Logo of the Cigna Foundation with green and blue text.

Test Drive Internship Program

No more guesswork — this 8-week internship lets you see if they’re a fit for hire!

Two scenes at an automotive event. The left shows two young men smiling and looking at a laptop, with other people in the background. The right shows an instructor demonstrating car engine maintenance to two young men, with an open car hood and more people in the background.
Semester registration timeline with three arrows pointing right: Fall (October-November) register by August 31, 2025, Spring (February-March) register by December 31, 2025, Summer (June-July) register by April 30, 2026.

Let us help you FIND YOUR NEXT HIRE!

  • CNCDA Foundation recruits & screens a standout student recommended by their auto instructor.

  • Hands on experience is side-by-side education, guided by your trusted technician. During the semester, instructor will meet with mentor and oversee positive progress.

  • Students earn school credit during the unpaid 8‑week internship* (2 days/week) at your dealership. Student liability insurance is assumed by the college.

To register, please complete the form on this page.

CNCDA FOUNDATION

INTERNSHIP FAQ

  1. What is the duration and schedule of the internship program?
    8 Week program. 2 days per week. 4 hours per day.

  2. How are interns referred and who manages them?
    Interns will be referred by and managed by their educator in partnership with CNCDA Foundation.

  3. Who is eligible to participate in the internship and when can they be hired?
    The intern selected will be in their last semester of course completion and eligible for hire when internship is completed.

  4. Who does the intern work with on-site?
    Intern works directly with assigned mentor (s).

  5. How are the intern’s specific days and hours determined, and what is the total requirement?
    Service Manager/mentor/intern work together to determine specific days/hours intern will work. (64-hour total required)

  6. What insurance coverage do interns have?
    Interns will be covered under their school district’s worker’s compensation insurance.

  7. Are interns allowed to drive dealership or customer vehicles?
    Interns will have a valid driver's license but will not be authorized to drive any customer vehicle or dealer inventory vehicles on/in your dealership, per their internship agreement.

TECHNICIANS ARE HARD TO FIND

Text infographic stating each empty lift in a dealership can cost an estimated $24,800 per month in lost labor revenue.

*Based on an hourly charge of $150*

Text graphic showing the total number of unfilled positions at California dealerships, with the number 4,365 prominently displayed in large blue font, and the caption 'Total number of unfilled positions at California dealerships' in white font.
Graphic showing four blue human icons with one additional icon and a plus sign, with bold white text stating 'Severe Shortage Each Dealership Needs 3 Technicians on Average in California'.

start building a pipeline of talent for your dealership. Register for our New Technician Internship PRogram!