In 2025, On the Road was awarded funding to continue to support women in our apprenticeship program. This program provides career paths in advanced auto collision repair, empowering participants to build economic independence and stability. This apprenticeship program at <link< On the Road Garage  provides sustainable career paths in advanced auto collision repair, empowering participants to build economic independence and stability. This program continues to provide opportunity for women to participate in On the Road Garage apprenticeships. One of our apprentices also received funding support from the National Apprenticeship Fund provided by Jobs for the Future. https://www.jff.org/blog/new-opportunity-financial-assistance-for-apprentices/

Meanwhile, On the Road has had a multi-year partnership with Capital One. Through its affiliated organizations like Champion Impact Capital and On the Road Garage, it takes a complementary approach—linking access to financing with workforce development. Their Driven Forward initiative, supported by Capital One’s mobility grant, equips women with both the skills and confidence to succeed in high-demand automotive careers.

“Our workforce training programs pair technical instruction with holistic support,” says Katie Mueller, Executive Director Workforce Development, Champion Impact Capital. “Many of our women participants are survivors of abuse or face barriers. By embedding financial literacy coaching, transportation assistance, and childcare subsidies into the apprenticeship model, we reduce economic stressors that limit career advancement.”

Apprentices learn advanced automotive repair, electric mobility vehicle maintenance, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration under master technicians. They also receive coaching in budgeting, career planning, and workplace readiness—an approach that builds both technical proficiency and personal confidence.

One apprentice, Maria, who wanted to use her first name only, reflected on how the program changed her trajectory: “I appreciate everything the company has done for me,” she shared. “Ralph, my instructor, has been the most supportive teacher I’ve ever had. He encourages me to do better every day—and that’s given me the confidence to keep going.”

On the Road is already seeing tangible results. Early indicators from the character-based lender include higher enrollment of women in pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, improved credit scores, and greater retention in advanced automotive pathways. Participants gain industry certifications (ICAR, ASE, AASM) and, more importantly, long-term financial stability.

Mueller notes that support from multiple partners—including Capital One, Jobs for the Future, and the National Apprenticeship Fund—helps apprentices cover essential expenses like tools, uniforms, and childcare. “No single organization can do it all,” she emphasizes. “It takes all of us—employers, financial institutions, and community organizations—to elevate the workforce and promote prosperity for all.”

The automotive industry is facing a severe technician shortage, with turnover rates exceeding 30% and a projected need for 50,000–80,000 technicians within the next three years. Automotive Apprenticeship group estimates 3,500 current openings for the DFW area. Champion Impact Capital’s apprenticeship initiatives have demonstrated success in reaching underserved populations. Currently 90% of our apprentices are from BIPOC communities and two-thirds are women. Support from Capital One helps to serve our apprentices and elevate this model for workforce innovation.