The Future of TAP Bootcamps Across New Jersey BY BRANDON JURAKHAN, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NJ CAR The Technician Advancement Program (TAP), powered by NJ CAR, is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a statewide movement to address the urgent need for skilled automotive technicians while providing individuals with a clear, supported pathway into a rewarding career. With the success of our initial camps, TAP is poised to grow significantly in the coming months. We are excited to share what the future holds, thank the dealerships stepping up to host bootcamps, and highlight the powerful stories of students already benefiting from this program. BUILDING THE FUTURE OF TAP ACROSS NEW JERSEY The demand for skilled automotive service technicians is not slowing down. In fact, according to labor projections, New Jersey will need thousands of new technicians over the next decade to keep pace with the retirement of existing technicians and the growing demand for vehicle service. Recognizing this critical need, NJ CAR launched TAP as a pre-apprenticeship training program designed to equip participants with the technical skills, professional training, and real-world experience required to thrive in the field. The program provides 288 hours of instruction, split between classroom, teaching, and hands-on shop experience. Students meet four evenings a week, balancing lessons with a hands-on application of what’s taught on real vehicles in dealership service bays. This learning model results in a practical, fast-tracked training experience that prepares participants for entry into a registered apprenticeship or direct employment with franchised new vehicle dealerships. TAP would not be possible without strong partnerships, and NJ CAR is proud to partner with the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL), which awarded a $664,500 Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant to help expand TAP statewide. This investment provides students with critical support, including a $200 weekly stipend to offset living and travel costs during training, as well as a professional-grade toolbox — valued at over $3,000 — filled with essential tools students receive upon graduation from the program. These benefits ensure that financial barriers do not prevent motivated individuals from pursuing a career in automotive technology. Looking ahead, future TAP bootcamps will be rolled out across multiple counties in New Jersey, ensuring that location is never an obstacle to opportunity. The latest bootcamp in Newark recently launched, and a class in Manahawkin has already been confirmed as the next site, starting in January. There are several dealerships in Camden, Essex, and Middlesex counties currently under consideration as potential hosts for future bootcamps. Our vision is clear: Within the next few months, TAP will have active training sites across the State to ensure that anyone interested in pursuing this career has access to high-quality, no-cost training close to home. THANKING THE DEALERSHIPS THAT MAKE IT POSSIBLE None of this growth would be possible without the dealerships stepping forward to host TAP bootcamps. It takes commitment to open up service bays, lend equipment, and provide support instruction, yet dealerships across New Jersey are showing just how invested they are in closing the gap on the technician shortage. 16 NEW JERSEY auto retailer
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==