NEW JERSEY - The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), today announced the launch of the Technician Advancement Program (TAP), a nation-leading program designed to address the critical 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 significantly expand access to career-building pre-apprenticeship training for aspiring automotive technicians across the state.

“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.”

Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy said, “In just 18 weeks, students move through classes, built in mentorship, grounded in real world experience, that prepares them for the exciting career launchpad ahead. This is what modern workforce development should look like."

NJ CAR Chairman Ronald Baus, Jr. said, "NJ CAR is proud to offer this important program to strengthen our workforce and continue to provide world-class value that our customers deserve. For family-operated businesses like mine, programs like TAP are essential to keep our customers and our neighbors safe on the road.”

Anton Semprivivo, Executive Vice President of Honda of Toms River, said, “As someone who walks the floor of my dealership every day, I know how important it is to have technicians who are well trained and available to meet the needs of our customers. TAP provides a great pathway to an incredible job right here in New Jersey.”

The demand for qualified automotive technicians is a serious issue for the sector, and 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. Despite competitive salaries, outstanding benefits, and job flexibility available in nearly every corner of the state, the supply of trained professionals has not kept pace. TAP is NJ CAR’s response to this workforce crisis. It fulfills the 288 hours of technical classroom instruction required for entry into a registered Level 2 apprenticeship under the state’s Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program (ATAP).

Providing an immersive, real-world training model, TAP instruction takes place at regional dealership training camps, transforming dealership service bays into live classroom environments that mirror the standards of national institutions like the Universal Technical Institute (UTI). This model gives students direct exposure to the exact workplace environment they will join after completing the program.

Program structure includes:

TAP is more than just a training program—it’s a career launchpad. Graduates will transition directly into paid apprenticeships through ATAP, gaining on-the-job experience while continuing to earn. By integrating training, mentorship, and employment, NJ CAR is building a durable, statewide workforce development pipeline that addresses both the economic and technical needs of New Jersey’s transportation future.

For more information on New Jersey apprenticeship opportunities, visit: apprenticeship.nj.gov.