Why  concours and other major car show events should create structured apprenticeship programs

The Demographic Reality: The Knowledge Gap Is Coming

Most premier concours are powered by deeply experienced judges who have decades of institutional knowledge.

However:

• Many of our legacy judges are aging out and are planning to retire from judging.
• Much of their knowledge is undocumented.
• There is no standardized pipeline for succession.
• Informal “invite-only” pathways discourage capable newcomers.

NACJR serves as the continuity bridge, elevating the entire experience.

Preservation of Credibility

The concours movement depends on:

• Authenticity
• Historical accuracy
• Trust from owners
• Global reputation

A collaborative apprenticeship system under NACJR allows:

• Core ethics standards
• Shared judging fundamentals
• Transparent training benchmarks
• Portable credentials

This strengthens all shows without diluting their independence.

Elevating the Profession of Judging

Right now, judging is:

• Relationship-based
• Reputation-based
• Often opaque
• Barrier to entry

An apprenticeship pathway reframes judging as:

• A disciplined craft
• A mentored profession
• A merit-based advancement ladder

This benefits younger collectors, restorers, historians, and marque experts who want a path forward.

Risk Mitigation for Concours Leadership

Formal apprenticeship programs help:

• Reduce bias accusations
• Reduce conflict-of-interest exposure
• Improve consistency in scoring
• Protect against reputational missteps

Strengthening the Entire Ecosystem

The concours ecosystem includes:

• Auction houses like Mecham
• Restoration experts
• Automotive historians
• Trainers/Educators
• Authors
  
• Designers
• Journalists
• Speakers
• Major national and international events

A shared apprenticeship model:

• Creates career pathways
• Engages younger demographics
• Builds cross-event collaboration
• Raises judging standards industry-wide

Unity Protects the Hobby

The future of the hobby depends on:

• Younger engagement
• Transparency
• Modern professionalism
• Forward thinking
• A willingness to mentor and educate others

By cross-sharing apprenticeship programs, we can protect institutional memory before it disappears. Members of NACJR, can post their training offers an apprenticeship programs let us know, and we'll post your link on this website. Be sure to include contact information in your email request.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Consider becoming a supporter of new and aspiring apprentice judges by offering a stipend to help with expenses they might incur while attending and serving as apprentices. This could take the form of a one-time offer or a collaborative effort hosted by your individual concours. The gesture will remain between you, your organization, and the apprentice. No funds shall be directed through NACJR.