On the Road Garage Launches Autonomous Vehicle Workforce Development Program
The new program, supported by Aurora, will train workers for high-growth, technology-focused careers in the transportation industry.
On the Road Garage's new workforce development program will focus on preparing workers in the autonomous vehicle industry.
Photo: Aurora
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.
Photo: Aurora
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.
More Maintenance
Color Match Smarter: Tools That Restore & Perform
For fleet managers and collision repair professionals keeping heavy-duty trucks on the road, getting the color right the first time isn't just about appearance — it's about efficiency, turnaround time, and bottom-line results. Discover how today's digital color tools are transforming the repair process from guesswork to precision.
Read More →
Wrong Repair Prompts Recall of Freightliner, Western Star 4x2 Trucks
DTNA is recalling more than 2,400 trucks that received an incompatible software fix instead of the hardware repair required to address brake valve corrosion.
Read More →
Truck Drivers Need More Than Another Alert
Fleets have more visibility into truck health, safety events, and driver activity than ever. The next challenge is turning all that information into useful guidance for the person who has to decide what to do next.
Read More →
The Maintenance Checks Trucking Fleets Should Prioritize Before Fall Freight Picks Up
Making it through August isn’t the same as being ready for the next several months of operation. Find out what systems may have suffered from summer heat and need to be checked out before fall.
Read More →
What Three Fleets Are Doing Differently When Buying Truck Parts in 2026
With freight improving but costs still climbing, fleet maintenance executives explain how they're balancing price, quality, and supplier relationships.
Read More →
Paccar Recalls 2027 Trucks Built This Summer for Possible Electrical Problem
The nearly 6,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in the recall could potentially lose engine power, among other things.
Read More →
Will API PC-12 Oil Change Trucking Fleet Maintenance?
The new API PC-12 heavy-duty engine oil category reflects the changing demands of modern diesel engines. But fleets like Foodliner are looking to getting their own data before making decisions on adopting the new oils and questions such as extending oil drain intervals.
Read More →
Brake Safety Week to Focus on Drums and Rotors
Commercial vehicle inspectors are focusing on truck brakes during CVSA's Brake Safety Week, August 23-29.
Read More →Possible Battery-Cable Fires Prompt Recall of 15,000+ International MV and HV Trucks
On the recalled vehicles, manufacturing variations can cause the battery interconnect cable to contact the auxiliary stud and hold down the bracket.
Read More →
Rush, MCT Team Up to Grow Refrigeration Service Network
The joint venture will operate MCT's network of Carrier Transicold dealerships and mobile service locations, with the companies promising greater service capacity and uptime for refrigerated fleets.
Read More →