Fixed Ops Journal - December 2020 - F20

FIXED OPS JOURNAL

SCHOOL REFORM

Institute does it differently, with hands-on work, no textbooks

KEN WYSOCKY
foj@autonews.com

utomakers constantly seek to fill the
" white space " in their lineups with
niche vehicles aimed at specific
market segments. The Matrix
Trade Institute applies the same concept to
automotive training by taking a decidedly different approach to educating young technicians.
Matrix, in suburban Cleveland, is the brainchild of Dustin Peugeot, former CEO of an
eight-store dealership group in Ohio and
24-year auto industry veteran, and Richard
Blum, a longtime technician and former service director.
The two met when their daughters played
on the same volleyball team. They soon realized they passionately shared a common
viewpoint - young technicians aren't taught the
right skills in a hands-on
manner that emphasizes
efficiency, says Peugeot.
" There are gaps in trade
education that contribute
to the industrywide technician shortage and a decline in technician retenPeugeot: Gaps in
tion,
" he says. " A lot of
trade education
technicians just don't
come out of schools fully prepared. So we felt
a disruptive approach was ripe for the taking,
as well as essential to furnishing the industry
with the next generation of young men and
women to maintain and repair cars. "
To fill those perceived gaps, Matrix tilts the
curriculum heavily toward hands-on training.
And to appeal to younger people, the curriculum is completely digital - no textbooks.
" We tossed out the textbooks because introducing theory digitally is much more relevant
to today's learners, " Peugeot explains. " The
digital interface allows us to provide 80 percent hands-on training, which is the core of
the program. You're lucky if you get 20 percent
with traditional automotive education. "

Efficiency and proficiency
The 20-week general curriculum centers on
efficiency in maintenance and light repairs,
which represent the majority of repair orders.
" The average car on the road is 11-plus years
old, so there's big demand for efficient mainPAGE 20

DECEMBER 2020

Natalie Rapp applies polyester filler to a damaged hood while fellow student Ben Kensil observes.

Learn and turn (wrenches)
Here's a closer look at the Matrix Trade Institute in Ohio.
 Started by a former CEO of an 8-store dealership group and a longtime tech and
service director
 20-week, 600-hour curriculum focuses on maintenance and light repairs
 Enrollment capped at 25 students per course; student-teacher ratio is 8-to-1
 All-digital curriculum aimed at younger people
 Curriculum emphasizes efficiency and repetition
 80% hands-on training, 20% classroom learning
 $16,500 tuition includes $3,000 tool set and cart
 Half-day in-person courses allow techs to work
part time
 Offers 2-week, 30-hour efficiency " boot camps " for experienced techs; cost is $3,000

tenance and repair work, " he says. " We stay
true to where the work is. "
Allowing students to immediately apply
what they learn is a critical program component. It gives them the confidence and proficiency to " move their tools into a shop and use
them to the benefit of a shop, " Peugeot says.
Matrix also gives students the tools to succeed - literally. The $16,500 tuition for the
600-hour basic course, which students attend
in person daily for half a day, includes a full
set of tools and a tool cart valued at about
$3,000.

" You can't teach someone to play golf for 20
weeks, then give them golf clubs and expect
them to play well, " he notes. " At Matrix, we
give you the tools on day one, and you'll have
blisters on day two.
" But we're not tearing down engines while
wearing NASCAR uniforms, " he adds. " We focus on things that help students feel valued
and make money. "
Another unique aspect is the course structure. Because students - 75 percent of whom
see MATRIX, next page

Fixed Ops Journal - December 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fixed Ops Journal - December 2020