XPEL, Will Castro Return for Season 2 of ‘Unique Academy USA’

XPEL Inc., a provider of protective films and coatings, and acclaimed car customizer and TV personality Will Castro, announced that Season 2 of “Unique Academy USA” will debut Aug. 18 on the ROKU platform. The new season expands the program’s reach, enrolling 15 new students between the ages of 13 and 22, company officials stated in a press release.

Founded by Castro—known for Unique Rides, his work with Team Unique, and for crafting custom cars for stars such as LeBron James, DJ Khaled, LL Cool J, Billy Joel, Carmelo Anthony and more—“Unique Academy USA” introduces inner-city youth to professional skills in automotive window film installation, paint protection film application and ceramic coating, with hands-on training at no cost to students.

In addition to technical training, students receive instruction in business development and leadership. Season 1 launched on ROKU in July 2025 and featured six 30-minute episodes filmed at Castro’s NYC-based shop, with mentorship from industry leaders and celebrities including Victor Cruz, Adrienne Bailon Houghton and Tony Yayo. Season 2 promises more A-list celebrity guests, noted the release.

As the title sponsor, XPEL provides critical program funding alongside hands-on resources including window film, paint protection film, ceramic coating products and expert guest instructors, giving students access to industry-grade materials and real-world training from day one, the company said.

Addressing the Technician Shortage

According to the TechForce Foundation, approximately 1.2 million new automotive, collision, and diesel technicians must enter the workforce by 2029, yet training pipelines are expected to fill only a fraction of that demand. Last year, MarketWatch reported that over 35,000 technician positions were currently unfilled. Castro frames the crisis not as a talent shortage, but a career awareness problem, one that programs like “Unique Academy USA” and XPEL are actively working to solve.

“We’re back for Season 2 because the work isn’t done,” said Castro. “This isn’t just about teaching kids to work on cars; it’s about giving them pride, purpose and a path forward they might not have known existed. When a young person walks out of here with a skill, a plan and the confidence to go after it, that changes everything.”

Castro is focused on dismantling outdated perceptions of the trade. “We’re teaching skills where someone can make an incredible living without fitting the stereotype people still have in their heads,” he said. “You can learn a specialized trade, work on amazing vehicles and build a career that can take you anywhere.”

Success stories from Season 1 include graduate Eddie Chavez, who went on to launch Team Unique Mobile Services, a window tinting business serving vehicles, homes and commercial properties, a direct outcome of the entrepreneurial foundation the program provides.

“‘Unique Academy USA’ is a powerful opportunity for XPEL to invest in the next generation of automotive professionals,” said Chris Hardy, VP of North America at XPEL. “I’ve seen firsthand how this program has already changed people’s lives. We’re proud to stand behind a program that equips young people with real skills, real confidence and a real future in this industry. This is exactly the kind of initiative that strengthens our community and our craft.”

Season 2 of “Unique Academy USA” will also include six 30-minute episodes and debuts on Roku on Aug. 18th and on Tubi on Aug. 20th, 2026.