In response to a critical shortage of skilled automotive technicians, New Jersey’s Coalition of Automotive Retailers and Department of Labor have introduced TAP, an 18-week, real-world training programme offering apprenticeships and competitive wages to quickly prepare workers for the evolving automotive sector.
Responding to the serious shortage of skilled automotive techs across New Jersey, the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), teamed up with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), has rolled out the Technician Advancement Program, or TAP for short. It was officially launched on July 29, 2025, at Honda of Toms River. This isn’t just some classroom-based thing; TAP is all about real-world, hands-on training right within local dealerships—an immersive experience, if you will. Over an 18-week period, participants get 288 hours of instruction, mainly happening Monday through Thursday evenings, fitting neatly with the state's apprenticeship standards and paving the way for immediate entry into Level 2 registered apprenticeships through New Jersey’s Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program.
The program really steps into the spotlight because, well, the industry is saying we need about 12,500 new automotive technicians by 2026—that's to replace those retiring and keep up with the ever-growing complexity of modern vehicle tech. Laura Perrotta, who’s the President of NJ CAR, pointed out that TAP isn’t just about basic training; it’s more like a “career launchpad.” She went on to say it provides a seamless link from classroom basics right into good-paying jobs. This effort also aims to address the broader workforce crisis affecting the retail auto sector—dealerships really rely on skilled technicians to keep standards high and customers happy.
Now, part of the funding for TAP comes from a pretty handy state Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) Grant, awarded by NJDOL. The way it’s set up, it gives industry-aligned training with practical, hands-on experience, and keeps classroom theory to a minimum. Plus, it includes paid apprenticeships at local dealerships—pay reportedly ranges from about $18 to $19 an hour, depending on partnerships like those with Toms River dealerships. I mean, this combined approach allows participants to jump right into applying what they learn in real-world shop environments. It’s a smart way to encourage skill growth and, let’s be honest, hopefully improve technician retention too.
Building on earlier efforts, like NJ CAR’s Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program (A.T.A.P.), which kicked off in 2019, TAP continues that momentum. A.T.A.P. specifically targets recruiting, keeping, and boosting technician satisfaction at over 510 dealerships statewide. They’ve been offering good wages that start at around $15 an hour, along with job-specific training and a pretty clear ladder for career growth. Both programs, really, are strategic responses to the shifting labor market, especially as vehicle tech gets more sophisticated and maintenance more complicated.
Industry folks are definitely welcoming TAP—calling it crucial for keeping the pipeline of skilled workers flowing. Anton Semprivivo, from Honda of Toms River, pointed out that having well-trained techs is pretty handy for meeting customer expectations and ensuring vehicle safety. And Ronald Baus Jr., the chair of NJ CAR, emphasized that programs like this are vital for family-run dealerships—they help keep the community safe and uphold trustworthy service standards.
The reality of day-to-day work in New Jersey’s automotive retail world makes these initiatives even more urgent. Data shows that the $43 billion automotive retail sector here services over 20,000 vehicles every single day, which just cranks up the demand for competent technicians—those who are comfortable handling everything from regular repairs to cutting-edge electric or hybrid systems. Major dealerships, like Lester Glenn Auto Group, are doing their part—they offer in-house training, certification programs, and even tuition reimbursement. These efforts support ongoing skill development, which is critical given how fast technology changes in the auto industry.
All in all, TAP is a bold, multi-layered effort to future-proof New Jersey’s automotive technician workforce. It tackles the immediate shortage but also gears up for long-term shifts in the industry. By offering accessible, employer-supported training alongside public funding, the goal is to build a steady pipeline of talented technicians—benefiting workers, dealerships, and, ultimately, drivers across the state. It’s definitely an important move toward keeping New Jersey’s auto industry healthy and ready for the future.
Source: Noah Wire Services
