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OTR Garage + National Apprenticeship Fund

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:32:57 GMT

On the Road Garage Apprentice Receives National Apprenticeship Fund Award

Research has shown that financial barriers are a primary reason why apprentices don’t complete their apprenticeship programs. In April 2025, Jobs for the Future (JFF), with support from Google.org, launched the National Apprentice Fund (NAF) to address this barrier.

The NAF provides financial assistance to participants in U.S. Registered Apprenticeship programs who are having trouble paying their expenses while participating in the training. The NAF focuses on supporting apprentices in occupations in new and emerging industries, such as health care and technology, that haven’t traditionally used apprenticeships as a talent development model.

It’s not uncommon for people to experience financial challenges when they pursue education or training to gain new skills so they can advance in their careers. Financial burdens vary from person to person, but they can include the cost of the tools or equipment they need to pursue their training or bills for essentials like transportation, child care, and housing. By reducing those kinds of financial stresses and enabling more people to complete Registered Apprenticeships, the NAF aims to help build a stronger U.S. workforce.

With assistance from Champion Impact Capital, One On the Road Garage Apprentice received National Apprenticeship Funding to pursue education and training to advance her career. The funds can be used to cover the cost of equipment, tools, or to cover bills for essentials like transportation or child care and housing.

JFF is managing the National Apprentice Fund, a $2 million initiative that is providing financial support directly to apprentices. Through the NAF, JFF is:

Providing 750 apprentices with individual awards of $2,800 per person. Recipients are currently enrolled in a Registered Apprenticeship program, age 18 or older, and experiencing financial barriers that may be impacting their ability to complete their apprenticeship.
Prioritizing apprentices in growing sectors of the economy that offer opportunities for upward career mobility, including advanced manufacturing, health care, technology, clean energy, and education.
Assessing the fund’s impact on apprentice outcomes, including retention, completion, and job placement, through a comprehensive evaluation of and ongoing communication with the people who receive funding.

Recipients of NAF funds are required to remain enrolled in their Registered Apprenticeship programs and make reasonable efforts to complete their training. Recipients may also participate in the program evaluation and may be asked to complete surveys, participate in focus groups, and offer other forms of feedback to help JFF assess the NAF’s impact and help improve future iterations of the program."

Champion Impact Capital is grateful to JFF and the National Apprentice Fund, supported by Google.org, filling a critical need for apprentices across the country, especially at a time when demand for the talent development model continues to grow across the country. We look forward to evaluating the outcomes of the National Apprentice Fund for and continuing to find ways to support women in the automotive workforce.

Capital One Supports On the Road

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:32:55 GMT

Mobility grant supports women in the automotive workforce

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.

Industry Partnerships Drive Workforce Development

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:59:38 GMT

Economic diversity brings challenges and opportunity - Industry collaboration is essential for success

Champion Impact joined the Dallas Regional Chamber sector partnership focused on freight, mobility, and logistics , strengthening employer-driven workforce alignment. The Dallas economy is incredibly diverse and even though talent abounds in the region, employers struggle to find talent aligned with skills needed in the industry. This new initiative has created alignment and shined a light on opportunities for improved talent strategies. Collaboration continues to be the foundation of innovation in the Dallas Region, adding to our thriving economy. The sector partnership includes senior industry experts, and community partners all working towards the same north star of economic prosperity for the region.

This initiative has created alignment on opportunities for improved talent strategies. The strategic alliance enhances our ability to contribute to innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and businesses in our region.

Industry Sector Partnerships, are a community dedicated to driving meaningful change.

Shape Industry Standards: Influence and establish best practices that benefit the entire industry.
Develop Targeted Solutions: Create tailored strategies that address the specific needs of your sector.
Enhance Workforce Development: Implement training and development programs that equip your workforce with the skills needed to excel.
Promote Economic Growth: Drive initiatives that stimulate economic development and foster innovation.

Champion Impact is active in the sector partnership. Career exploration is an important talent development strategy for On the Road Careers such as collision repair, advanced vehicle diagnostics and electric vehicle repair. In partnership with On the Road Garage , the Sector Partnerships, Industry Insights Initiative (i3) is designed to connect students, educators and community members with leaders from high-demand industries. Through site tours, guest lectures and interactive engagement, i3 inspires participants to explore career opportunities, understand industry trends and build the skills necessary for success in today's workforce.

Capital One: Mobility Drives All

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:08:00 GMT

Exploring how expanded access to mobility can build more vibrant and resilient communities.

Capital One hosted the Ideas Drive Mobility for All event, bringing together a distinguished group of bold visionaries, community leaders and industry innovators.

The day was dedicated to exploring how expanded access to mobility can build more vibrant and resilient communities. From insightful discussions on the future of the auto and mobility industries to hands-on problem-solving, participants engaged deeply with critical issues such as innovation, workforce development, transparency and inclusive access.

Key Insights from the Road Ahead

The event was packed with dynamic sessions designed to spark new ideas and foster actionable solutions.

The day kicked off with an inspiring panel that delved into the profound meaning of "mobility for all," which goes beyond just transportation. It's a pathway to opportunity, independence and a better quality of life, helping build stronger and more resilient communities. Panelists Inga Maurer (McKinsey & Company), Dr. Janille Smith-Colin (Southern Methodist University) and Valerie Lefler (Feonix - Mobility Rising), challenged attendees to think bigger about equitable access, and the transformative role of mobility in daily life and economic opportunity during a discussion moderated by Capital One's Sunny Karassik. They dove into topics designed to help reimagine how we build inclusive mobility ecosystems for everyone and what that means in today's rapidly evolving world.

The group identified the key challenge of helping people understand their current financial situation and what they can afford for a car loan, as car payments are often prioritized due to the importance of mobility.

One of the panelists highlighted a Harvard study of five million children that explored how family households who lived with an income at or below the poverty level broke the cycle, following the children who grew up and flourished. The single strongest factor was tied to the parents’ commute time, indicating mobility directly impacts parental involvement which is tied to a child’s future success.

Participants also highlighted the complex relationship between housing affordability, job access and transportation. Mobility can afford individuals the ability to access higher paying jobs or different jobs that are a better fit with their respective skill sets in addition to the direct correlation to housing. Individuals may move somewhere with good job access and affordable housing, but those conditions may shift 10 years later forcing people to move or face longer commutes, which could directly impact their quality of life. However, those with shorter commutes or better access to reliable transportation and infrastructure are oftentimes better equipped to provide food and security for their families.

Strengthening the Mobility Talent Pipeline : Collaborating for Workforce Solutions - During this interactive session, table facilitators Andrella Thomas (Capital One), Brandi Harrison Trotter (Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas), C. Brent Franks (North Texas Automobile Dealers), Colleen Casey (Toyota Motor North America), Elizabeth Caudill McClain (Dallas Regional Chamber), Katie Mueller (On the Road Companies) and Tony Molla (ASE Education Foundation), led collaborative table conversations, helping participants identify shared challenges and successful models for attracting, training and retaining the next generation of mobility professionals.

Participants discussed the positive impact of industry-education partnerships—including auto dealers collaborating with community colleges—as a way to transform the Texas automotive workforce by providing proper foundational training upfront, eliminating the need for costly remedial programs.

The day concluded with a forward-looking fireside chat between Capital One’s Sanjiv Yajnik and the Car Dealership Guy, Yossi Levi. They explored the transformative forces reshaping how we move, from electrification, autonomous technology, evolving consumer expectations and bold policy innovation.

Find out more: https://www.capitalone.com/about/our-commitments/ideas-drive-mobility-for-all-driving-impact-for-a-more-connected-future/

On the Road Garage Launches Autonomous Vehicle Workforce Development Program with Support from Aurora

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:00:03 GMT

New program will train workers for high-growth, technology-focused careers in the transportation industry

On the Road Garage , a transportation workforce development leader, is launching "OTR Advanced Vehicle Technology – Powered by Aurora", a cutting-edge apprenticeship and upskilling initiative designed to prepare workers from all backgrounds and experiences for high-growth careers in the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry.

The program is advised by Aurora Innovation (Nasdaq: AUR), which recently launched a commercial self-driving trucking service in Texas. Aurora is delivering the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly to make transportation safer, increasingly accessible, and more reliable and efficient than ever before.
Together, the organizations are co-creating curriculum and training pathways that align with the evolving demands of various transportation industries. This includes AV and electric vehicle (EV) repair, ADAS calibration, advanced vehicle technologies, and AV terminal operations.

“This program is about more than just jobs—it’s about building equitable access to the future of mobility,” said Roy Villarreal, Vice President at On the Road Garage. “Through this collaboration with Aurora, we are creating a national model for inclusive workforce development in emerging transportation technologies.”
The "OTR Advanced Vehicle Technology – Powered by Aurora" program combines hands-on training and pathways to industry credentials – delivering learning experiences that mirror the real-world demands of the AV field. Participants will be equipped with skills needed for roles related to advanced diagnostics, sensor calibration, and vehicle repair.

Aurora’s industry-leading expertise in autonomous vehicle systems will inform technical curriculum and help ensure apprentices are trained on the self-driving vehicle platforms shaping the future of mobility. The collaboration supports long-term goals around safety, scalability, and sustainability within the AV workforce ecosystem.
“At Aurora, we’re not just building a business, we’re building an industry,” shared Ossa Fisher, President at Aurora Innovation. “We’re proud to partner with On the Road Garage to build career pipelines that will not only train future transportation industry leaders, but prioritize inclusivity as new jobs are created to support autonomous trucking.”

The program will be offered through On the Road Garage’s Apprenticeship program and will include opportunities for industry-recognized credentials, mentorship, and real-time skills assessment, which build on existing and well-established programs related to transportation and collision repair.

On the Road Garage operating in Dallas, Texas provides advanced vehicle collision repair and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration as well as technology-forward apprenticeships and training. On the Road Garage is dedicated to programs that drive economic mobility to address transportation challenges and equip the next generation of automotive technicians.

Media Contact: Katie Mueller, On the Road Garage
kmueller@championcapital.org
P: 405-227-8163

Media Contact: Jake Martin, Aurora
jmartin@aurora.tech