Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders through ONYX Automotive’s Mentorship Programs
Story by Lindsey Hinchcliff-Crotty // Images Provided
In this edition of ONYX Driving Good, I’m excited to share how ONYX Automotive strives to shape the leaders of tomorrow through programs centered around youth mentorship. As you will learn, these programs provide transformative experiences not only for students, but also for the mentors who guide them toward a successful career.
We’ve partnered with area schools and nonprofit organizations such as Avenue Scholars to recruit Omaha area students into our internship and apprenticeship programs. Mentorship is at the heart of our approach. Recognizing the importance of guidance and wisdom, ONYX Automotive connects students with seasoned professionals who generously share their expertise. Guiding students through these programs not only creates a vibrant community at ONYX, but also strives to make a greater impact by supporting students to be successful members of the Omaha community.
Rob Ramsey, Fixed Operations Director at The H+H Group, has helped shape the student programs at ONYX Automotive. “There is potential in everyone,” Ramsey said. “It is our responsibility, from our experiences, to show each talented individual their potential and maximize their abilities.”
To bring this ethos to life, these programs have been designed to give students a firsthand look at the automotive industry and its myriad career opportunities. ONYX goes a step further by offering a comprehensive educational program through H+H University. This accredited program provides top-notch education and training for aspiring Main Line Automotive Technicians. These programs are the building blocks to transforming not only a student’s career path, but also their life.
Trish Ruffino, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at The H+H Group, recruits students into these programs and works one-on-one with ONYX interns and apprentices. She witnesses firsthand how transformative these experiences can be for a student. “The mentor can not only play an important role in the student’s life, but also fulfill a relationship need,” Ruffino explained.
One of the students in ONYX’s program is Lyland Cole, a Service Technician Intern in the Jaguar, Land Rover, and Range Rover service shop. Cole learned of ONYX’s internship opportunities through the Avenue Scholars Intern Omaha Program. Alongside his internship, Cole is attending Metropolitan Community College and working toward his associate’s degree in Automotive Technology. “Cecil Haley [Service Technician at ONYX] has taught me so many things that will separate me being a mechanic from being a technician,” Cole shared. “Anything from diagnosis, double-checking your work, cleaning up your area, and the customer’s car where you worked—he has taught me to be proud of my work and that the income opportunities will follow.”
Avenue Scholars provides individualized support services that help Omaha students prepare for financially-sustaining, high-demand careers. Lindsay Decker, Senior Director of Communications & Development, shared: “The work we do is dormant without the business community—partnerships are the lifeblood of Avenue Scholars. Our relationship with ONYX Automotive is unique because ONYX understands and wants to join us in taking on the responsibility of growing the next-generation workforce by providing meaningful workplace experiences and quality mentorship for students. Exposure to experiences and mentorship are key necessities when it comes to preparing students for their future careers.”
Rooted in the core value of “striving to be better today than yesterday,” ONYX takes pride in shaping the leaders of tomorrow and preparing them for success in the automotive industry. Throughout the year on our Driving Good blog, we will continue to showcase the inspiring stories of both our youth and mentors, featuring individuals who have benefited from ONYX Automotive’s commitment to mentorship and education. They will share their personal experiences, detailing their journey from aspiring enthusiasts to accomplished professionals in the automotive industry.
I look forward to continuing to share with you the ways ONYX is striving to make a positive impact on the Omaha community through our Driving Good initiative. In the next edition, I will share more about our 2024 Driving Good campaigns and how we’re leveraging our associates and customers to Drive Good in Omaha.
Let’s continue to be a force for good in our community, together!
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com/driving-good.
