─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Automotive Program Spotlight Series
Sharing stories of strategic partnerships between Lithia & Driveway stores and trade schools to support the next generation of auto technicians and workers
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
School Partner: NEWTech Prep | Spokane, WA
Four Lithia & Driveway stores in eastern Washington—BMW of Spokane, Camp Chevrolet of Spokane, Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) of Spokane, and Subaru of Spokane—enjoy a longtime partnership with NEWTech Prep, a local trade school, where the dealership group comes together to empower the school’s automotive programs through donations, sponsorships, and training opportunities.
In recent years, this community connection has facilitated job-shadowing opportunities for the tech students and quality new hires for the stores, not to mention higher visibility as a prospective employer and community partner.
Leasa Freter, Service Manager of Camp Chevrolet, said that her store has hired a total of 11 NEWTech graduates so far—8 of whom are still current employees. “We also have two more students enrolled in the General Motors (GM) manufacturer’s program, and when we expand our lube center to seven days a week in early 2026, the store plans on hiring them as new technicians.”
A Match Made in Auto Education
NEWTech Prep is a tuition-free, public education service in the Spokane area that provides practical, hands-on career preparation to high school juniors and seniors in 17 trade programs—including automotive technology and collision repair.
The store-school partnership took root several years ago when NEWTech Prep teachers asked the Camp Chevrolet’s then-GM to check out their auto programs. Soon after, Freter got involved as the tech school’s point person, and the relationship “took off like gangbusters!” Other Lithia Spokane stores got involved as well, amplifying tech student support and strengthening the overall partnership.
By offering NEWTech students a place to job shadow or intern, the stores provide them with a real-world feel for auto retail. At Camp Chevrolet, Freter noted, when students “start working side-by-side with the store’s team members, sometimes, they decide to shift their training to a GM auto program.” Camp Chevrolet saves tens of thousands of dollars in training costs when it hires a NEWTech graduate who goes on to complete the GM program or interns while they are doing a manufacturer's program.
Getting the Right People in the Right Jobs
On-site training at the stores is an effective new-hire gateway. Freter notes that, “In the past few years, we’ve hired students in a variety of positions, including auto technician, service and parts advisor, body shop repair, and as a warranty clerk.”
The following NEWTech Prep hires at Camp Chevrolet illustrate just how the school partnership has created a win-win in Spokane:
Mariah Erickson
Mainline Technician, Camp Chevrolet
“Throughout my education in the automotive industry, NEWTech Prep administrators provided constant support. They told me if I wanted to become a technician, they would give me every resource to do so.
In April 2023, during my senior year of high school, I was hired by Camp Chevrolet. In addition, because the store gave me proper hands-on experience and an environment where my learning was encouraged, I was also accepted in the GM ASEP program, and as of today, I’m already 90% GM-trained in all categories.”
Parker Taylor
Express Lane Advisor, Camp Chevrolet
“I liked the NEWTech auto program because it provided me with skills and tools to comfortably transition into a professional career as a service advisor.
The hands-on training and the courses on the vehicles, and how their mechanical systems operate, gave me a great understanding of automotive operations and functions—all of which helped me ease into a professional environment to work with ASE-certified technicians.
Supporting Tech Schools
In 2026, Lithia & Driveway donated $500,000 across 11 technical school partners located throughout the United States to recognize the valued role of auto technicians and the trades within our industry.
In January, NEWTech Prep received $50,000 as part of this company recognition. The check was presented by Camp Chevrolet, on behalf of the Lithia Spokane stores, including BMW of Spokane, Lithia CDJR of Spokane, and Subaru of Spokane.
If your store or technical school is interested in developing a similar partnership, reach out to Brittany Osterhout, Community Relations Manager, BrittanyOsterhout@lithia.com.
