South Georgia Technical College and Kauffman Tire, a family owned and operated retail and wholesale tire distribution company since 1936, are partnering together to provide educational training and internships that can lead to great career opportunities with the third generation company.

Kauffman Tire officials visited the SGTC campus recently to review the existing partnership and talk about ways to expand the program. Tom Money, Kauffman chief operating officer; Kauffman Director of Talent Acquisition and Development Mike Olssen; Kauffman Vice President of Retail Allen Battista, and Kauffman Tire Retail Regional Manager of Tampa, Fla., Joey Schmidt as well as Retail Regional managers of Atlanta, Dave Chirello, Tripp Peek, Kevin McCoy and Charles Curlee attended the meeting to review the technical certificate of credit, tour the classroom and lab facility and talk with the students enrolled in the automotive chassis and climate control specialist class. 

Kauffman has opened stores in the Cordele and the Albany area and is currently opening additional stores throughout South Georgia, North Florida, and Eastern United States. The Kauffman Tire retail stores sell tires, but also provide oil changes, preventive or scheduled maintenance, brake replacement, wheel alignments, tire rotations, and other services to keep vehicles in top condition.

SGTC is providing training for the Kauffman Tire technicians through its automotive chassis and climate control specialist classes in the automotive technology program. Graduates of this technical certificate of credit program become technician interns and are guaranteed an interview with the company for a temporary, part-time or full-time position. Graduates also have the potential to apply for the technical, sales, or management career paths. Students receive hands-on training in Kauffman Tire labs and stores.

To be eligible for the Kauffman Tire internship, students must be at least 18 years of age or older, be a HOPE grant recipient, have a current, valid Georgia driver’s license and acceptable driving record, be enrolled in a Kauffman approved school automotive program, and must possess or pass Tire Industry Association (TIA) Level 200 Certification within 30 days of assignment.

All regular Kauffman interviewing, hiring, and employment standards/protocols apply and potential interns must comply with all other school and program requirements. Kauffman Tire students are also eligible for reimbursement of the costs of attending the SGTC automotive chassis and climate control cpecialist program upon successful completion of the program followed by six months of additional continuous Kauffman service.

Kauffman Tire operates over 55 retail stores in Georgia and Florida; 14 wholesale distribution centers in seven states and the e-commerce site Tread Depot. Kauffman Tire offers daily delivery to customers out of all wholesale centers, with a fleet of approximately 150 vehicles.

Kauffman Tire is a leader in the industry in retail, wholesale, commercial and E-commerce division. They are looking for individuals with a strong work ethic, positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit. Kauffman Tire’s expansive business model provides employment opportunities to people of all educational and professional backgrounds with opportunity for career advancement within the company.

The automotive technician positions are responsible for servicing and repairing vehicles. Techs use state-of-the-art diagnostic resources to expertly diagnose vehicle problems, accurately prescribe/estimate correct repair action(s) and promptly deliver the required service.