Isuzu and the US Department of Labor recently celebrated a major milestone for the Isuzu Veterans Apprenticeship Program (IVAP) during a signing ceremony held at the Isuzu Center of Excellence in Pittston, Pennsylvania.
The event brought together representatives from Isuzu, the Department of Labor, ERS Elite, and Isuzu's dealer network to recognize the program's continued growth and commitment to helping military veterans transition into civilian careers.
Among those participating in the ceremony were Shaun Skinner, President, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada; Yoshi Murakami, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Isuzu North America Corporation; and Marek Laco, Acting Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.
IVAP is designed to connect transitioning service members and veterans with career opportunities as commercial vehicle technicians at participating Isuzu dealerships throughout the US. Working in partnership with ERS Elite, the program combines paid employment, structured apprenticeship training, mentorship, and Isuzu technical education.
"Veterans have already answered one of the greatest calls anyone can answer—the call to serve their country," explained Skinner. "When that service ends, we believe they deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve opportunity. IVAP gives talented veterans a path to build a rewarding second career while helping our dealers develop the skilled technicians, they need to serve Isuzu customers today and for years to come."
According to Isuzu, the program is intended to build upon the mechanical and technical experience many service members develop while maintaining military vehicles, aircraft, equipment, power generation systems, and other complex machinery. The initiative creates a pathway that allows veterans to transfer those skills into long-term careers within the commercial transportation industry.
The effort also addresses an ongoing challenge facing many commercial vehicle service operations: recruiting and retaining qualified technicians. As trucks become more advanced and increasingly reliant on electronics, diagnostics, emissions systems, and alternative powertrain technologies, demand for trained technicians continues to grow. Isuzu said IVAP helps dealers expand service capacity, improve shop productivity, and develop long-term talent pipelines.
"Isuzu vehicles in America spans more than four decades due to strong relationships with our dealers, our customers and the communities they serve," said Murakami. "Our commitment to the U.S. is a long-term commitment, and that includes investing in people. IVAP reflects the values we want to carry forward—respect for those who have served, the creation of opportunities for future generations, and continued investment in the people who will support our customers today and in the future."
Isuzu said the apprenticeship program benefits not only veterans and dealerships, but also the fleet customers that depend on reliable vehicle uptime. By helping develop more qualified technicians, the company aims to support faster diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs that keep commercial vehicles operating efficiently.
Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America distributes Isuzu commercial vehicles throughout the US. The company reports that Isuzu commercial trucks have been the best-selling low cab forward trucks in America every year since 1986.
For more information, visit www.isuzucv.com.