Auto Mechanic Apprentice Program.

The Auto Mechanics Apprentice Program was started by the Rotary Club of Friendship Heights.

Archie Avedisian, a past president of the Club, notes that sixteen Clubs have contributed over $30,000 to the Washington Area New Auto Dealer’s Association (WANADA) Apprenticeship Training program, with his Club being the first to make a donation. Archie is Chairman of the District’s Vocational Service Lane of Service, which includes various youth and vocational activities. He and his committee will be visiting various Clubs in the District presenting a program on the WANADA project during the course of the year.

One reason for the enthusiastic response from Clubs, according to Archie, is the apprenticeship program is approved by the Veteran’s Administration’ Office of Veterans Affairs as an educational site for veterans." Consequently, it offers Rotarians an opportunity to assist our veterans in addition to the Rotarian goal of supporting a variety of youth and educational programs and currently has two veterans enrolled. As an approved VA education program, veteran trainees in the WANADA program can receive veteran benefits while they are in the program.

Since the initial donation by the Friendship Heights Rotary Club, the Bethesda Chevy Chase, Carroll Creek (Frederick), Gaithersburg, Montgomery Village, Potomac-Bethesda, Silver Spring, Washington, D.C., Wheaton-Kensington, Bladensburg, Columbia-Patuxent, Frederick, North Bethesda, Northern Prince Georges, Olney and Towson Clubs have made donations.

They have successfully placed 151 people in jobs.

Funds raised through the donations are used to cover the costs of tools given to apprentices and help defray the cost of tuition at Montgomery College.

For more information about the WANADA Apprenticeship Training Program, contact Archie at (202) 237-7200.