RELEASE: Introducing first peer network dedicated to technicians

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Residual Values: Interview with Jennifer Maher


3/17/2021

Read Premier Financial Services, LLC’s interview with TechForce Foundation CEO & Executive Director Jennifer Maher in their Residual Values newsletter. Learn more about TechForce Foundation, the ongoing transportation technician shortage and Jennifer’s own experience as a woman in the transportation industry.

You can read the full interview below, or as PDF in your browser here>>

 

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Under The Hood | February 2021

Topics in Under the Hood for February 2021:

Scholarship management of New Ford Tech’s ASSET program | TMCSuperTech mobile game | Be A Pathfinder – Learning Quiz | Scholarship winner – Penske Outstanding Student Award | CRC Industries joins TechForce | Donate Your Car | CREF 30 years | WD-40 increases participation in TechForce | Scholarships Available via Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central & Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship

TechForce Foundation awarded administration of Ford ASSET scholarships

2021-02_Ford ASSET scholarships_NewFordTech_Black_v1-1New Ford Tech has transferred management of scholarships for its Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET) program to TechForce Foundation. Students applying for all Ford ASSET scholarships can now do so at TechForce.org/Scholarships>>

Learn more about New Ford Tech’s ASSET program>>

TMC debuts mobile game to spark students’ interest in diesel tech careers

2021-02_TMC SuperTech App_App Logo-1TMCSuperTech is an augmented reality game that lets you progress through a career as a technician in the trucking industry. Start as a trainee and level up to full-time tech where you can gain in-game cash to customize the trucks in your garage. Do your job and do it well, and you will graduate from Full-Time Technician to the Owner of the shop itself! Download TMCSuperTech for free on Google Play>> and the App Store>>

“Be a Pathfinder” – TechForce generated 80% more new contacts

2021-01_Be a Pathfinder_Flyer_Full_Page_Cropped_201202Thank you to our partners who joined in to make TechForce Foundation’s 2021 “Be a Pathfinder” promotion a success! 80% more people viewed our Learning Style Quiz and discovered their learning style than during last year’s campaign.

Find out what all the buzz is about. Take five minutes to discover your learning style today>>

Scholarship winner highlight: Penske Outstanding Student Award

2021-02_Penske Winner_Melesa Starks_1093047 square-1Congratulations to Melesa Starks, recent winner of the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award, recognizing students dedicated to succeeding in the automotive/diesel service industry who have demonstrated the ability to assist other students to do the same.

Melesa has since graduated from Universal Technical Institute and been offered a job with Volvo, allowing for a new city and new adventures. Victor De Leon, Jr. and Dakota Ty Hendrick were chosen as runners-up. Learn more about the winner>>

CRC Industries joins the workforce development campaign

2021-02_Recognizing donors_CRC MASTER GLOBAL LOGO_200-1TechForce Foundation welcomes CRC Industries as the newest partner in our industry wide workforce development campaign to inspire, connect and support the next generation of transportation technicians. Learn about CRC Industries>>

TechForce now accepting vehicle donations

TF_Primary_Registered_FullColorDo you have a car, boat or RV you no longer want? Donate it to TechForce Foundation! Our vehicle donation program will pick up your car, boat or RV free of charge, whether it runs or not. Donate your vehicle today>>

CREF celebrates 30 years of supporting collision programs

2021-02_CREF 30th Anniversary_CREF-30-logo-squareTechForce association partner Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021 by ramping up efforts to support high school and college collision programs, students and instructors nationwide. CREF will be announcing unique fundraising and support opportunities throughout 2021. Learn more about CREF’s celebration here>>

WD-40 Company increases participation in workforce development campaign

2021-02_Donor Recognition_WD40-brand-logo-border-RGB 200610-cropTechForce Foundation thanks long-time partner WD-40 Company for increasing its already significant participation in our industry wide workforce development campaign. Learn more about WD-40 Company>> 

Scholarship Opportunity: Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central

2021-02_Scholarship highlight_aasc_logoApply to Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central today. All it takes is one application to be considered for hundreds of scholarships from more than 40 donors. Students planning to pursue a transportation technician career are encouraged to apply before the March 31, 2021 deadline. Apply today>>

Scholarship Opportunity: Arkansas Trucking Association’s Carl Tapp Scholarship

2021-02_Carl Tapp Scholarship_ATA logoHigh school seniors planning to attend a medium and/or heavy duty truck technician training program in the state of Arkansas after graduation are encouraged to apply for the Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship! Applications are due April 2, 2021. Apply today>> 

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

2021-02_Thank You Partners_TFF ALL Partners Logo Lockup 210204Associations: Automotive Communications Council, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), American Rental Association (ARA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), ASE Education Foundation, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), Auto Care Association/Women in Auto Care, Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)

Celebrities: Lyn St. James (IndyCar), Bogi Lateiner (Girl Gang Garage), Steve Johnson (Steve Johnson Racing – NHRA) and Julia Landauer (Julia Landauer Racing – NASCAR)

For more news on TechForce Foundation, follow us on social media at the links below!

 

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Announcing Penske Outstanding Student Award Winner

 


Congratulations Melesa Starks – Winner of the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award

Melesa Starks standing in front of a blue wall, smiling. Melesa is wearing a blue polo shirt, glasses, and a name tag clipped to her collar. On the wall are three plaques recognizing Roger Penske.

Melesa is described by many as the “ideal candidate.” In addition to a perfect school record, her enthusiasm for the industry was evident to instructors in both her Automotive II and Volvo SAFE programs. Fellow students know Melesa is the one they can go to for advice and support, whether it be about a career move or a good chicken soup recipe.

Now a graduate, Melesa has been offered a job with Volvo, allowing for a new city and new adventures. Her beaming smile will also be seen as part of TechForce Foundation’s Women Techs Rock initiatives.

Committee judges were impressed by Melesa’s ability to be proactive and tenacious in all aspects of life: school opportunities, personal experiences, and community support needs. Her horse therapy work with Freedom Ride and involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association were additional reasons she was selected as winner.

The Penske Outstanding Student Award recognizes students dedicated to succeeding in the automotive/diesel service industry who have demonstrated the ability to assist other students to do the same.

Victor De Leon, Jr. and Dakota Ty Hendrick were chosen as runners-up.

 


 

 

Tackling The Technician Shortage | Tire Business



In this webinar Tire Business Reporter Kathy McCarron talks with Jennifer Maher of TechForce Foundation, and Dan Gilley of RLO Training about some of the initiatives underway to encourage young people to pursue an automotive service career and review ways tire dealers and auto repair shops can attract and retain qualified technicians.
 
 
The livestream webinar is also available on Tire Business’s website at the following link:
https://www.tirebusiness.com/tb-live-tackling-technician-shortage-what-can-dealerships-do-find-and-retain-technicians
 

Spark News | January 2021

Topics in Spark News for January 2021:

Available Scholarships | Be A Pathfinder Learning Style Quiz | SkillsUSA Outstanding CTE Educator Award | Scholarship Recipient Chasity overcomes obstacles. | Tire Business Live Stream webinar with Jen Maher | UTI consolidates Avondale & Phoenix campuses | ASE has a new website

TechForce Foundation scholarships

2021-01_Scholarship highlight_TF_Primary_Registered_FullColor@2xTechForce Foundation continues to support students in a wide range of transportation technician programs, with over $1 Million in scholarships and grants awarded each year. Learn more, hear student stories and apply here>>


Scholarship opportunities:

DEADLINE 3/31: Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central

2021-01_Scholarship highlight_aasc_logoApply to Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central today. All it takes is one application to be considered for hundreds of scholarships from more than 40 donors. Students planning to pursue a transportation technician career are encouraged to apply before the March 31, 2021 deadline. Apply today>>

DEADLINE 3/31: Opportunity for Minnesota Students

2021-01_Scholarship highlight_AASP MN logoThe Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota is awarding scholarships to students enrolled in post-secondary automotive programs. Eligible students must be entering their first or second year of an ASE-accredited program in the fall of 2021. Applications are due 3/31/2021. Learn more & apply>>


Resource Spotlight

#BeAPathfinder Learning Style Quiz

2021-01_Resource Highlight_Pathfinder quiz cover image

Discover your learning style! Take the quiz to find out how you learn best, and receive a free report with tailor-made tips for
your career and education success!

Find out if you are
a good fit for a
high-tech transportation industry career.

Take the Learning Style Quiz>>


Nominate your instructor! SkillsUSA Outstanding CTE Educator Award

2021-01_SkillsUSA Outstanding Educator Award_SkillsUSA-2c-Slogo-®-72dpiTechForce association partner SkillsUSA has opened nominations for its Outstanding Career and Technical Educator Award. The annual Award honors individual educators for their service and dedication to career and technical education and to SkillsUSA. Nominate an advisor/educator for Outstanding Career and Technical Educator, before the Feb. 15, 2021 deadline here>>

Scholarship recipient Chasity Gleason overcomes objectors to study welding

2021-01_Student Highlight_Chasity Gleason 1Meet Chasity Gleason, a TechForce Foundation scholarship recipient and welding student at Universal Technical Institute. Chasity is using the skills she learned as a MAC certified makeup artist to overcome partial blindness, defy those who told her she couldn’t and to rise to the top of her class. She is proof #WomenTechsRock.

Chasity’s advice to women going into the field? “Do it… Just do it, even if you’re scared!” Read Chasity’s inspiring story here>>

WEBINAR: Don’t miss CEO Jennifer Maher on Tire Business Live Stream

2021-01_Tire Business Webinar_TB_bubble_1-1Join TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher on Tire Business Live Tuesday, February 2nd at 2 PM EST/ 11 AM PST for a conversation on “Tackling the Technician Shortage: What can dealerships do to find and retain technicians?” Learn about the initiatives and opportunities available to young people interested in pursuing an automotive service. Reserve your spot today>>

Universal Technical Institute to consolidate Avondale and Phoenix, AZ campuses

2021-01_Partner highlight_UTI logo_ACT_UTI_LOGO_200831Longtime TechForce supporter and collaborator Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is combining its Avondale UTI and Phoenix MMI campuses. The resulting Avondale campus will become their largest in terms of size, number of students and breadth of programs. UTI also announced plans to merge its UTI and MMI Orlando campuses. To learn more read the full announcement here>>

TechForce association partner ASE launches new website

2021-01_Association partner highlight_ASE logoThe National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recently launched its new website. From certification and testing resources to car tips, the updated site includes streamlined information and resources for professionals, students and more. Check out these resources on the new ase.com>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

2021-01_Thank you Partners_TFF ALL Partners Logo Lockup 210122Associations: Automotive Communications Council, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), American Rental Association (ARA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), ASE Education Foundation, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), Auto Care Association/Women in Auto Care, Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)

Celebrities: Lyn St. James (IndyCar), Bogi Lateiner (Girl Gang Garage), Steve Johnson (Steve Johnson Racing – NHRA) and Julia Landauer (Julia Landauer Racing – NASCAR)

For more news on TechForce Foundation, follow us on social media at the links below!

 

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How Hands-On Learners Thrive as Transportation Techs

 

How Hands-On Learners Thrive as Transportation Techs

TechForce Foundation’s “Be A Pathfinder” campaign illuminates learning styles

 

A mother and son standing side by side in a garage. Both are wearing safety googles and the mother has her hair pulled back. The two are standing over a disassembled single cylinder engine, each is holding a spark plug. Body language suggests the mother is teaching the son about the spark plugs and the engine. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — January 19, 2021 — The arrival of the new year means new decisions for students planning their futures. Although the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has thrown many students’ career plans for a loop, the increased time at home allows students and parents to reflect and explore opportunities they might not have considered. One place to start is by discovering a student’s learning style.

Everyone has a learning style, some people are visual learners, some learn best by listening, and some are hands-on — they learn by doing. For these hands-on learners, a career in a hands-on field, such as the high-tech transportation industry not only suits their strengths, but also brings them satisfaction and security.

As many parents spend more time observing their children’s learning in a virtual school environment, they are developing an appreciation for different learning styles. Many hands-on learners struggle in traditional learning environments. However, these children and teens thrive when they engage in educational opportunities that support their strengths, and can put them on the road to successful careers.

TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes the potential of professional technician careers, provides resources and encourages parents, teachers, and other influential figures to recognize and support technical careers that may be a good fit for hands-on learners.

“For too long, we’ve accepted as truth that a college degree is the only way to get ahead and we’ve overlooked the gifts, talents and significant contributions of students who don’t fit the four-year mold,” says Jennifer Maher, CEO & Executive Director of the Tech-Force Foundation.

“For students who are mechanically minded, and learn best when they’re in action, a quality technical or vocational education can be the path to success.”

As part of its ongoing “Be a Pathfinder” campaign, the Tech-Force Foundation offers a free online assessment to help students (and adults) identify their learning styles, and participants can receive a detailed report with educational and career advice based on their style — visual, auditory, or kinetic.

The campaign encourages students to be “pathfinders” by helping them discover and understand their unique strengths and use that knowledge to choose educational and career paths.

Visit TechForce.org/mypath for the learning styles assessment, as well as more resources for education and career planning.

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About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. TechForce distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors. It also spearheads a workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. Learn more at www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

 


 

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"By connecting students, instructors, industry pros and working techs, the TechForce Foundation provides unilateral support to the transportation industry’s technician recruiting needs… The administration of our Scholarships by the TechForce team has been instrumental in delivering us with a successful method to gain interest from qualified candidates as well as provide our students with additional assistance to complete their education."
Tony Farr
Ford Technical Programs Manager