Reflections on the TAP Pilot Building a Stronger Pathway for Automotive Technicians BY BRANDON JURAKHAN, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NJ CAR The Technician Advancement Program (TAP) pilot has provided invaluable insights into how to create a sustainable, scalable, and impactful pre-apprenticeship initiative for aspiring automotive technicians in New Jersey. As we reflect on this foundational phase, several key pillars have emerged: specialized instruction, strategic dealership partnerships, digital outreach, community engagement, and securing external funding to support long-term growth. NJDOL AWARDS NJ CAR WITH PACE GRANT FOR TAP A major milestone during this pilot phase was securing a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL). This funding is a significant endorsement of TAP’s mission and provides essential resources to expand and enhance the program. With the Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant awarded to NJ CAR for TAP, we can invest more deeply in core components such as instructor development, curriculum enrichment, trainee support services, and strategic outreach efforts. This backing enables us to accelerate our efforts to build a robust talent pipeline for New Jersey’s automotive industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM TAP PILOT One of the most important takeaways from the TAP pilot is the critical need for instructors who can simplify complex automotive concepts. As vehicle technology becomes more advanced and brand-specific, it’s not just technical knowledge that sets an instructor apart — it’s the ability to break down sophisticated systems into clear, understandable lessons that trainees can apply in real-world settings. The best instructors are not just experts; they are effective communicators and skilled mentors who make learning accessible and engaging. Because of the grant awarded by the NJDOL, we’re now positioned to recruit certified trainers through manufacturer partnerships and invest in the professional development of existing educators. This ensures our students receive high-quality instruction that turns complexity into confidence: an essential ingredient for long-term success in the field. Cultivating strong relationships with dealerships willing to commit to hiring and mentoring TAP graduates is equally essential to measuring the program’s effectiveness. The pilot of this program highlighted the value of dealership engagement not only for job placement but also for long-term career development. By partnering with dealerships that understand and invest in apprenticeship pathways, we can bridge the gap between foundational training and full-time employment. With this funding, NJ CAR is enabled to allocate resources to strengthening these partnerships — both trainees and dealerships are supported throughout the process. LOOKING FORWARD TO EXPANDING AND SCALING TAP IN NEW JERSEY In today’s digital-first environment, the pilot demonstrated the power of online tools to reach a broader, more diverse group of candidates. Traditional recruitment alone cannot meet the needs of an evolving and highly mobile workforce. Through targeted digital advertising, engaging social media campaigns, virtual open houses, and user-friendly application platforms, we have seen increased visibility and interest in TAP. The support of this grant allows us to further enhance our digital strategy to ensure our messaging reaches underserved and underrepresented communities across the State. Perhaps most importantly, the pilot highlighted the significance of deep community engagement. Local leaders such as educators, civic advocates, and workforce boards play a vital role in connecting us to potential trainees and fostering trust within their communities. These relationships ensure that TAP is not just a workforce training program but also a meaningful effort in community empowerment and economic development. The PACE grant also supports the expansion of these efforts, allowing us to build stronger local networks and increase outreach in communities where opportunity and access are most needed. The TAP pilot has laid the groundwork for a transformative initiative. With lessons learned, strong partnerships formed, and the PACE grant, we are well-positioned to scale our efforts. By investing in specialized instruction, forging deep employer relationships, embracing modern outreach methods, and partnering with local communities, TAP is set to become a powerful vehicle for workforce development and career advancement across New Jersey’s franchised new vehicle auto retail industry. 16 NEW JERSEY auto retailer
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