As the automobile continued to change and become more complex with the expanding use of electricity and electronic devices in the 1970’s, Chrysler Corporation realized that the technician skill requirements to service these technically advanced vehicles were also changing. In 1984 Chrysler selected 5 community colleges and universities nationwide to work with and the Chrysler Apprenticeship Program (CAP) was introduced at those schools. As the students began to graduate and dealers became aware of the Chrysler Apprenticeship Program (CAP), dealer demand for additional CAP colleges became apparent, resulting in the launch of additional CAP colleges nationwide.

In 1987 Chrysler purchased American Motors, adding some 1,300 + dealers to the Chrysler dealer network. Throughout the 1990’s additional CAP colleges were launched to support dealer technician requirements.

In 1995 the College Apprenticeship Program (CAP) sponsored its first NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car Race Team. With the demand for quality technicians high, Chrysler knew that with Bobby Martin’s solid racing record, his talents as a promoter, and the exceptional rapport with fans, Bobby would be the perfect “vehicle” to spread the word to potential CAP students and dealerships of the value of CAP. Since that time, Bobby Martin/CAPAvenger has made hundreds of appearances, both on and off the track, and Bobby has spoken to thousands of young people about career choices and what the automotive industry has to offer.

Daimler-Benz + Chrysler Corporation = DaimlerChrysler
In 1998 Daimler-Benz and Chrysler Corporation agreed to combine their business in a merger of equals. This transaction created a world-class automotive corporation ranked in the world’s top three in terms of revenues, market capitalization and earnings. This relationship has provided some of the most advanced technological changes in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.

As the need for technicians has continued to increase so has the number of CAP college locations nationwide. In 2000 the name of the program was changed to DaimlerChrysler College Automotive Program (CAP)


Chrysler LLC

In 2007 Cerberus Capital Management purchased a majority of the Chrysler Group and a new Chrysler Corporation was formed, Chrysler LLC. Along with this change, CAP became known as the Chrysler College Automotive Program (CAP) with 27 community colleges and universities in 24 states participating.




As technology continues to change and technician skill requirements evolve, the need for new, technically proficient technicians continues to grow. CAP is an excellent way to receive the product knowledge and service skills required to work on today’s Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.