As repair shops across the country struggle to recruit qualified technicians, the NAPA Auto Care Apprentice Program offers participating businesses a structured way to develop new talent inside their own service bays.
More than 700 NAPA Auto Care centers nationwide participate in the program, which combines technical education, hands-on experience and mentorship. Its mission is to educate and cultivate the next generation of automotive repair professionals by providing a broad learning experience that combines online and classroom training.
For shop owners, the program offers an alternative to waiting for experienced technicians to appear in an increasingly competitive labor market. A participating shop can identify someone with the right attitude and work ethic, then help that person build technical skills through a defined training path.
“NAPA is committed to finding solutions that address the national shortage of skilled automotive technicians,” said Jason Rainey, vice president of Auto Care. “Our apprenticeship program is one of several key NAPA initiatives that help pave the way for young people to launch long and fruitful careers in our industry.”
A Structured Two-Year Training Path
The NAPA Apprentice Program uses a nine-stage curriculum designed to give participants a broad understanding of the systems and components found on modern vehicles. Most apprentices can complete the program in two years or less.
However, the curriculum is competency-based rather than tied strictly to a calendar. Apprentices can progress through each stage at a pace that matches their learning style and demonstrated abilities. A participant who quickly masters a subject can move forward, while someone who needs additional practice can spend more time developing that competency.
Training is 100% technical and is delivered through several formats:
- Classroom training videos exclusive to the Apprentice Program provide in-depth instruction from experienced master technicians.
- NAPA Autotech classes offer instructor-led training taught by experienced ASE Master Certified instructors.
- Autotech eLearning provides web-based instruction targeting specific systems, procedures and diagnostic topics.
- Hands-on training allows apprentices to apply what they have learned while working in the shop under the guidance of a mentor.
This combination helps connect classroom theory with real repairs. Apprentices do not just learn how a component operates; they also gain experience inspecting, testing and servicing that component on vehicles.
The curriculum will continue to evolve as vehicle technology and industry standards change. Planned enhancements include updated training modules and specialized certification options covering emerging service areas, giving apprentices additional opportunities for career advancement.
Credentials That Validate Progress
Apprentices earn the work experience requirement for three Automotive Service Excellence certifications as they advance through the program: Maintenance and Light Repair (G1), Suspension and Steering (A4), and Brakes (A5). They also gain the practical know-how to pass the EPA Section 609 refrigerant recovery and recycling credential test administered through ASE.
That distinction is important: G1, A4 and A5 are ASE professional certifications, while Section 609 is an EPA-required credential for technicians who service motor-vehicle air-conditioning systems. Together, these credentials provide outside validation of the knowledge and skills developed during the apprenticeship.
Because the program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, graduates also finish with a nationally recognized journey-level credential in automotive repair. This gives apprentices evidence of completing a structured combination of education and supervised on-the-job training.
Shops Must Supply the Mentorship
The program provides the curriculum and training materials, but its success inside a repair facility depends heavily on the shop’s involvement. An apprentice needs an experienced technician who can explain procedures, demonstrate good work habits, supervise repairs and provide constructive feedback.
“We need their mentorship, their participation,” said Hannah Klausman, account marketing manager for Auto Care. “We want to support them by providing the materials for their technicians to go through this program, but we need their buy-in by having them provide a mentor and really put their time into taking a chance on these new technicians.”
For a shop owner, that requires a real commitment. Mentoring can temporarily affect the productivity of an experienced technician, especially during an apprentice’s first months. The potential return is a technician trained around the shop’s procedures, quality standards and culture.
The program can also create a clearer career ladder. Instead of hiring someone as an entry-level employee with no defined next step, a shop can show the apprentice how training, demonstrated competencies and certifications lead to greater responsibilities.
“The success of the apprentice program is a reflection not only of the investment NAPA has made but also of its collaboration with Auto Care centers across the country,” said Ryan Ouellette, director of strategic accounts at NAPA. “We are committed to developing future professionals at NAPA, and we look forward to continuing to educate and support the talent in the industry.”
What NAPA Looks for in an Apprentice
Applicants must be at least 17 years old. Applicants who are 17 require written parental consent, and there is no maximum age.
Previous professional repair experience is not the program’s defining qualification. Shops should look for candidates who have a positive attitude, arrive ready to work and take initiative beyond their assigned tasks.
Successful apprentices must also be able to build relationships. Automotive repair is increasingly collaborative, particularly when diagnostic information, specialized equipment and technical knowledge must be shared among technicians. An apprentice must be willing to ask questions, accept coaching and learn from the people around them.
Most importantly, candidates need to embrace continuous learning. Vehicle technology does not stand still, and neither can a technician’s education.
For aspiring technicians, the program provides an opportunity to learn the trade without taking on the expense of a traditional trade-school program. Apprentices receive a paycheck while learning in an operating repair facility, and the training itself is provided at no cost to the participant.
Additional information about the program is available at NAPA Auto Care Training.
Sidebar: Addressing the Cost of a Technician’s First Tools
Tools represent one of the largest entry barriers for a new automotive technician. Even a basic professional set can require a substantial investment before the technician earns a full professional wage.
To help address that barrier, Carlyle Tools developed an Apprentice Set containing professional-quality tools considered essential for a new technician’s career. NAPA Auto Care makes the exclusive set, which has a stated retail value of $6,566, available for participating Auto Care centers to purchase for their apprentices.
Providing or helping finance an appropriate starter set can make a shop’s apprenticeship opportunity more attractive. It also helps ensure that the apprentice begins with tools capable of withstanding daily professional use.
Sponsored by NAPA.
