The initiative follows I-CAR’s designation last year as a National Apprenticeship Hub and receipt of an Apprenticeship Building America grant
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—I-CAR has announced the official launch of a national Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) specifically for the collision repair industry.
The initiative follows I-CAR’s designation last year as a National Apprenticeship Hub and receipt of an Apprenticeship Building America grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, aimed at addressing the technician shortage and elevating the collision repair trade among 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, leading to a nationally recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor. (DOL) This program is a comprehensive apprenticeship program validated by the DOL and anchored by I-CAR Academy curriculum.
As a National Apprenticeship Hub, I-CAR can provide a seamless path for shops to offer RAPs and while supplies last will equip eligible shops with incentive packages through the DOL grant on a first-come, first-served basis.
The collision repair industry has faced significant challenges due to a shortage of qualified technicians. The increasing complexity of modern vehicles, the retiring workforce, and a declining public interest in trade careers have only worsened this gap.
The I-CAR Registered Apprenticeship Program directly addresses these issues by providing a structured pathway for employers to develop apprentices trained to industry standards and prepared for the highly skilled in-demand jobs offered in collision repair centers.
The program also improves recruiting outcomes by offering access to our enhanced job board on CollisionCareers.com, which now connects interested job seekers to entry-level and RAP positions at participating Gold Class shops.”
RAP-participating shops will be able to post open apprenticeship positions directly on the CollisionCareers.com job board and Apprenticeship.gov, connecting to motivated candidates and showcasing real opportunities to launch their careers.
To qualify for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, a collision repair shop needs to hold an I-CAR Gold Class designation. Once a shop begins participating, they must adhere to Department of Labor requirements.
I-CAR will provide one-on-one guidance and training on all DOL requirements along with an overview of any available incentives.
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