Workforce development succeeds when programs move beyond ideas and pilots and begin delivering consistent, measurable outcomes. Over the past year, NJ CAR’s Technician Advancement Program (TAP) has evolved from a proof-of-concept training initiative into a scalable workforce pipeline addressing one of New Jersey’s most pressing labor challenges.

Across the State, franchised dealerships are facing an increasing need to acquire an additional 12,500 entry- and mid-level automotive technicians. Advances in vehicle technology — coupled with an aging workforce and steady retirements — have widened the gap between employer demand and available talent. Traditional training pathways are often expensive, time-intensive, or disconnected from real dealership operations.

TAP was created to meet this challenge head-on. The program was designed as an 18-week, 288-hour pre-apprenticeship program that blends classroom instruction with hands-on shop experience. Here, participants develop foundational technical skills to establish direct pathways into registered apprenticeships and full-time employment opportunities.

Establishing Proof of Concept

The first TAP class, launched at Honda of Toms River, served as a critical test of the model. Ten students enrolled, and nine successfully completed the program. The majority of graduates secured employment in the automotive workforce shortly after graduation, validating both the instructional approach and strong employer demand.

Additionally, the initial class confirmed a core principle underpinning TAP’s design: When financial barriers are removed and training aligns with real workplace expectations, student completion rates improve significantly. These early outcomes provided the confidence and data needed to responsibly expand the program.

Scaling Through State Partnership

A major turning point for TAP came in June 2025, when NJ CAR was awarded $664,500 through the New Jersey Department of Labor’s (NJDOL) Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant. This investment signaled the State’s confidence in TAP as an industry-aligned, outcome-driven workforce solution, capable of delivering measurable results.

PACE funding has allowed TAP to scale without compromising accessibility. Offered at no cost to students, participants earn a weekly stipend during training, receive professional tools valued at $3,000 upon graduation, and have access to fully funded resources. By removing financial barriers, TAP expands access to individuals who may not otherwise be able to pursue technical training, while ensuring graduates enter dealership employment fully equipped and job-ready.

Beyond funding, another source of the program’s growth is its statewide partnership model. By working closely with the NJDOL, local workforce boards, and county unemployment offices, TAP can scale into new regions while remaining responsive to local labor market needs. This coordinated approach allows NJ CAR to replicate the program across New Jersey without sacrificing quality.

This partnership framework is already producing results and currently has an active class underway at Route 22 Toyota, where 20 students are enrolled and progressing through the program. Ongoing collaboration with workforce partners and county unemployment offices supports recruitment.

Program Maturity and Industry Engagement

Growth has been intentional rather than rapid. Over the past year, NJ CAR has taken a disciplined approach to strengthening partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.

One of the most important lessons learned from this effort has been the value of dealership involvement beyond simply hosting training. The program works best when dealership leaders actively participate as mentors. This engagement improves student learning once graduates are hired. Students who transition into dealerships where they already have relationships are more likely to remain employed and advance through apprenticeship pathways.

TAP has also reinforced the importance of aligning pre-apprenticeship training with registered apprenticeship standards. The program is intentionally structured as a front-end feeder into formal apprenticeships, ensuring that participants move seamlessly from training into employment with clear advancement opportunities.

The Deeper Meaning of Apprenticeship

Technicians learn from one another on the shop floor and through shared problem-solving. TAP creates space for experienced technicians to pass on not just technical knowledge, but pride and professionalism.

More than that, TAP strengthens the culture of the industry. By encouraging mentorship and shared responsibility, the program reinforces a sense of belonging among technicians where knowledge is shared, and everyone is invested in lifting the next person up. This culture is what turns a job into a career and keeps people in the trade.

Why TAP Matters

TAP inspires hope by providing real opportunities to New Jerseyans. Dealerships are true landmarks within our communities. More than simply places to buy or service a vehicle, dealerships are economic anchors across the State.

This program helps dealerships grow by building the next generation of technicians. TAP provides people with a pathway to stable, good-paying careers they can take pride in.

Looking Ahead

For TAP in 2026, the focus shifts from validation to intentional expansion. NJ CAR plans to operate multiple TAP training camps statewide, enrolling at least 60 students across classes while continuing to grow its employer conglomerate. Priority will be given to geographic diversity, ensuring access to training in regions with the highest dealership demand.

With employer interest secured and workforce partners engaged, additional classes are scheduled to launch this year, reflecting the program’s ability to grow strategically and bring training to communities where dealership demand is strong and access to industry-aligned education is critical.

NJ CAR also plans to pursue additional funding, including the New Jersey Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) grant, to further support the registered apprenticeship component of the program. This next phase will deepen employer participation and reinforce long-term retention outcomes.

As TAP continues to grow, its success remains rooted in partnership. The progress achieved to date from initial classes to a scalable statewide model has been made possible through the collaboration of industry and government partners. As we expand in 2026, NJ CAR invites dealerships and workforce boards across New Jersey to partner with TAP by employing graduates. Together, we can build a modern, sustainable talent pipeline that strengthens our industry and the future of New Jersey’s automotive workforce.