How Training and Development Drives Success in Dealerships

Today’s workplace requires a forever-student mentality, and automotive dealerships aren’t exceptions. The days of “set-it-and-forget-it” thinking are over for employees and managers alike. Historical knowledge, while valuable, is no longer sufficient to remain relevant and competitive. Fortunately, dealership employees understand this reality, and they’re hungry for the training to keep them ahead of the curve. 

Automotive Dealership Training Fuels Job Satisfaction

Learning opportunities connect directly to employee satisfaction, deeper than many leaders may realize. According to CDK’s Dealership Workplace Study that surveyed more than 400 dealership employees, 38% identify learning new skills as a top-three contributor to job satisfaction. This is a fundamental expectation of today’s workforce, not simply a nice-to-have perk for the job.

Employees who develop new capabilities become more valuable to your organization and more invested in their role. This creates a powerful retention dynamic that smart dealership leaders can leverage to their advantage. 

Not All Training Delivers Equal Impact

Dealership employees have strong appetites for learning but are selective about the type of training that truly motivates them. CDK data reveals a key distinction: mandatory training versus skills-based development. Only 20% of employees show interest in compliance-focused training, not because these topics lack importance, but because employees gravitate toward learning that advances their careers.

Many trainings help create safe, supportive workplaces. However, leadership should recognize that employees may not view this as career development. They want skills, certifications and knowledge that position them for growth, not just the baseline requirements they can find at any job. This insight should reshape how dealership leaders approach their training strategy. Provide training that ensures workplace safety and security plus training that advances each employee's individual career.

Leadership Development and Career Growth

One of the most interesting findings from our study is the universal appeal of leadership training. Across all generations and experience levels, employees showed the highest interest in training related to leadership team management and dealership operations. This holds significant implications for dealership management.

Even entry-level employees think long term about their career trajectory within the organization. They’re seeking beyond immediate skill development and evaluating growth potential and advancement opportunities. When dealerships offer leadership development, they’re training tomorrow’s managers while demonstrating to today’s employees that the organization sees them as part of its future.

Training as a Retention Strategy

The business case for robust training programs becomes even stronger when viewed through the lens of employee retention. CDK data also shows that nine out of 10 employees planning to stay in the automotive dealership industry describe themselves as extremely motivated to succeed in their current position. 

This motivation is tremendous potential energy, but it needs direction and support to come to reality. Training and development programs provide that direction by:

• Keeping employees updated on automotive industry best practices
• Helping them stay ahead of technological developments
• Building essential soft skills like emotional intelligence and communication
• Creating clear pathways for career advancement

Moving Forward With Confidence

Some dealerships may hesitate about significant training investments. The real risk isn’t overinvesting in employee development; it’s failing to invest at all and watching motivated employees seek growth opportunities elsewhere. 

For dealership leaders, the evidence is compelling. Training and development are perks for employees that ultimately benefit the dealership as a whole. When dealerships and employees embrace a forever-student mentality, they have a strategic advantage that’ll help build a more resilient, adaptable organization for the future. 

If your dealership runs on CDK solutions, CDK University is your next step. Explore dealership training programs that drive growth and leadership development.