I-CAR LAUNCHES REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- I-CAR (the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair), the collision repair industry's leader in technical educational programming, related technical services, and industry talent solutions, announced the official launch of a national Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) specifically for the collision repair industry. This pivotal 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 critical technician shortage and elevating the collision repair trade among premier skill 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. 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 launch of the I-CAR Registered Apprenticeship Program marks a significant milestone in our mission to solve the collision repair industry's talent shortage and support shops in developing their future workforce," said Kyle Thompson, President and CEO at I-CAR. "This program is the result of a three-year journey to deliver a comprehensive talent initiative. It provides a structured framework for shops to cultivate skilled technicians. It's about building a sustainable future for our industry, ensuring high-quality repairs, and providing rewarding career opportunities for individuals."

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 launch of the Registered Apprenticeship Program represents an important milestone for the Collision Repair industry, equalizing opportunities for employers large and small to be part of a program approved and vetted by the Department of Labor," said Dara Goroff, Vice President, Planning and Industry Talent Programming at I-CAR. "In addition to providing a way for employers to up-skill apprentice technicians, this 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."

Collision Careers is I-CAR's wide-reaching platform to attracting and inspiring the next generation of collision repair professionals by challenging outdated perceptions of the industry, showcasing clear pathways to success, and partnering with shops and organizations committed to growing the collision repair talent pipeline. 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 simply needs to hold an I-CAR Gold Class® designation, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality training and industry standards. 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. This program further solidifies I-CAR's dedication to tackling the talent shortage in the collision repair industry. Along with I-CAR Academy and Collision Careers, the I-CAR Registered Apprenticeship Program represents another vital step in I-CAR's ongoing commitment to a stronger, more skilled workforce through comprehensive education, training, and innovative talent development.

About I-CAR: Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the Collision Repair Inter-Industry. I-CAR, which is accredited by IACET (The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training) is focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of both the industry and the consumer. For more information, please visit www.i-car.com.

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SOURCE I-CAR