® approved apprenticeship.Job Description
Diagnose, maintain, and repair Kia vehicles including engine, transmission, steering, suspension, brakes, HVAC, and electrical components
Complete repair orders and warranty request orders in accordance with established Kia and Retailer policies and procedures
Test drive vehicles, and analyze, diagnose, and repair components and systems using Kia diagnostic strategies, special equipment, and tools
Perform services, diagnostics, and repairs in a timely fashion while communicating with the shop foreman and service advisor to promote an optimal customer experience
All potential employment opportunities presented and advertised within this site are with independently owned and operated Kia Retailers. Applicants who seek employment through this site are applying for full-time employment with a participating Kia Retailer and not with KUS or ERS. All employment opportunities listed within this site are subject to applicable Federal and State statutes, rules, and regulations governing employment, which apply to each individual Kia Retailer’s specific location.KUS and ERS make no warranties (expressed or implied) or guarantees of employment to any individual seeking to participate in the Kia Veteran Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP). All employment decisions are at the discretion of the specific Kia Retailer to which an employment application is made, conditional upon meeting eligibility, skill, and experience requirements to participate in VTAP.
Kia Retailers are offering skilled and experienced military Veterans with the opportunity to begin an inspiring career as a Kia Certified Service Technician. To support this Kia Retailer initiative, Kia America, Inc. has established the Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP).
The Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP) enables our Kia Retailer business partners to connect with high quality former military technician talent to meet the demand for skilled Kia Service Technicians, while providing an elevated customer service experience.
Transitioning Service Members, Military Veterans, National Guard, and Reserve Service Members, are connected through VTAP, which provides access to inspiring career opportunities, through a Kia Service Technician, US Department of Labor, and GI Bill® approved apprenticeship.
Job Description
- Diagnose, maintain, and repair Kia vehicles including engine, transmission, steering, suspension, brakes, HVAC, and electrical components
- Complete repair orders and warranty request orders in accordance with established Kia and Retailer policies and procedures
- Test drive vehicles, and analyze, diagnose, and repair components and systems using Kia diagnostic strategies, special equipment, and tools
- Perform services, diagnostics, and repairs in a timely fashion while communicating with the shop foreman and service advisor to promote an optimal customer experience
All potential employment opportunities presented and advertised within this site are with independently owned and operated Kia Retailers. Applicants who seek employment through this site are applying for full-time employment with a participating Kia Retailer and not with KUS or ERS. All employment opportunities listed within this site are subject to applicable Federal and State statutes, rules, and regulations governing employment, which apply to each individual Kia Retailer’s specific location.
KUS and ERS make no warranties (expressed or implied) or guarantees of employment to any individual seeking to participate in the Kia Veteran Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP). All employment decisions are at the discretion of the specific Kia Retailer to which an employment application is made, conditional upon meeting eligibility, skill, and experience requirements to participate in VTAP.
