WILMINGTON — Black's Tire & Auto Service has announced a partnership with Skillmaker and NAPA XcceleratoR to pilot an innovative new approach to automotive technician training using virtual reality headsets and AI-powered smart glasses. The program launched last week at Black's Tire's Carolina Beach Road location in Wilmington (Store No. 10), with the Apex location (Store No. 39) also participating in the pilot.
Skillmaker, a Wilmington-based workforce training platform founded by Robin Cowie — co-producer of the landmark 1999 film "The Blair Witch Project" and former lead narrative designer for the Madden NFL franchise — uses AI-powered extended reality (XR) technology to dramatically accelerate technician skill development. The platform combines virtual reality, mixed reality, and smart glasses to reduce the time it takes to train an entry-level auto repair technician from two years to as little as 25 days.
The pilot blends AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality to create a more immersive and hands-on learning experience — improving both speed to competency and on-the-job safety and confidence for technicians at every level.
The NAPA Autotech XcceleratoR program has been recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence as a pathway toward significantly reducing the standard work experience requirement for technician certification.
"At Black's Tire, investing in our people has always been a priority," said Ryan Benton, VP of retail operations at Black's Tire & Auto Service. "We're proud to help lead the way in building the next generation of skilled technicians."
Feedback from the Wilmington and Apex pilot teams will help shape how the program is expanded across the industry.
