Building life skills

1. Building life skills A proposal to rebuild America’s skilled worker demographic

2. As the population ages and leaves the work force, we need to be in a position to replace those workers in the on-going industry of auto repair.

3. There is already competition among auto dealers in many parts of the nation to hire or retain good technicians. The bigger worry is whether there will be enough younger workers in a few years as a wave of midcareer mechanics hits retirement age. (USA TODAY, 2012)

4. Wrenching for Life, Inc • Wrenching for Life seeks to train a target demographic of eighteen year old high schools seniors in the trade of auto repair and auto modification, equipping them for the workforce in this industry • Our goal serves two purposes: to provide a place for the target demographic to learn tangible, demonstrable skills which will ultimately translate into career skills; and in this way will supply workers in an industry with shortages.

5. Target demographic • The organization is specifically aimed towards at a more at-risk youth, providing a structured environment for developing tangible, marketable skills in automotive repair and automotive modifications • The program is to be tuition free as to attract students that otherwise would not consider vocational training because of cost.

6. Business Model • We will seek to purchase project cars for under $2,000, with a fully repaired car being worth at least 100% more on the used car market. For example, there is currently a 2000 Ford Contour SVT for sale on the local Akron Craig’s List website for $800. The ad states that this car needs a wiring repair and front axle shafts. After theses repairs are complete this car is considered to be worth $5,025 by NADA standards and $5,355 by Kelly Blue Book Standards. • We will advertise these completed cars for sale on the shop website, Craig’s list, eBay and possibly auto trader and with FOR SALE signs in the shop parking lot. • A conservative estimate of 8 project cars complete and sold for profit in the first year which will be in $36,000 in revenue. • We will also offer repair and regular maintenance services to the public. Service and labor provided to the public will make up the additional $64,000 – we will set a goal of reaching $1231.00 per week in services and labor billed.

7. 1st Year Budget = $100,000

8. Curriculum • After each enrollment period, new students will be given a course on basic engine theory, and diagnosis. This will provide the basis around which all of the hands-on learning is built. • Students will be taking the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) student examinations as they wind down their time in the program

9. Objective • Providing spring broad to give youth a better alternative for extracurricular activities as well as teaching tangible, marketable skills for a possible career path • The ultimate goal is to instruct and equip the students with assessable and quantifiable ability in repairing / modifying / maintaining a vehicle • Customer service and customer relationship building • The importance of work, doing the work correctly and satisfaction in completing a project.

10. Partnerships • The Garage - http://www.yfcwadsworth.com

11. Closing remarks • In our current economic climate there is no better time than now to harness the energy of the youth in our local community and, in return, provide them with practical job and life skills. The training we will provide will equip the students to be competitive in the job market and lead to employment where they can be self reliant and provide for their future families. • It is our goal to start this organization locally in Akron, Ohio area. As resources allow and interest grows, we will open more shops in other communities and expand the organization.