STEP Service Technician Education Programs www.bmwstep.com The Ultimate Driving Machine The ultimate career path from the builder of The Ultimate Driving Machine!
www.bmwstep.com As a service director I rely on competent and professional technicians to keep my department operating efficiently. In my opinion the end product that the STEP program offers is irreplaceable. Garrett O'Dell, Service Director, Chapman BMW of Chandler
www.ayes.org Aim high! Set your sights on an exciting career as a BMW Service Technician. If you ve got the ambition, we ll supply the know-how with BMW s distinctive Service Technician Education Programs (STEP). Brilliantly designed, classically refined, totally high-performance vehicles backed up by the best Service Team in the world that s the legacy of BMW. Providing total quality on the road and in the shop has won BMW the respect of auto enthusiasts worldwide. In fact, no other brand has won as many International Engine of the Year Awards as BMW. So, when BMW centers scout new recruits for their Service Teams, they demand the best candidates with the most extensive training. That s why BMW of North America formed STEP in 1996 to provide future BMW Service Technicians with the longest and most in-depth program for new technicians. The various programs available through STEP have helped to place over 3,000 new BMW Service Technicians since the programs inception. From this growing pool of talent comes the future of BMW Service. Our programs now cover the entire spectrum of BMW retailer technician needs. STEP has expanded, creating more opportunities for a career with BMW than ever before. We encourage you to consider the BMW Service Technician Education Programs as you plan your future career path. 3
www.bmwstep.com STEP level I program is the original of all Service Technician Education Programs. It is a BMW paid six month intensive training program for top-level technical school graduates. STEP Level I encompasses all the training that a BMW Master Technician completes and two years credit towards the five-year requirement to become a BMW Master Technician 2009 is the year that STEP has evolved into a complete BMW Group program, now offering employee development programs for multiple brands of the BMW Group, including BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. Within the BMW auto STEP programs offered are of course the flagship six month program now having developed over 3000 technicians for the BMW centers in the US market since 1996, but to have expanded into the MetroSTEP, Associate Degree program, and FastTrack technician development programs. Evolved into multiple programs for the multiple brands, but also know known for the expansion of curriculum not just focusing on the technical requirements, but also expanding the into the non technical requirements of being a technician. This includes the knowledge of BMW Group web applications such as DCSnet, CenterNet, ICP, PuMA, ETK, just to name a few. The addition of Dealer Management System utilization in every class now also improves the readiness of any STEP program graduate with the knowledge and daily use of a DMS to be prepared to manage their time and repair order writing. improvement is not the only enhancement provided. In addition, STEP training fleets have now been Programexpanded to include previously owned used product with real world diagnostic issues to task program students with the real world issues they will soon be confronted with at their hiring Center or Dealership. STEP training programs are paid for by BMW for the BEST of the BEST that is, only those who qualify under the highest of BMW and MINI standards. A high level of commitment is required: Graduates are expected to take employment at a BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad dealership within 30 days of graduation with the intention of working for the hiring BMW retailer for at least three to five years. Students must pass a test and interview process to receive an appointment to STEP. Even if you haven t graduated from high school yet, it s not too early to start thinking about this exciting opportunity. World-class training that enables a technician to reach his/her full potential in the shortest time possible and BMW pays the entire tuition! What does the STEP curriculum include? The real-life training offered by STEP gives Service Technicians everything required to launch a successful career at BMW or MINI. Programs vary in length and intensity, and now BMW has programs that offer a variety of paths to becoming a BMW Service Technician. Students may receive advanced training on BMW and MINI s newest models and systems employing BMW factory diagnostic tools and procedures. As a result, STEP graduates are able to reach their full potential in a much shorter time than the typical entry-level technician. Veteran STEP graduates have reported that our programs advanced their careers by as many as 10 years in the profession. Technical courses specific to BMW, MINI and Motorrad. Familiarity with BMW s proprietary diagnostic equipment and tools. Warranty documentation training. Advanced electronic systems training. Control module coding and programming experience. And much more! Fiber-optic systems training. Wheel alignment proficiency on state-of-the-art equipment. BMW Certified Pre-Owned inspection experience. Refrigerant-handling certification. BMW Group system and DMS tools. 4
www.ayes.org Who qualifies for STEP? Throughout the year, BMW carefully selects top graduates from leading automotive and powersport technology schools to train at STEP facilities around the country. Here s what you must do in order to qualify for BMW s unique program: Graduate in the top of your class, with an excellent grade point average. Pass the STEP entrance exam and an intensive interview screening process. Have a good driving record. Have a good punctuality record and a low absenteeism rate. Remain free of drugs and substance abuse. Receive good recommendations from your instructors. Be willing to relocate. Please visit www.bmwstep.com for program specifics. Similarly, you should be enthusiastic about BMW. MINI or BMW Motorrad and committed to joining the BMW Group Service organization. The STEP selection process pays careful attention to the attitudes, determination and life skills of candidates who apply. The BMW Degree Program BMW is partnering with colleges in major BMW market areas, with the intention of bringing new and local talent into BMW centers from college-level automotive programs identified as ADP. Within this program, the student attends the college, taking all the college credits for a two-year degree in applied science plus special studies focusing on BMW technology. The graduates under this program will be awarded BMW credentials and BMW retailer experience through an internship. For information on newly approved BMW A.A.S. programs, visit www.bmwstep.com. FAST TRACK This is a vocational school elective program in which a student technician may enroll, after completing an automotive certificate program. FAST TRACK spans approximately 12 weeks and also graduates the successful student with valuable BMW credentials. For information on newly established FAST TRACK programs, visit www.bmwstep.com. Both The BMW Degree Program and FAST TRACK are student-paid programs that produce entry-level technicians. BMW supplies curricula, vehicles, special tools and placement assistance. 5
www.bmwstep.com BMW STEP STEP Level I is the original of the Service Technician Education Programs and is still the oldest and most respected of its kind in the industry. STEP began as the brainchild of BMW dealers and BMW of North America, LLC, and was primarily designed to address the growth needs of BMW dealers. STEP has graduated over 3,000 new BMW Service Technicians to date. Even more remarkable, most of those graduates are still working for BMW dealers! With a typical technician facing industry attrition-rate averages of 15 to 18 percent per year, a STEP graduate s future with BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad are the brightest in the business. STEP I will provide training to a level of credentials equal to that of a BMW Master Technician. A BMW Master Technician has at least five years of experience with a BMW retailer. A STEP graduate will receive two years credit towards that goal. For information regarding current requirements for BMW Service Technician levels, please refer to www.bmwstep.com. A STEP candidate has strict criteria to meet: A 3.5 GPA or better, and a 98-percent attendance rate while attending a postsecondary automotive school of their choice. The candidate must also have a clean driving record, have good references and pass an entrance exam in order to be ready for a personal interview with an official of BMW of North America, LLC. The candidate needs to be prepared for the path ahead not just academically, but socially, emotionally and financially as well. The candidate will be required to attend STEP for six months. BMW pays for the tuition, books and all other costs associated with education. The student is responsible for rent, food and a part-time job honing his or her skills in the trade. With the assistance of BMW, the student upon completing STEP will negotiate with one of 350 BMW retailers in North America for a position as a Service Technician. BMW also provides training in the area of negotiating and evaluation skills for these students. 6
www.ayes.org BMW Motorrad STEP BMW Motorrad STEP will train the selected candidate to a level of credentials equal to that of a BMW Motorrad Level 3 Technician (fully trained). While in the MMI BMW Certified Technician program prior to STEP, the technician has been trained to a mid level 2 certification. STEP provides the completion of the education by including the remaining classes to be fully trained. These additional classes include Electronic Systems, Gearbox and Rear Drive, Engine Analysis and Repair, and Small Engine Repair. BMW pays for the tuition, curriculum materials, and most education associated costs. The student is responsible for housing costs, food, program entry drug screen testing, and WorkKeys qualification test. Additionally, the student will have an opportunity to intern in the BMW National Workshop and be mentored by the BMW Motorrad National Workshop Master Technicians as they prepare new motorcycles for the press fleet, and diagnose and repair BMW internal fleet motorcycles. To learn how to enter the MMI BMW Motorrad Certified Technician program in Phoenix, AZ to possibly be considered for BMW Motorrad STEP, visit the MMI website at www.mmitech.edu, click on the for Manufacture Programs menu item, and then BMW for more information. MINI STEP The MINI STEP is conducted at two locations, Orlando FL, and Ontario, CA STEP locations. Based on the processes of BMW STEP, the 10 week MINI program also fully trains the STEP student to the fully trained Level I status. All of the latest models and system technologies are highlighted as well as MINI Dealer web tools and DMS. For more information, review the BMW STEP web site at www.bmwstep.com. For information on all BMW Group STEP employee development programs, go to www.bmwstep.com. 7
www.bmwstep.com Q Questions & Answers Who should apply to or enroll in STEP? Are all BMW Service Technicians required to complete this training program? If you are a technical school graduate, a college graduate or a professional technician with experience on another product line, you can apply for or enroll in one of the STEP programs. Of course, you could just apply to a BMW retailer and, if hired, begin working there. However, the BMW dealer would then need to send you for training one class at a time. If you were fortunate enough to be offered two classes per year, it would take you roughly eight years to become a Master Technician. STEP advances that process for the benefit of both the technician and the BMW dealer. Q How much will it cost me to attend the program? If you are accepted into STEP and complete the training, the program itself will not cost you very little. BMW will pay your entire tuition and also pick up the cost for all of your training materials. You will only need to pay for substance abuse pre screen testing, WorkKeys Testing, food, lodging and living expenses. To make this easier, STEP schools will make arrangements to help you find affordable housing and part-time employment while in the program. If you elect to enroll in The BMW Degree Program or FAST TRACK, the cost of the program will be paid to the institution that provides the training. Q Will I have any obligations to BMW after I graduate from STEP? BMW has only one requirement for STEP graduates: After graduation they must work for a participating BMW retailer for a minimum of one year and begin that employment within 30 days of graduation. However, one year would not be considered sufficient to achieve success it is merely a minimum contractual obligation. BMW expects STEP graduates to begin their careers at the hiring BMW, MINI or Motorrad dealer and return to that dealer s customers many years of dedicated service. To make this as easy as possible, BMW s STEP administrators help to arrange interviews for students during the final weeks in the program. Individual BMW centers may request that new hires sign a longer contract but this is between you and the BMW center that chooses to employ you. BMW has a number of support programs in place to ensure that graduates receive the best possible offers. 8
www.ayes.org Q When can I sign up for STEP? How often is STEP offered? STEP is run all year long with dozens of possible start dates at locations across the country. MINI STEP is offered as often as possible with approximately four sessions annually at two locations. Motorrad STEP is conducted through the summer months at two locations. Regardless of when you graduate from technical school, BMW would like you to begin STEP shortly afterwards. BMW is sensitive to requests for a specific location. However, it is our first priority to place the student into a class as soon as possible. Location is one of the topics you will discuss during the interview process. FAST TRACK runs quarterly at select institutions and the The BMW Degree Program begins at qualified colleges in the FALL semester. Q How much do I need to know about BMW vehicles in order to qualify for STEP? BMW does not require applicants to have any specialized knowledge of its cars or the company. As long as you meet all the other prerequisites including a high GPA, an acceptable driving record, good attendance and the willingness to relocate you only need to have completed a post-secondary automotive course at an accredited automotive technology school to qualify. For The BMW Degree Program, you will need to meet the requirements of the institution desired. We have multiple graduates working for us and they are excellent. Now that I ve got some history with them, I have been able to do some real analysis on their progress and have determined that they are indeed the best solution for dealerships when it comes to hiring technicians. Please keep up the great work as your program flat-out rules. Q How long does the application process last? How far ahead of time should I begin to apply to STEP? You can apply to STEP during the last months of your automotive training at your respective post-secondary school. For BMW Motorrad STEP, you must be a graduate of the MMI Phoenix BMW Motorrad Certified Technician Program. It s best to make your intentions known early in your automotive training by speaking with a career counselor. Once you re certain that you want to attend STEP and can meet the program s acceptance criteria, you will need to obtain a copy of your driving record, create a resumé, obtain a current school transcript, take an entrance exam and make plans to meet with a STEP representative. Your career services department can help you with the process. To be sure there s enough time, you should start at least six months prior to the date you want to begin STEP. We recommend that you work closely with your career services counselor or BMW representatives to ensure a smooth transition. FAST TRACK applicants may apply for the elective program before, during or after their post secondary education. The BMW Degree Program begins in the FALL at qualified colleges and fills quickly. We recommend that you begin the application process no later than the spring of your high school senior year. 9
www.bmwstep.com Finding a dream Job was never easier. During your training as a STEP student and future technician, you will be guided through the process of negotiating with a BMW retail center for a position. With demand growing for qualified Service Technicians at BMW centers, a STEP trained graduate is a valuable commodity. To speed up the hiring process and help you weigh all of your options. In addition, BMW centers have the ability to browse the STEP rosters on the STEP Connection website to select people from their area. BMW carefully measures each region of the country to ensure that each person that comes into the program has the opportunity to be hired in a location where they will feel comfortable. Prior to graduation is a time for employers to meet STEP students and tell them about the career opportunities at various BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad dealerships. BMW Service Managers from around the country may visit to give presentations, conduct interviews and make offers of employment. Since this decision is so important, STEP students are encouraged to meet with as many prospective employers as possible, and wait until they graduate before making a decision. In this way, BMW, MINI, or BMW Motorrad looks out for your interests and helps you to start your new career on the right foot. BMW is passionately committed to providing the highest quality of vehicles and service, reinforced by our motto: What other car companies do well, BMW does brilliantly! If you re the type of person who wants to be the best, then there may be a place for you on Team BMW. To make STEP available across the country, STEP facilities have been established in Phoenix, Ariz.; Orlando, Fla.; ; Fremont, Calif.; Ontario, Calif; Cleveland, Ohio; and Woodcliff Lake, NJ. BMW Degree Program begins each fall at MassBay Community College in Ashland, Mass and Central Piedmont Community College in Matthews, NC. 10
with STEP. Steve Thomas, Service Director, Steve Thomas BMW, Camarillo, California www.ayes.org Steve Thomas BMW, a six-time Center of Excellence recipient and currently one of the top-10 CSI stores in the country (SPG s 600-1200+, June 2004), is a proud supporter of the STEP program. We have hired 15 STEP graduates in the last few years, and we have been very pleased with the overall results and the quality of technicians. Please call me should you have any questions about the program or about our positive experience and relationship 11
STEP Service Technician Education Programs www.bmwstep.com The Ultimate Driving Machine For more information on BMW STEP and AYES, please visit www.bmwstep.com and www.ayes.org.