Chariot CEO recognized by Automotive News for training future auto techs

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There has been a shortage of automotive technicians for decades. Rex Gingerich decided to do something about it. The CEO of Chariot Automotive Group founded the Automotive Technology Education Pathway (ATAP) three years ago, and it has found immediate success.

Creating the next generation of technicians by bringing the training directly into his dealership, Gingerich recently was recognized by Automotive News for his innovation. He received the 2025 All-Star Award for founding the program. It was one of two awards earned by Chariot. It also was honored for excellence in parts and service by the Detroit-based publication.

The ATAP trains high school juniors and seniors throughout the school year. Students from schools across the area spend half of their school day in classroom and shop floors at Academy in Tipton County and Button Motors in Kokomo. When they complete the program, they are ready to begin work in the industry.

“It has been a great success,” said Gingerich. “We had nine students finish the course last spring. Five of those students stayed with us. The other four went on to a four-year college. Four of them are in our Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program for service technicians, continuing their education with Ivy Tech, and the other one works at our parts department at Academy.”

Gingerich added that Chariot has partnered with Eriks Chevrolet and Brad Howell Ford in Kokomo and Dan Young Ford in Tipton, providing opportunities for students at those dealerships. The hope is the participants will stay within the industry and gain employment at local dealerships.

“Stealing technicians from other dealerships is not a solution, right?” said Gingerich. “We did it, and we lost some to other dealerships. It’s not a solution. We feel ATAP is going to solve this huge problem.”

But none of the success ATAP has experienced would be possible without a partnership with Ivy Tech Community College. The Kokomo Region provides instruction support and certification, sending teachers to the two Chariot dealerships.

“They’re helping our employees take the next step in their education, no matter where they are,” said Gingerich. “Our relationship with Ivy Tech has been unbelievable. We wouldn’t be who we are without Ivy Tech.”

Now in its third year, ATAP has proven to be an excellent training ground for future automotive technicians. Gingerich believes that the program, currently handling 60 students per school year, has growth potential.

“This is the best way to do it,” said Gingerich. “But we’re still building our foundation. It’s one thing to get the students involved, but you have to have a place for them to work. That’s what makes our partnerships with Ivy Tech and other dealerships so important. We’re all going to hire as many as we can, and I think it has the potential to continue to really grow.”

Students are selected for the ATAP program through their schools’ guidance counseling offices, and they have the opportunity to enter a paid apprenticeship program once their complete their training. Those interested are encouraged to meet with their counselors for additional information. Additional resources can be found on the Chariot Automotive Institute Facebook page.