(May 31, 2013) Audi of America is launching a new program aimed at attracting skilled former military technicians to Audi certified service department roles in dealerships across the country. The new Veterans to Technicians program fills immediate needs for both U.S. veterans and Audi retailers who expect higher demand for service technicians, shop foremen and service consultants as the brand continues its growth trajectory in the United States.

Emphasis will be placed on recruiting veterans with proven automotive skills, but candidates with power generation, aviation, welding, electronics, hydraulic systems and maritime systems experience are eligible as well.

Audi sold a record 139,310 vehicles in the U.S. last year and expects to break that record this year. The premium car brand intends to sell 200,000 new cars and SUVs annually well before the end of the decade. Audi estimates the increase in sales and the number of Audi vehicles on U.S. roads will sharply boost demand for service technicians to double today’s staffing levels by 2020. That growth will come on top of natural turnover at dealerships.

“Our nation has invested significant sums to train Veterans in technical fields, leadership skills and uncompromising values,” said Reinhard Fischer, director of Strategy, Audi of America.

“That means former members of the armed forces are ideal candidates for the opportunities Audi and its dealerships offer. As the Audi footprint grows in this crucial market, and as our cars become more complex, it is imperative to help our 276 U.S. dealers identify and recruit highly skilled service employees.”

The Audi Veterans to Technicians initiative supports the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act passed by the U.S. Congress in November 2011. That act provides enhanced federal support for veterans leaving the armed forces and for their employers.

Audi developed the program with CALIBRE, an Alexandria, Va. based management and technology services company. CALIBRE helps the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) develop transition support policies and programs for Veterans and service members leaving the military. Through this new initiative, CALIBRE will help connect Veterans and Audi dealerships with a wide range of available government benefits and employer incentives.