"I-CAR Offers Apprenticeship Program for Skilled Labor in Collision Repair"

I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair), a leading organization in technical training programs, related technical services and industry talent solutions for the collision repair industry, announced the official launch of the national Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) specifically for the collision repair industry.

This important initiative was enabled by I-CAR's designation as a National Apprenticeship Hub last year and a grant titled "Apprenticeships: Building America" from the U.S. Department of Labor, which aims to address critical technician shortages and elevate the collision repair profession among leading skilled trades.

The I-CAR Registered Apprenticeship Program is a two-year structured training program that combines paid on-the-job learning with related technical instruction and leads to a credential recognized at the national level by the U.S. Department of Labor. Approved by the DOL and supported by I-CAR Academy curriculum, this comprehensive program enables repair shops to offer RAP. Additionally, incentive packages will be provided to eligible shops on a first-come, first-served basis through a DOL grant while funding lasts.

Kyle Thompson, President and CEO of I-CAR, offered the following assessment:
"The launch of the I-CAR Registered Apprenticeship Program marks a pivotal moment in our mission to solve the talent shortage in the collision repair industry and support repair shops in developing the workforce of the future. This program is the result of a three-year journey to deliver a comprehensive talent initiative. It provides repair shops with a structured framework to develop skilled technicians. It is about building a sustainable future for our industry, delivering high-quality repairs, and creating rewarding career opportunities for individuals."

The collision repair industry faces significant challenges due to a shortage of qualified technicians. The increasing complexity of modern vehicles, a retiring workforce, and declining public interest in trade careers have deepened this gap. The I-CAR Registered Apprenticeship Program directly addresses these issues by offering employers a structured pathway to develop apprentices trained to industry standards and prepared for skilled, in-demand roles in collision repair centers.

Dara Goroff, Vice President of I-CAR Planning and Industry Talent Programs, evaluated the program as follows:
"The launch of the Registered Apprenticeship Program is a significant turning point for the collision repair industry. Large and small employers will equally have the opportunity to be part of a program approved and vetted by the Department of Labor. In addition to providing employers with the opportunity to develop the skills of apprentice technicians, this program will also improve hiring processes by offering access to our enhanced job board on CollisionCareers.com, which connects job seekers with entry-level and RAP positions at participating Gold Class repair shops."

Collision Careers is I-CAR's comprehensive platform aimed at dismantling outdated perceptions of the industry, showcasing clear paths to success, and collaborating with repair shops committed to growing the collision repair talent pool. Repair shops participating in RAP will be able to post open apprenticeship positions directly to the CollisionCareers.com job board and Apprenticeship.gov, offering motivated candidates the opportunity to launch their careers.

To be eligible for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, a collision repair shop must hold the I-CAR Gold Class® credential, which demonstrates commitment to quality training and industry standards. Following enrollment, repair shops must comply with Department of Labor requirements. I-CAR will provide one-on-one guidance and training on all DOL requirements and will provide a general overview of available incentives.

This program further strengthens I-CAR's commitment to combating the talent shortage in the collision repair industry. Together with I-CAR Academy and Collision Careers, the Registered Apprenticeship Program represents a critical step toward building a stronger, more skilled workforce through comprehensive training, instruction, and innovative talent development.

About I-CAR:
Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, information and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the collision repair industry. Accredited by IACET (International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training), I-CAR is focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the benefit of both the industry and consumers.

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