To coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has launched the Isuzu Veterans Apprenticeship Program to place transitioning service members at the truck maker’s dealerships. Isuzu developed IVAP with ERS Elite, a workforce development organization for veterans, with the goal of providing recently separated military members with a paid pathway to a solid career in the transportation industry. The program will include hands-on experience, mentorship, and OEM-aligned technical training, according to ICTA. Hiring decisions will be made at the dealer level.

This program also coincides with what Isuzu has deemed “an unprecedented shortage of qualified technicians coupled with evolving technology.” Among the latest technical challenges are new heavy-duty powertrains designed to meet EPA's 2027 low-NOx emissions standards.

The tech shortage overall has been felt across the industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 200,000 vets transition to civilian life each year. According to TechForce Foundation’s 2026 Supply and Demand Report, vocational schools provide 8,000 to 11,000 diesel techs per year, with many washing out within two years. TechForce also identified total supply of new diesel techs as under 13,000 annually, while the demand is about 26,700.

Veterans are logical reinforcements to meet these challenges, as they already come pre-trained—with the importance of maintenance and following guidelines drilled into them. Character is another benefit,” according to ICTA President Shaun Skinner.

"America's Veterans have spent their careers serving a mission larger than themselves while developing technical expertise, discipline, leadership, and accountability," Skinner explained. "Through IVAP, we are creating a pathway for those skills to continue making an impact in civilian life while helping our dealer network build the next generation of highly skilled Isuzu technicians."

The company said 24 veterans currently work in its U.S. corporate operations.

While the vets get a chance at a stable paycheck and sought-after skills, Isuzu dealer operations are poised to benefit as well. Isuzu noted that IVAP allows its dealer network to gain access to a reliable source of talent in a structured and repeatable way, and that these new recruits have the potential to enhance shop productivity and growth. 

Earlier this year, NAFA announced its veteran apprentice program called FleetGap, through which fleet members can more easily recruit service members via the Department of War's SkillBridge Program.