RATHDRUM — There’s never been a better time to pursue an education in the trades, and Kootenai Technical Education Campus has proven a fruitful source for providing new hires.

“The trades are making a comeback,” said Brandon Scheets, the assistant service manager at Knudtsen Chevrolet.

Representatives from KTEC and Knudtsen Chevrolet spoke at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce on Monday about partnering to match quality recruits with lucrative and plentiful trade positions.

Knudtsen Chevrolet, like many businesses, is actively seeking employees. Knudtsen has several technicians set to retire in the next few years, said executive assistant Alison McArthur. Some have been with the company for over 40 years. Rather than waiting to find replacements, Knudtsen is planning ahead.

Knudtsen has hired about 40 people from KTEC programs after working with the school for about five years, McArthur said.

Sheri Nowlan, executive director of NUCA, a Post Falls utility and excavation contracting company, attended the Chamber meeting, hoping to learn how to connect with construction industry recruits.

“And these are six-figure jobs before too long,” Nowlan said. “I don’t think kids realize that. They think 'Oh, that’s the backup plan.' But no, it’s a good plan.”

NUCA wants to hire carpenters, concrete finishers, excavators and more, Nowlan said.

Knudtsen uses the partnership with KTEC to attract the very best candidates, looking for those who fit in with the company culture, McArthur said.

Students are compensated throughout the training process, and can start out making up to $36,000 as an auto tech apprentice. Students are also employed at Knudtsen during training so they're getting a paycheck as well.

And the pay scale goes up from there.

Following apprenticeship, a main-line technician makes between $40,000 and $70,000. A master technician can make up to $84,000 annually and “world-class” technicians make even more.

During training, Knudtsen recruits are compensated for the cost of their tools, which alone can run close to $6,000. Tuition reimbursement is part of the package also.

Knudtsen goes above and beyond for their recruits, locating further scholarships and benefits for students in training, McArthur said.

“They take their two years of automotive technology classes and they will walk out of there debt-free,” McArthur said. “What the requirement is, is to give us two more years after they graduate.”

TJ Robertson, a master auto technician and teacher, came to KTEC after decades in the auto service industry.

“The question I had was what can I provide for the youth?” Robertson said. “It came to my mind that I could really ooze to them what it was like to come out of high school and go into a trade and have great success.”

Robertson took the trade route right out of high school. He continued his education while making a good living and raising a family.

“It’s just awesome to see the partnerships that we’re creating in the industry and what the kids can do when they come out of high school,” Robertson said.

The growth at KTEC has “blown up over the last few years,” he said. To continue serving the growing student body, more partnerships with local businesses are needed.

About 75 students are enrolled in the auto technician program, and 100 more are registered to start next year, Robertson said.

KTEC’s overall student capacity is about 525 students. The applicant load for next year is 627 students, including returning and new, said KTEC director Colby Mattila.

“Our popularity over the last six years, since I've been director, has been nothing but this,” Mattila said. “It’s only gotten more in demand. It’s a direct reflection of our current community.”

“It’s invaluable what we’ve gotten from the KTEC relationship. They pick the right people, they know what we’re looking for,” Scheets said. ”We put them through school so we want a solid candidate. They need to learn that there is money in the trades. College isn’t always the answer.”

Other available KTEC programs include health professions, welding, diesel technician, automated manufacturing, computer repair and networking, welding and metal fabrication, construction trades, media graphics, millwright, collision and repair and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Visit ktectraining.org/ for more information.