DANBURY, Conn. — On Feb. 1, the Autolite Challenge — a comprehensive program started in 2010 that provides a training and rewards opportunity for technicians — is launching a new-to-the-industry program, the Counterperson Program. Aimed at educating men and women behind the counter, the program’s curriculum will focus on today’s complex ignition systems.

Specifically, the program includes a three-module, in-depth training series from Feb. 1, 2011-April 30, 2011. Each month, counterpeople will have access to new online training modules created exclusively by Autolite engineers and ignition experts. The modules will cover topics designed to develop the counterperson’s understanding of ignition systems and technological differences between spark plugs, including a short question and answer section.

Each participant who completes all three modules will then be entered into a drawing with a prize pool that includes five $1,000 AMEX Gift Cards, 10 $500 AMEX Gift Cards, 20 $100 AMEX Gift Cards and 1,000 NASCAR/Autolite-branded T-shirt and hat prize packs. Counterpeople can enroll in this training program and find details including the official rules at www.autolitechallenge.com/COUNTER starting in February 2011.  

Also launching this year is the Autolite Challenge’s Professional Technician Program, starting April 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011.

The 2011 Autolite Professional Technician Program will be a renewal of last year’s program featuring three modules with more technical and challenging content. Technicians will have access to a monthly online training module focused on today’s ignition systems created exclusively by Autolite engineers and ignition experts. Once all three modules are completed, technicians will receive a Certificate of Completion for the program and the first 3,500 technicians to complete the program will earn a $25 AMEX Gift Card.

 For each module completed, they will also receive an entry into a drawing to win a $1,000 AMEX Gift Card or one of 1,000 NASCAR/Autolite branded t-shirt and hat prize packs. The more modules they complete, the more chances of winning. Professional Technicians can enroll and find details including the official program rules at www.autolitechallenge.com/PRO starting in April 2011.