Sam Cammarata from Penske Automotive Group and Brookdale President Dr. David Stout

(LINCROFT, NJ) -- Brookdale Community College (Brookdale) and Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (PAG) have announced a groundbreaking partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for the establishment of an Automotive Technician Career Program. This program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the automotive industry.

Brookdale, known for its commitment to providing top-quality education and training programs, will offer state-of-the-art facilities and an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology curriculum designed to develop students' automotive expertise. In addition, successful graduates of Brookdale's educational program will be able to secure employment with Penske Automotive Group, one of the world's premier automotive and commercial truck retailers.

Dr. David M. Stout, president of Brookdale Community College, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "This innovative program will bring down costs for our students, aligning with our mission of ensuring that our students have access to high-wage jobs at an affordable price. Through this collaboration, we are fulfilling our commitment to providing our students with excellent education and ample employment opportunities."

Sam Cammarata, East Region recruiter from Penske Automotive Group, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, saying, "As the largest automotive retail company globally, Penske Automotive Group is always seeking opportunities to bring in talented individuals and provide them with a path to a successful and fulfilling career. This partnership with Brookdale allows us to do just that. We are proud to connect with a college that has produced many successful alumni who have excelled within our organization. The opportunity to work with Brookdale is truly a home run for us."

Penske Automotive Group, an international company with 26 locations in New Jersey and 150 locations in the United States, and 250 worldwide across nine different countries, recognizes the value of investing in the next generation of automotive technicians. Sam Cammarata further explained, "Our facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring a clean and safe work environment. In addition, by providing uniforms, safety equipment, and climate-controlled shops, we are dedicated to delivering the highest standards for our employees."

The Automotive Technician Career Program offers a comprehensive package of benefits to students who successfully complete their studies at Brookdale and secure employment at one of their dealerships. This is a $20,000 program over three years that includes, on top of the technician's salary, a regular payment every month of reimbursement of up to $13,140 for tuition and fees, $2,000 for tools, and a $5,000 employment bonus.

The partnership between Brookdale Community College and Penske Automotive Group signifies a commitment to the development of future automotive technicians and the growth of the automotive industry. This MOU will be effective immediately for students currently enrolled in or entering the Automotive Technician Career Program.

For further information, about Brookdale’s Automotive Technology Program, click here.

Brookdale Community College is a public college in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1967, Brookdale offers AA, AFA, AS, and AAS degrees in 68 academic programs, 4 Academic Credit Certificates, and 9 Academic Credit Certificates of Achievement. Brookdale offers fully online degree programs in Business Administration, English, History, Liberal Education, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Sciences. They offer partnerships with top four-year colleges and universities to make the transfer process seamless and with local businesses to provide students with the opportunities to achieve their educational and career goals. In addition, Brookdale offers non-degree courses through its Office of Continuing & Professional Studies. This unique division provides coursework tailored to meet today’s businesses’ training needs.

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., (NYSE:PAG) headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a diversified international transportation services company and one of the world’s premier automotive and commercial truck retailers. PAG operates dealerships principally in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Italy and is one of the largest retailers of commercial trucks in North America for Freightliner. PAG also distributes and retails commercial vehicles, diesel and gas engines, power systems, and related parts and services principally in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, PAG owns 28.9% of Penske Transportation Solutions, a business that manages a fleet of over 400,000 trucks, tractors and trailers providing innovative transportation, supply chain, and technology solutions to North American fleets.

Penske Automotive Group is a member of the Fortune 500, Russell 1000, and Russell 3000 indexes and is ranked among the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine. PAG has repeatedly had numerous stores voted in the top 100 as Automotive News’ Best Places to Work For - 33 locations in 2019, 35 locations in 2021 and 46 locations in 2022.