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. Auto Dealers: Start Earning From Every Supply Purchase! One dealer earned back $174,768 this year! 22 Florence Street • South Hackensack, NJ 07606 • Learn more at WASCOonline.com • 800-732-4511 VOLUME PRICING DISCOUNTS PURCHASING EFFICIENCY ANNUAL DIVIDEND contact us! For your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION ANALYSIS to discover how WASCO can significantly impact your dealership’s 2026 earnings. 15 NEW JERSEY auto retailer
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