I-CAR has introduced a new two-year Registered Apprenticeship Program combining paid training and classroom instruction to address a critical shortage of qualified collision repair technicians, backed by over $7 million in federal funding and industry collaboration.
I-CAR, the go-to organization for technical education in the collision repair world, has rolled out a brand-new, nationwide Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). The goal? To tackle the serious shortage of qualified techs in the industry. As they announced, this new two-year program mixes paid on-the-job training with formal classroom instruction, which ends up with a credential recognized across the country, awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This isn’t their first rodeo either—building on their earlier recognition as a National Apprenticeship Hub and receiving an Apprenticeship Building America grant, both aimed at beefing up workforce skills in collision repair trades.
In their statement, I-CAR made it clear that this initiative is really the result of three years of careful planning in their talent development strategy. Basically, they wanted to create a clear, structured pathway for collision shops to develop skilled technicians. Shops that boast I-CAR Gold Class® status—meaning they meet high standards for training and industry quality—are eligible to hop on board. Plus, I-CAR is offering personalized guidance to help these shops stay compliant with regulations and make the most of available incentives through the DOL program. And there’s more—participating shops will get access to an upgraded job board on CollisionCareers.com, which should make it easier to find new entry-level workers or apprentices, especially at those Gold Class shops.
This move definitely resonates with the big challenges the industry has been grappling with – a wave of retirements, vehicles becoming more technically complex, and fewer young people interested in trade careers, all of which add up to a skills gap. Reporting from outside sources backs this up: I-CAR’s new federal funding—over $7 million spread out over four years—is part of a larger federal effort under the Investing in America initiative, aimed at standardizing apprenticeships in high-demand fields like collision repair. This boost isn’t just about throwing money around; it’s about expanding and formalizing RAPs in partnership with repair shops and I-CAR Academy schools, raising training standards to match those of other skilled trades.
That said, some industry insiders aren’t saying everything’s smooth sailing. While the funding and formal frameworks are promising, many point out that filling technician roles with younger talent is a long game. Attracting fresh recruits involves more than just apprenticeships—it’s also about changing how people see this career path and reaching out more effectively. I-CAR’s broader campaign, called "I Count on I-CAR," really emphasizes the societal importance of collision repair techs and highlights how this can be a pretty solid career choice, aiming to get both industry folks and everyday consumers on board.
All in all, this Registered Apprenticeship Program is a key piece of I-CAR’s ongoing mission to develop a stronger, more skilled workforce through education, training, and innovative talent strategies. Combining federal backing with close industry collaboration, they’re aiming not just to train workers but to create lasting career pathways and elevate the technical skills of future collision repair professionals. It’s an ambitious goal, but with these efforts, hopefully, we’ll start seeing some positive changes in the pipeline soon.
Source: Noah Wire Services
