Classic car apprenticeships: An interview with the RPM Foundation.

• Author: Slaper, Timothy F.

This foundation provides financial awards to support training for classic vehicle restoration careers. It sponsors events to raise the profile of the classic car industry. It also builds a network of businesses to help establish linkages between companies that need specialized craftspeople and those--usually recent high school graduates--wanting to launch a career in classic automobile restoration. RPM is an apprenticeship advocate with a goal of closing the talent and experience gap in restoration.

Nick spoke to me about RPM and their role in the classic car restoration ecosystem. What follows is a summary of that interview, touching on significant points and key takeaways based on what Nick communicated.

Three primary topic areas unfolded during the course of our interview:

* What does it take to set up a certified, nationally recognized apprenticeship?

The RPM Foundation supports restoration and preservation training programs for the next generation of automotive, motorcycle and marine craftsmen.

As the educational arm of America's Automotive Trust, the services, resources and grants provided by the RPM Foundation safeguard the future of the collector vehicle industry by sustaining hands-on training for those who are passionate about vehicle restoration and preservation.

* What are the challenges?

* How do you replicate apprenticeship across industries and occupations?

Regarding the latter point, there are not many examples in the U.S. In some cases, the replication issue is industry scale--vehicle restoration is small, while the contemporary auto sector is huge. Given that the U.S. doesn't have a long apprenticeship track record, industry, government and associations are still, but rapidly, finding their way.

Forging apprenticeships

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has an apprenticeship-focused website (apprenticeship.gov) to find most of what one needs to develop a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). A registered apprenticeship is an industry-driven career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. Individuals benefit, as a recent high school graduate can obtain paid work experience and receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction and a nationally recognized credential. Registered apprenticeships are industry-vetted, approved and validated.

Nick is quite complimentary about the programs that the DOL has designed and funded. He even gives them good marks for accessibility to labor...