KIA Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program

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KIA Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program

Kia Retailers are offering skilled and experienced military Veterans with the opportunity to begin an inspiring career as a Kia Certified Service Technician.

05/25/2026

Kia VTAP proudly honors the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

This Memorial Day holds special meaning as America celebrates 250 years of history, freedom, and resilience. We remain committed to helping Veterans build successful futures through automotive technician careers and continued purpose after service.

We remember. We honor. We thank you.

04/30/2026

A strong career starts with the right foundation.

Kia VTAP provides hands-on training and real-world experience, helping individuals build the skills they need to succeed in the automotive industry. Whether you’re transitioning directly from military service or starting a new path, this program is designed to support long-term growth.

04/28/2026

National Apprenticeship Week is all about recognizing the impact of hands-on learning and the pathways it creates.

At Kia VTAP, we’re proud to support technicians as they develop their skills and build lasting careers in the automotive industry.

11/12/2025

Today, KIA VTAP honors the U.S. Veterans who have served our nation with strength, resilience, and dedication.
We remain committed to supporting Veterans as they build successful careers as Automotive Technicians, offering structured training and long-term growth across the KIA network.
To all Veterans: We appreciate you and thank you for your service.

09/05/2025

Please join us in highlighting Thong “Tom” Le, who works at Westside Kia and is currently training at our Kennesaw, GA center. Tom proudly served five years in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of Specialist as a 91S Stryker System Maintainer. His military background and hands-on technical expertise have shaped him into a disciplined and detail-oriented automotive professional.
Now an experienced technician working out of Katy, TX, Tom has a special interest in electrical systems, diagnostics, and troubleshooting. He has even sought additional training resources from us to refine his skills in reading oscilloscopes and mastering advanced electrical diagnostic methods.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys working on cars and electrical projects. His dedication to growth and technical excellence reflects his ultimate goal of becoming an Electrical Shop Foreman. We’re proud to have Tom in the Kia VTAP program and excited to see where his hard work takes him next.

08/29/2025

Please join us in highlighting Jessica “Jess” Story, who works at Kia of Round Rock and is currently training at our Lombard, IL center. Jess served in the U.S. Army from 2020 to 2024, as a Specialist. While she was a maintainer in the military, her passion for cars began long before her military career, as she enjoyed working on vehicles as a hobby.
Jess now channels that same passion and military discipline into her path as an automotive technician. Her goal is to become a Certified Kia Master Technician, where she can combine her technical ability with her drive to succeed.
Outside of the shop, Jess is an avid reader who enjoys the outdoors — from hiking, fishing, and camping to spending quality time with her spouse and their two-year-old daughter. Her determination, dedication, and family support make her an excellent example of the well-rounded talent thriving in the Kia VTAP program.

08/23/2025

Please join us in highlighting Noah Teerlink, who works at Horne Kia and is currently training at our Lombard, IL center. Noah has proudly served nearly four years in the U.S. Army, recently earning his promotion to Sergeant in the Army Reserves. During his service, he had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding technicians who inspired him to pursue advanced automotive skills a drive that led him to the Kia VTAP program.

In addition to his military experience, Noah brings more than 3 years of hands-on mechanical expertise from Various OEM makes and models, where he specialized in diagnostics, brake, and suspension work. He is ASE Certified in General Maintenance (G1) and Brakes (A5), excelling in electrical systems and ASE A1–A6 areas.

Outside the shop, Noah enjoys flying drones and gaming, but his focus remains firmly on advancing his career. With his military discipline, proven technical ability, and dedication to growth, Noah is well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming a Certified Kia Master Technician.

08/16/2025

Please join us in highlighting Pablo Espaillat, who works at Rick Case Kia and is currently training at our Kennesaw, GA center. Pablo served four years as a United States Marine Corps technician and earned the rank of Corporal. After his service he currently has over four years of experience as an OEM automotive technician. His passion for cars and computers fuels his drive for excellence in the shop. Pablo is committed to sharpening his skills every day as he works toward his ultimate goal of becoming a Master Technician, bringing both military discipline and technical expertise to his work.

08/01/2025

Please join us in highlighting Jonathan “Jon” Cho, a U.S. Army Veteran and dedicated automotive professional. After serving four years as a 19D Cavalry Scout, Jon transitioned into the automotive industry, where he’s spent another four years turning his passion for cars into a career. Now training at our Kennesaw, GA center, he’s working toward becoming a Master Technician. His commitment to growth, skill development, and performance excellence embodies everything the KIA VTAP program stands for.
Interested in making your own transition into a high-demand career? Learn more about how KIA VTAP supports U.S. Veterans at https://www.kiavets.com/

07/25/2025

Meet Caleb Aughtman, a U.S. Army Veteran who served six years as a 91B Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. Now training at our Lombard, IL Technical Training Center, Caleb is building on his military background to advance in the automotive field.
With a passion for hands-on work and a drive to grow, Caleb is committed to mastering his craft and working toward a future as a Service Manager. We’re proud to support his journey and excited to see what’s next.
If you’re a Veteran looking to take the next step in your career, learn more about the opportunities through KIA VTAP.

Address

Irvine, CA

Telephone

+19312068832

Website

http://www.kiavets.com/

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