On the Road Garage’s new workforce development program will focus on preparing workers in the autonomous vehicle industry.
On the Road Garage, a transportation workforce development group, is launching “OTR Advanced Vehicle Technology – Powered by Aurora.”
The new initiative is an apprenticeship and upskilling program. It is designed to prepare workers from all backgrounds and experiences for high-growth careers in the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry, the company said.
A National Model for Autonomous Truck Maintenance
The program is advised by Aurora Innovation, which recently launched a commercial self-driving trucking service in Texas.
Aurora said it is delivering the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly to make transportation safer, increasingly accessible, and more reliable and efficient than ever before.
Together, the organizations are co-creating curriculum and training pathways that align with the evolving demands of various transportation industries.
This includes AV and electric vehicle (EV) repair, ADAS calibration, advanced vehicle technologies, and AV terminal operations.
Previously, Aurora announced that it was partnering with Ryder System on developing autonomous truck maintenance protocols.
“This program is about more than just jobs—it’s about building equitable access to the future of mobility,” said Roy Villareal, vice President at On the Road Garage. “Through this collaboration with Aurora, we are creating a national model for inclusive workforce development in emerging transportation technologies.”
Aurora is supporting On the Road Garage’s new program with input on the technical curriculum and other assistance.
The “OTR Advanced Vehicle Technology – Powered by Aurora” program combines hands-on training and pathways to industry credentials – delivering learning experiences that mirror the real-world demands of the AV field. Participants will be equipped with skills needed for roles related to advanced diagnostics, sensor calibration, and vehicle repair.
Aurora said its industry-leading expertise in autonomous vehicle systems will inform technical curriculum and help ensure apprentices are trained on the self-driving vehicle platforms shaping the future of mobility. The collaboration supports long-term goals around safety, scalability, and sustainability within the AV workforce ecosystem.
An All-New Industry
“At Aurora, we’re not just building a business, we’re building an industry,” said Ossa Fisher, president at Aurora Innovation. “We’re proud to partner with On the Road Garage to build career pipelines that will not only train future transportation industry leaders, but prioritize inclusivity as new jobs are created to support autonomous trucking.”
The program will be offered through On the Road Garage’s Apprenticeship program and will include opportunities for industry-recognized credentials, mentorship, and real-time skills assessment, which build on existing and well-established programs related to transportation and collision repair.
