The Collision Engineering Career Alliance has received U.S. Department of Labor approval of its apprenticeship model as the national standard for training and certifying collision engineering technicians, the organization announced March 18. The designation, known as National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards (NGS), provides a federally recognized framework that local programs can use to meet all […]
Labor Department Awards $25M to Alabama, Colorado for Apprenticeship Programs
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that Alabama and Colorado will each receive $12.5 million to develop resources and expand access to Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. The funding supports implementation of executive orders aimed at expanding the apprenticeship program, including “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future” and “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for […]
I-CAR Launches National Apprenticeship Program to Address Collision Repair Technician Shortage
The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) announced the official launch of its national Registered Apprenticeship Program for the collision repair industry, marking the organization’s latest effort to address widespread technician shortages. The two-year structured training program combines paid on-the-job learning with technical instruction and leads to a nationally recognized credential from the U.S. […]
New Federal Toolkit Helps Employers Hire Disabled Veterans
Employers seeking to hire disabled veterans can now access a new federal resource that provides strategies for recruiting, accommodating and retaining veteran employees with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday launched the Veterans Accommodations Toolkit, which offers employers practical guidance on workplace accommodations and support systems for the more than 5 million American […]
U.S. Labor Department Takes Over Perkins Act Career Education Programs Amid Legal Challenge
The U.S. Departments of Labor and Education implemented a workforce development partnership Tuesday that shifts administration of career and technical education programs to the Labor Department, marking what officials call a major step toward reducing federal education bureaucracy. The partnership transfers day-to-day administration of programs funded under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education […]
Labor Department Reduces OSHA Penalties for Small Businesses
New guidelines expand penalty reductions and introduce incentives for immediate hazard correction. The U.S. Department of Labor updated penalty guidelines for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Monday, reducing fines for small businesses while maintaining workplace safety standards. The changes, outlined in OSHA’s Field Operations Manual, expand penalty reductions for small employers and introduce […]
Labor Department Awards $84M to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Supports administration goal is to reach 1 million active apprentices. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awarded nearly $84 million in grants to all 50 states and territories Monday to expand registered apprenticeship programs as part of the Trump administration’s goal to reach 1 million active apprentices. The increased funding comes as collision repair industry […]
Department of Labor Recovers $66,000 in Back Wages from South Carolina Auto Parts Store Operator
The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division announced investigators found that Bellinger Parts Group Inc., that operates six NAPA Auto Parts stores in South Carolina, made illegal deductions for store damage, cash register shortages and uniforms. These deductions caused some workers’ pay to fall below the $7.25 per hour federal minimum wage for […]
US Department of Labor and Mercedes-Benz USA Announce Job Corps Partnership to Train EV Technicians
Initial program will take place at four campuses in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Utah. To help meet the need for auto technicians in the growing electric vehicle industry, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a national partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA to train Job Corps students initially at centers in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey […]
U.S. Department of Labor Recovers Over $161,000 in Back Wages for 19 Georgia Auto Repair Shop Workers
In FY2021, the division recovered more than $4.3 million for more than 3,500 auto repair industry workers. A Canton, Ga. tire retailer and auto repair shop shortchanged 19 workers by withholding first paychecks and paying overtime at rates lower than required, a U.S. Department of Labor investigation has determined. Investigators with the department’s Wage and […]