America Is Running Out of Car Mechanics, and GM and Ford Are Stepping UpAutoblogJacob OlivaThu, September 24, 2026 at 12:45 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.America Needs More Automotive TechniciansThe National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) says the US needs a staggering 76,000 new automotive service techs every single year just to keep up with retirements, career swaps, and the never-ending line of cars needing fixes.Today's technicians work on everything from traditional mechanical parts to high-voltage electric vehicle systems, advanced driver assistance features, and complex software.AdvertisementAdvertisementTo tackle the shortage, NADA is championing more apprenticeships, teaming up with the ASE Education Foundation to whip up a training program any dealership can use. GM and Ford are both jumping into the fray, but each is putting their own spin on how to build up the next wave of tech talent.GMGM Highlights the Next GenerationGM is launching its first Automotive Service Technicians 30 Under 30 program to recognize young dealership technicians and encourage more young people to join the field.If you are interested, nominations are open until October 30, 2026, and you can nominate yourself. Winners will be chosen based on their skills, customer service, leadership, and dedication to improving their abilities.Winners will be recognized in Detroit in early 2027 and will receive prizes such as a Milwaukee Tool Packout toolbox, AI-powered diagnostic glasses, a custom service jacket, and national recognition as ambassadors for the trade.AdvertisementAdvertisementGM says this new program is just the latest piece in its tech pipeline, joining forces with GM ASEP, the military-focused Shifting Gears training, and its Technician Excellence career ladder.GMFord Is Expanding ApprenticeshipsFord isn't sitting on the sidelines either. It's among the first to roll out NADA's registered apprenticeship program across its US dealers. The 18- to 24-month journey packs in over 2,000 hours of paid, hands-on training plus 400 hours in the classroom, all leading to a shiny credential from the US Department of Labor.Ford's curriculum is built for the cars of today, EVs included, with training that covers everything from greasy repairs to high-voltage systems and digital diagnostics. Dealerships that join in might even score some state tax breaks and extra workforce support.This apprenticeship is just one piece of Ford's bigger plan, which already ropes in over 1,100 schools, more than $7 million in TechForce Foundation scholarships, and 33 Ford-owned training centers scattered across the country.FordThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.