In an attempt to address the economic and technical needs of New Jersey’s transportation future, the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), announced July 29 the launch of the Technician Advancement Program (TAP).
This program is designed to address the shortage of automotive technicians in New Jersey and provide a structured pathway into the high-demand field of automotive repair and maintenance.
Backed by a Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) Grant awarded by NJDOL, TAP will expand access to career-building pre-apprenticeship training for aspiring automotive technicians across the state.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics nationwide is projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033. There were 794,600 jobs nationwide as of 2023. New Jersey alone will need more than 12,500 new technicians by 2026 to replace retiring workers and keep up with the increasing complexity of today’s vehicles. The BLS said the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $49,670 in May 2024.
“This is a win-win for workers, communities, and New Jersey’s retail automotive sector,” said Laura Perrotta, president of NJ CAR. “TAP creates a seamless pipeline from classroom to a lucrative career, while helping dealerships meet the growing demand for skilled technicians.”
“Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs are essential for cultivating a skilled workforce while removing barriers to training and meaningful employment,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “We are grateful to have NJCAR as our partner, and together we are opening doors to New Jersey’s automotive industry for future professionals who will help bolster growth and innovation for years to come.”
TAP provides 288 hours of technical classroom instruction required for entry into a registered Level 2 apprenticeship under the state’s Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program (ATAP). TAP instruction takes place at regional dealership training camps at NJ CAR-selected dealerships across the state. This model gives students direct exposure to the workplace environment they will join after completing the program. The duration of the program is 18 weeks, Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Graduates will transition directly into paid apprenticeships through ATAP, gaining on-the-job experience while continuing to earn.
