BAR’s commitment to workforce development
A strong automotive repair workforce depends on access to quality education, hands-on training, and clear pathways into the profession. As vehicle technology advances and demand for skilled technicians grows, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) continues to support workforce development efforts across California.
In recent months, BAR has actively engaged in workforce development events to connect with students, educators, and industry representatives. These events provide an opportunity to share information about the Cars for Schools program, licensing options, and automotive career pathways while also supporting broader industry-led initiatives to prepare the next generation of automotive professionals.
Why workforce development matters
California’s automotive industry continues to face a workforce gap as experienced technicians retire and increasingly advanced vehicle systems require a constant influx of newly trained professionals. According to the TechForce Foundation’s Supply & Demand Report, more than 471,000 new automotive technicians will be needed nationwide between 2024 and 2028.
Meeting this demand requires collaboration among educators, employers, industry organizations, and regulators. As BAR Automotive Program Specialist Matt Mahlke noted after attending a recent event, “Supporting workforce development helps create clear pathways for students to enter the automotive field. By connecting with educators and sharing information about training and career opportunities, BAR can help encourage and prepare the next generation of technicians.”
Supporting automotive education
Across California, educators and industry partners are expanding automotive technology programs to prepare students for today’s vehicles. This includes updating technical instruction, increasing apprenticeship and internship opportunities, and improving the transition into the workforce.
In October 2025, BAR participated in the California Automotive Technical Education Alliance Conference at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. The conference brought together educators, industry representatives, and state agencies to exchange best practices and address workforce challenges.
Azra Nasufovic with BAR’s Consumer Assistance Program and Cars for Schools program attended the event and shared that it was “helpful to speak directly with attendees, answer questions about BAR programs, and better understand their needs and challenges.” She added, “Direct engagement builds trust and strengthens partnerships. BAR is committed to helping the industry succeed through collaboration and ongoing support.”
BAR has also engaged with local career technical education programs. In January, Southern California Field Operations Manager Mauricio Cabeza met with automotive instructors in the Santa Ana Unified School District to learn more about their programs and to share BAR’s Write It Right guide as a repair documentation resource that can be incorporated into automotive training programs.
Connecting students with automotive careers
In addition to educator-focused events, BAR is participating in student-centered events that introduce young people to career opportunities in automotive repair. One example is the California New Car Dealers Association Foundation-sponsored Automotive Technology Career Days which offer high school students hands-on exposure to the latest auto technology, opportunities to connect with industry professionals, and information about career pathways.
BAR attended the first career day of the 2025–26 series at American River College in Sacramento in October 2025 and additional events throughout the fall and early 2026. After attending a career day event, Jaime Rios, Training and Development Specialist with BAR’s Technical Training Program, commented, “It is encouraging to see a strong interest in automotive technology. A traditional four-year degree is not necessary for an automotive career. Training, skill, and a good work ethic will take you far.”
Mauricio Cabeza also attended the Valley High School’s Automotive Academy Community Garage event. Students from Valley High School and Santa Ana High School provided free multi-point inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, and safety recall checks for community members while applying their classroom training.
Reflecting on the experience, Cabeza said, “It was inspiring to see how excited students are about pursuing automotive careers and how committed their instructors are to supporting them. Programs like this give students real opportunities to apply their skills and see a future for themselves in the industry.”
Building partnerships for a sustainable workforce
BAR’s participation in these events reflects its commitment to being a collaborative partner in workforce development. By engaging with educators, students, and industry leaders, BAR is committed to support a strong and sustainable automotive workforce in California.
As Rios noted, “This is a career that can’t be outsourced. We want people to know there are resources and training opportunities available to help them build a successful future in the automotive industry.”
Resources
BAR offers information and resources for individuals interested in automotive careers. While no formal license is required to work as an automotive technician, some specialized services—such as Smog Check and vehicle safety systems inspections—require a license from BAR. Visit BAR's training and How to get licensed webpages for more information.
For information on financial assistance opportunities, go to Scholarship opportunities for students and professionals.