The Value of Skilled Trade Apprenticeships

Enhancing the graduate’s economic prospects while boosting state and local economies

Cars and trucks keep America running. They are key to maintaining the rhythm of our nation. And at Caliber, taking care of our country’s vehicles is more than just a job, it’s our purpose: Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life®. It takes skillful, dedicated people to get repairs done right. That’s why we’re so proud of our Technician Apprentice Program (TAP) for collision repair—we’re helping apprentices begin rewarding careers in the skilled trades and making a real difference in our communities.

Collision repair apprenticeship programs like TAP don’t just have the potential to change the lives of individuals and their families, they also boost our local and state economies through increased tax revenue, impact on local businesses, and decreased need for social services. Caliber recently partnered with workforce data and insights leader Lightcast to analyze the economic value that TAP brings to the state of Texas. We’re delighted to share the results of that study with you, along with the personal stories of our mentors and apprentices, told in their own words.

TAP creates careers and opportunities for apprentices

By mentoring, Uriel helped create a pathway to success for members of his extended family. Here are some of the data-backed opportunities created by the TAP program:

• A paid training program with at no charge to the apprentice for the education they receive at Caliber

• Caliber provides access to all tools needed to complete the apprenticeship—a value not available at many trade schools

• Full-time benefits, including medical, dental, vision and retirement programs, offered from day 1

• During the apprenticeship, the cost of all training and certifications, including I-CAR courses and welding certifications, are covered by Caliber

• Upon graduation, the opportunity to join an industry earning an average of $54,530 per year (BLS), and $72,000 with 6-9 years of experience (I-CAR)

• $540,332 total potential increase in lifetime earnings for graduates, according to a Caliber study performed by  Lightcast

• Numerous career pathways that afford even more opportunities to increase lifetime earnings, including specializations in advanced autobody materials, EV repair, estimating as a Service Advisor, ADAS calibrations, automotive technology, and more.

• Long-term opportunities with multiple pathways to leadership roles in the industry.

Each TAP graduate in Texas can potentially benefit their state’s economy by $3.2 million over the course of their career

There’s tremendous value in a person’s life, a person’s career and that value spills over into our neighborhoods, our communities, our local and state economies. . . all the way up to the Federal level. By developing talent, Caliber TAP isn’t just helping individuals and our own workforce, we’re improving the outlook of every community we serve.

Caliber partnered with labor market analytics leader Lightcast to analyze the projected impact of just 2 years of TAP in Texas alone. Here’s some highlights of their projections:

• $22.1 million in annual income added to the state economy, from 2022-2024 Texas TAP graduates, above and beyond what they otherwise would have contributed

• $113.2 million added to the state economy over the lifetimes of these 848 TAP apprentices, as a result of higher lifetime earnings, increased spending power and increased business output

• A $1.9 million reduction in total demand for government-funded services over the course of the working lifetimes of these 848 TAP apprentices

• $504.7 million in added business income over working lifetimes of these Texas TAP graduates

• $5.9 million total social savings related to health, the justice system and income assistance over the working lifetimes of these TAP graduates

And remember, this is just from two years of TAP and exclusively in the state of Texas—just 848 apprenticeships.

The national impact is even more impressive, as TAP is offered in 41 states, has been running continuously since 2022, and as of 2025 has over 2,000 graduates.

Looking forward

Through Caliber's TAP, individuals discover more than just professional skills—they find a supportive community providing purpose and belonging in their careers. Caliber’s dedication to growth and connection inspires teammates to reach their fullest potential, transforming not only their own lives but also the community around them.

Looking ahead, Caliber remains committed to fostering environments where every teammate can thrive. By investing in people, nurturing talent, and building strong bonds, Caliber continues to shape a brighter future—one filled with opportunity, optimism, and lasting impact on communities everywhere.