Demand for qualified automotive technicians is high, in large part because the supply of those techs is low. According to the TechForce Foundation’s most recent Technician Supply and Demand Report, almost 800,000 additional technicians are needed by 2027 to fill the gap.

But three organizations — the nonprofit Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, dealership group Genthe Automotive and tool manufacturer Sonic Tools USA — have taken steps to help change that equation.

I-CAR announced it has been designated by the U.S. Department of Labor a Registered Apprenticeship Hub and has been awarded an Apprenticeship Building America grant under DOL’s Investing in America initiative.

The grant provides more than $7 million in funding over the next four years to support and expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship programs in high-demand fields, including the collision repair industry.

During the grant period, I-CAR said it will strengthen educational programs for shops and their technicians by establishing new apprenticeship programs and engaging repair centers on their own or in collaboration with ICAR Academy schools.

The organization said the funding will help it develop an “ecosystem” for apprenticeships in the collision repair industry, “elevating collision repair to the level of standardization” found in other trades.

“This investment is a pivotal step toward addressing the critical skills shortage in the collision repair industry, placing us on the same playing field as other trade industries,” I-CAR president and CEO John Van Alstyne said. “We are not only improving the quality and safety of auto repairs but also strengthening the overall economic health of our industry.”

I-CAR, founded in 1979, is a neutral, central resource for all segments of the collision repair industry. It said it will work with a network that includes 14,000 repair centers, 91,300 learners, nearly 900 educational institutions, 22 insurance companies, 26 auto manufacturers, four service providers and 25 suppliers to implement apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeships.

In addition to apprenticeships, the grant funding will also support ICAR’s development of advanced training programs to keep pace with evolving automotive technology.

Genthe joins with Sonic Tools to help techs advance

Genthe Automotive has created a career progression program for technicians just starting in the auto industry, with a boost from Sonic Tools.

The Michigan-based dealer group’s TechJump program trains technicians on clear, well-defined career progression paths as they begin their careers, and has successfully advanced multiple technicians from the quick lube center to more advanced work in the main shop over the past year.

Genthe is providing that next generation of technicians with Sonic tools to help with program differentiation and retention, noting that the initial investment in a professional toolset is often a challenge for trainees.

As part of the program, each technician receives the Sonic Tools Automotive Intermediate toolset and toolbox to alleviate the initial cost of tools for new technicians.

Genthe said TechJump program combines mentorship, hands-on training and tools to create a comprehensive learning experience for future technicians, adding that the strong foundation of proper training and reliable tools helps improve its recruitment and retention of techs.

During the final phase of the program, technicians can advance to the main repair shop, where they encounter more complex tasks. That’s a significant milestone, the company said, as trainees can work alongside seasoned techs and gain exposure to advanced diagnostics, repairs and vehicle technologies.

“Moving to the main repair shop becomes significant within a technician’s career path,” Genthe Automotive president Bruce Genthe said. “Our desire is to develop talent at the beginning into skilled technicians ready for a long-term career.

“The program’s blend of technical education, practical experience and access to premium Sonic Tools fosters a rewarding and sustainable career path for aspiring technicians. This indicates how much we care about their development and success and highlights the organization’s commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment.”

Sonic Tools president Colby McConnell said its collaboration with Genthe Automotive “demonstrates Sonic Tools’ commitment to quality and growth, ensuring that technicians are equipped for today’s tasks and prepared for a successful future in the automotive industry.

“With Sonic Tools at the core of the program, Genthe’s initiative stands as a model for training the next generation of skilled automotive professionals. Genthe Automotive’s investment in its technicians is also a direct investment in the next generation of automotive service and repair workers this country so desperately needs.”