Workforce Challenge 

The Anderson Automotive Youth Opportunity Program is a partnership between Anderson Automotive and Youth Opportunity (YO) Baltimore, a Mayor’s Office of Employment Development initiative serving out-ofschool
and out-of-work young adults.  It's proven to be an innovative way to introduce youth interested in automotive
careers to the automotive industry. This partnership not only meets the immediate needs of both the company
and the participants, it also assists youth in finding a stable and rewarding career.

Workforce Solution

Launched in 2015, 11 young people between the ages of 18 and 24 were mentored for 17 weeks by staff at Anderson Automotive and received first-hand training in auto body repair. The staff at Anderson Automotive has helped YO members understand the importance of showing up for work on time, and developing a professional, mature attitude appropriate for the workplace. Participants experienced Anderson’s full hiring process as part of their initial trial employment period, giving them insight into personnel procedures.

Outcomes & Benefits

To date, eight youth – who previously were considered difficult to place in jobs due to their lack of a high school diploma and work experience – have been hired by Anderson as auto body technicians. Anderson Automotive agrees that this method of mentorship has decreased their cost of standard hiring procedures and resulted in gaining skillful and eager employees.