Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. marked an important milestone in the commitment to America's Veterans and the future of the commercial transportation workforce with a formal signing ceremony recognizing the Isuzu Veterans Apprenticeship Program (IVAP) at the company's Center of Excellence in Pittston, Pennsylvania.
Jim Foti – Regional Director, Office of Apprenticeship Employment
The ceremony brought together leaders from Isuzu companies, the U.S. Department of Labor, ERS Elite, and Isuzu's nationwide dealer network to recognize a shared commitment: helping the men and women who have served the United States translate their military skills, discipline, and experience into rewarding long-term civilian careers.
Participating in the ceremony were Shaun Skinner, President of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada; Yoshi Murakami, Chairman and CEO of Isuzu North America Corporation; and Marek Laco, Acting Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.
The event represents another step forward for a program created around a simple but powerful idea: America's Veterans have already demonstrated the technical ability, leadership, accountability, and determination employers need. IVAP provides a structured pathway to put those attributes to work in a growing industry that needs them.
"Veterans have already answered one of the greatest calls anyone can answer—the call to serve their country," said 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."
From Service to a Civilian Career
IVAP connects transitioning Service Members and Veterans with technician career opportunities at participating Isuzu dealerships across the United States.
Working with ERS Elite, the program combines paid dealership employment with on-the-job learning, mentorship, Isuzu technical training and a structured apprenticeship pathway. The program is designed to recognize and build upon the considerable mechanical and technical skills many Service Members develop while maintaining military vehicles, equipment, aircraft, power-generation systems, and other complex machinery.
For Veterans, the experience gained in uniform isn’t left behind when military service ends. Instead, their skills become the foundation of a new career with opportunities for professional development and technical certification coupled with long-term earning potential.
Disciplined Veterans. Structured Training. Stronger Shops.
Those three small phrases capture IVAP’s mission, but its purpose extends beyond filling open positions. The program is designed to create a repeatable career pathway for Veterans to successfully make one of the most significant transitions of their lives while providing Isuzu dealerships with access to individuals accustomed to working as part of a team, solving problems under pressure and taking responsibility for completing a mission.
"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."
Strengthening the Isuzu Dealer Network
For dealers, recruiting and retaining qualified commercial vehicle technicians is increasingly difficult as vehicle technology advances and the technician shortage grows. IVAP helps bridge the gap by connecting highly motivated candidates to Isuzu dealers. This enables dealers to expand service capacity, improve shop productivity, reduce recruiting and turnover, and develop individuals who can grow a career with their businesses.
Great People Keep Business Moving
Commercial trucks are essential working assets—and for many Isuzu customers, their livelihood. When a truck is out of service, businesses lose productivity, revenue, and the ability to serve their own customers, creating ripple effects across their customers’ operations as well.
As commercial vehicles become more advanced—with electronics, emissions systems, alternative powertrains and diagnostic technology—the need for highly-trained service teams continues to grow. Developing more technicians who can efficiently diagnose, maintain, and repair vehicles maximizes customers’ uptime while enhancing their ownership experience.
Purpose in Action
For Isuzu, IVAP represents purpose in action. It transforms the tremendous potential of America’s Veterans and the strength of the partnerships behind the program into lasting opportunity—for Veterans beginning a new chapter, for dealers building stronger service organizations, and for customers who depend on skilled technicians to keep their businesses moving. It is also a reflection of Isuzu’s purpose, “Moving the World – for You,” and the belief that those words extend far beyond Isuzu vehicles. They represent a commitment to the people, businesses and communities Isuzu serves—and to creating opportunities that will make a difference for years to come.
For more information, visit www.isuzucv.com.