Caliber Hits 3,000 Graduates in Apprentice Program Amid Industry Talent Crunch
Event summary
- Caliber's Technician Apprentice Program (TAP) reached its 3,000th graduate in July 2026.
- The program, launched in 2022, combines paid apprenticeship with hands-on training and mentorship.
- TechForce Foundation reports a 57% supply gap in collision repair technicians as of 2026.
- Caliber's Jaime Angell testified before Congress in June 2026 on modern apprenticeships.
The big picture
Caliber's milestone comes as the collision repair industry faces severe technician shortages, with vehicle technology advancements increasing skill requirements. The company's competency-based apprenticeship model is gaining national attention as a potential solution to workforce challenges. With over 1,850 service centers nationwide, Caliber's ability to scale this program could significantly impact industry staffing dynamics.
What we're watching
- Scaling Impact
- Whether Caliber can sustain the pace of TAP graduations to meet industry demand for 1.2 million new technicians by 2029.
- Policy Influence
- How Caliber's apprenticeship model may shape national workforce development policies following Congressional testimony.
- Retention Rates
- The percentage of TAP graduates who remain with Caliber long-term and the program's effect on technician retention industry-wide.