Under The Hood Newsletter | October 2022
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The Techs Rock Awards are open, our new Technician Supply & Demand Report is on the way, new scholarships and free events are available, and the TechForce app is live. TechForce Foundation’s October newsletter is all treats, no tricks! TOP STORIES – October 2022
Techs Rock Awards are now open – Nominate a technician
Nominations for TechForce’s 2022 Techs Rock Awards are open through Friday, November 4th. More than $17,500 in prizes along with industry-wide recognition will be awarded to five transportation technicians. Nominate a tech now at TechForce.org/TechsRock!
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Volunteer with TechForce. Apply to Become an AmbassadorJoin the great organizations below in supporting TechForce. Donate nowThank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier corporate partners and celebrity ambassadors!
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For TechForce news, follow us on social media.
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Women Techs Rock Grantee Jinelee Achieving Technician Career Dreams
This post was originally published October 24, 2022. The following is new information added April 25, 2023.
From 0-60: Jinelee is Reaching New Heights
Jinelee’s journey to becoming a tech started in 2020 with a broken-down car on the side of the road.
How a broken-down truck got Jinelee going
As she sat stuck for three hours because of an overheated engine, Jinelee felt the dread of not knowing what to do without the money to fix it.
Days later Jinelee took matters into her own hands. Thanks to YouTube, Google and instruction from a local shop she was able to get her truck back on the road! It was in this experience that Jinelee found her calling.
“I felt so proud of myself, I felt accomplished… Never in my life would I have thought this was something I’d like. I had never tried it, but now I feel as if it is my calling.”
Where Jinelee is now, three years later
Jinelee recently graduated from her Mercedes-Benz technician training program (pictured right), and has sinced been hired by Mercedes-Benz!
From a novice just three years ago to a professional technician today, she’s amazed by how far she has come in such a short amount of time. The challenges throughout her journey didn’t stop her, and they show us what’s possible when people come together to give others a little help along with way.
Jinelee received a number of TechForce scholarships and grants throughout her journey. That support helped make it possible for Jinelee to continue pursuing, and ultimately achieve her incredible accomplishments.
The original post from October 24, 2022 is continued below.
Meet Jinelee, Women Techs Rock Grant Recipient
How Jinelee got interested in a tech career
Early signs a tech career was the right fit
Looking back on her life, Jinelee admits there were signs that a technician career was in the cards for her.
“When I think about the things I used to do when I was little or even as an adult, it makes sense. I used to love fixing my bicycle and my friends’ bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards. I loved to put puzzles together and build random things out of anything I could find. As I got older, I still found myself doing similar things, such as building or putting together furniture. Using my hands to repair, build and just get my hands dirty has always been my thing and I NEVER realized it until I started working on my truck.”
Passion powers progress towards tech career
Jinelee says she is amazed how far she has come in such a short time, and she has big dreams for her future.
“I want my own car shop. A very girly shop. I want the equipment to be bright, fun colors, and I want it to have only women mechanics!”
Life's challenges inform Jinelee's perspective
Jinelee has overcome many very difficult personal challenges, but despite this, she says, “[My] focus [is] on people’s efforts. I like to make others feel positive, empowered, worthy, appreciated, and supported. I am one that can communicate encouragement to help people move forward but also hold them accountable in a loving way when tough love is needed. It’s important to inspire one another, challenge one another in reaching our full potential and celebrate each other for our successes.”
She is elated to have received the Women Techs Rock grant. Jinelee has worked incredibly hard to discover and be able to pursue her passion for a tech career. She is extremely grateful for this generous gift that will let her follow her passion, and hopefully inspire future women technicians!
If Jinelee’s story inspired you, we invite you to learn more about a technician career at https://techforce.org/our-work/#career-exploration
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TechForce Launches 4th Annual Techs Rock Awards
TechForce Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for its 4th Annual Techs Rock AwardsTM through Nov. 4
Five transportation technicians to be recognized for outstanding contributions as role models in their shops and communities
October 20, 2022 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation’s® annual Techs Rock Awards season has begun. TechForce created this prestigious award to honor professional technicians who mentor and inspire the next generation of techs, bring excellence to their workplaces and communities, and demonstrate passion and commitment to the profession. The Techs Rock Awards are accepting nominations through 5 PM PDT, November 4, 2022 at TechForce.org/TechsRock.
Since 2018 technicians have received more than $27,000 in prizes. Over $17,500 in prizes will be awarded in the 2022 Techs Rock Awards:
Each Category Winner, selected by a panel of industry experts, will receive prizes valued over $1,700 from TechForce partners including Ford Motor Company, AutoZone, CRC Industries, Snap-on Industrial, Advance Auto Parts, WD-40 Company and Cengage.
The Grand Prize Winner, as chosen by popular vote, will receive additional prizes valued over $8,500 from Advance Auto Parts, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Snap-on Industrial, WD-40 Company and AutoZone.
Technicians will be considered for one of five categories including Pay it Forward, Rookie of the Year, Die Hard Tech, Outstanding Mentor and Barrier Buster. A panel of celebrity judges will select one Category Winner from each of the five categories. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the slate of Category Winners via a People’s Choice Public Vote, to be held November 28 – December 2, 2022.
2022 Techs Rock Award judges include Emily Reeves, Flying Sparks Garage; Charles Sanville, The Humble Mechanic; Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; Pete Meier, Motor Age Magazine; and Julia Landauer, Julia Landauer Racing.
2021 Grand Prize Winner and Carmax technician Donald Ranquist recently reflected on what winning has meant for him, “I don’t usually brag about myself… This is really exciting. Thank you! Getting a trip to [the 2022 STX Supplier & Training Expo in Orlando] is a huge opportunity… The training that comes with it, being able to take that back to my team… and the different tools and items… have helped [me] get [my] jobs done.”
TechForce Foundation will be releasing a 2022 update to its Technician Supply & Demand Report at the 2022 AAPEX show addressing the ongoing technician shortage. Recognition programs like the Techs Rock Awards help address that shortage. These programs are vital not only to retaining technicians but to repositioning the public’s perception of technician jobs as the high-tech, rewarding, new-collar careers that they are.
The Techs Rock Awards are part of TechForce’s workforce development campaign to inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. TechForce also created the first and only social network designed and gamified for professional technicians and tech students to connect with each other, employers and schools (TechForce.org). The transportation community is supporting it with content and using it to learn, connect, find events, and explore job opportunities while competing for prizes and leaderboard status.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially-disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online, social network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit TechForce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.
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Under The Hood Newsletter | September 2022
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Nominations for the 2022 Techs Rock Awards open Monday, October 24. Learn how you can recognize your technicians and help make the Awards a success in 
Abraham pursues aviation tech training with TechForce scholarship
Abraham pursues aviation tech training with TechForce scholarship
Abraham has always known that a career in aviation was right for him
“From the moment I was exposed to aviation, I knew it was my calling in this life. I’ve lived close to the airport my entire life and seeing the planes pass above me was always interesting to me. The airline industry is one of those puzzle pieces in my life that I’ve always wanted to fill. Being drawn to how things work and providing an extremely important service to this society is what being a maintenance technician is all about to me.”
TechForce scholarship allows students to focus on school
Given his future educational goals and their associated costs, Abraham is extremely grateful for the funding given to him via the MIAT Scholarship Education Support grant. He is passionate about the aviation industry, and cannot wait to continue to grow his knowledge and experience in this field.
What's next for Abraham
He is enthusiastic about his current program at MIAT, and he anticipates graduating in October 2022. He is currently working a non-technical job on the ramp at United. He enjoys working closely with the technicians, and is grateful for opportunities to be exposed to their work in aircraft maintenance.
Abraham states, “This is just the beginning for me and I plan on continuously growing within my dream of being in aviation maintenance.”
Learn more about how TechForce can help you cover the cost of your technical education at TechForce.org/Scholarships
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Mecum, TechForce, Dallas ISD provide student experience designed to spark interest in transportation tech careers
***MEDIA ALERT***
Mecum Auctions and TechForce Foundation Team Up with Dallas ISD to Provide Autotech Students Experience Designed to Spark Interest in Transportation Tech Careers
Students get revved up for futures working on muscle cars, Hot Rods and customs as auctioned at Mecum Dallas 2022 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
Add Your Heading Text Here
WHO:
200 autotech students from four Dallas Independent School District high schools
WHEN:
Thursday, Sept. 8 and Friday, Sept. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT
WHERE:
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202
WHAT:
The autotech students, part of the Career and Technical Education programs, will begin this school year visiting Mecum Dallas 2022, taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Dallas Convention Center this Sept. 7-10 featuring an estimated 1,500 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, exotics, Hot Rods, customs and more to cross the auction block.
Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction company and TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to workforce development for technician careers, have teamed with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) to provide CTE students a tour of the auction venue and display of the consigned vehicles. Representatives of Mecum Auctions and TechForce will welcome the students and teachers.
TechForce coordinates events to provide students the opportunity to explore rewarding and high-tech careers such as transportation technicians. The national shortage of trained techs is critical with five open jobs for every tech school graduate. Mecum Auctions partners with TechForce on student experiences at other auction venues, also. Someday, these aspiring techs will build and tune these rolling works of art that are the result of their passion for craftsmanship, hands-on skills and technology.
About TechForce:
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially-disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online, social network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.
Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.
About Mecum:
The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for more than 30 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Mecum Auctions is headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been ranked No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars offered at auction, No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars sold at auction, No. 1 in the U.S. with number of auction venues, No. 1 in the U.S. in total dollar volume of sales, and is host to the world’s largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida, as well as the world’s largest motorcycle auction held annually in Las Vegas.
Under the Hood Newsletter | August 2022
Because I'm a Tech - Turbocharge your future!
TechForce's Because I'm a Tech campaign is happening now! Hear technicians' stories and the personal and professional accomplishments they've achieved thanks to being a tech. We also invite anyone interested in a technician career to turbocharge their future with TechForce by visiting TechForce.org/Tech
EVENTS
Don't miss out on free events in TechForce! Join our social network for tickets to behind-the-scenes VIP experiences, races, car shows and more. Get started>>
Attend AAPEX in Las Vegas for free this fall
Students can attend AAPEX 2022 in Las Vegas, NV through the event's Student Sponsorship Program. The program covers the cost of attendance and travel to one of the aftermarket industry's biggest events of the year. The application deadline is August 31. Apply for a chance to attend AAPEX for free.
TECHFORCE NEWS
I'Rule wins first Humble Mechanic scholarship
TechForce worked with The Humble Mechanic to establish two scholarships in his name. This past weekend The Humble Mechanic met I'Rule, the first recipient of the scholarship. As it turns out, not only are they from the same area, but I'Rule works at the same dealership that The Humble Mechanic used to! Keep an eye out for our interviews with these guys, and learn more about TechForce scholarships>>
From self-doubt to jet engines: Maria Vianco rocks!
We interviewed Maria for our #WomenTechsRock series, part of TechForce's commitment to help diversify the workforce. We can relate to Maria's struggles with self-doubt, and were inspired by how she overcame it to pursue her passion! If you know another inspiring woman tech we should interview, let us know at TechForce.org/WomenTechStories
Ford scholarships are now open to more students than ever
Students in Ford training programs across the US are encouraged to apply for TechForce scholarships. New guidelines mean more Ford students are eligible to receive an award than ever before. Even if you have been turned down in the past, it is worth the few minutes it takes to apply. Just take it from Ford tech and TechForce scholarship recipient Tandon Brown!
Scholarships awarded to two women with a passion for NASCAR
TechForce has awarded the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship to Kiree (left) and Savannah (right), two students studying to pursue careers as NASCAR technicians. The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of NASCAR official Brienne Davis.
Read Kiree's and Savannah's full stories then find a scholarship of your own on TechForce.org
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Climb the TechForce leaderboard to win big with Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight and TechForce have teamed up to bring you a new Leaderboard Challenge in the TechForce network. From September 1 to November 1 the top student, instructor, and school that earn the most points in the TechForce network will receive Harbor Freight gift cards! Can you make it to the top of the leaderboard? Join TechForce now to start earning points on September 1.
Donate to help students start the school year strong
As students head back to school some are on less stable footing than others. TechForce scholarships and grants help students overcome unexpected expenses that might otherwise derail their education. Donate to help a tech student stay in school today.
TechForce students attend Formula Drift event
Students in TechForce's social network were treated to a student experience at the Formula Drift event in Monroe, WA. Students attended the race, got behind-the-scenes tours and even had Q&As with racing professionals. A big thank you to our partner Throdle and Acceler8 Automotive Program for making the event possible! Find your own event tickets in TechForce>>
Join the great organizations below in supporting TechForce. Donate now>>
Thank you to TechForce Foundation's top-tier corporate partners and celebrity ambassadors!
For TechForce news, follow us on social media.
Meet the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship recipients, two future NASCAR technicians
Meet the Fall 2022 Recipients of the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship
TechForce Foundation has awarded the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship to Kiree and Savannah, two students studying to pursue careers as NASCAR technicians. The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of NASCAR official Brienne Davis.
TechForce had an opportunity to speak with both women, and learn more about their interest in automotive and motorsports, and their plans for a career in NASCAR.
Kiree is breaking barriers as a NASCAR student
Kiree says, “Growing up I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be until high school. I always wanted to be challenged and the automotive field allows me to learn something new every day. I am willing to put everything into learning more about every car field, especially NASCAR.”
She recognizes that as a woman, she will be a minority in the automotive field, and even more so in NASCAR. She says, “The automotive industry also lacks females and I believe that women have a big part in this world, but are hardly ever seen.” She has experienced the difficulty of being a woman in the automotive field firsthand, as an employee of an automotive shop. She says, “It wasn’t the best because I was pushed and I was misjudged. Not many people were willing to let me do much because I am female. However, most of the time I would hide in the background, and as soon as they left I would work on my car and they would not suspect anything once they received it.” Kiree did eventually leave this place of employment, partially because she felt she was underestimated due to her gender. However, this has definitely not dissuaded her from trying to pursue an automotive career!
As a future female technician, Kiree was ecstatic to receive the NASCAR/Brienne Davis Memorial Tuition Scholarship. Kiree shares, “I would love to inspire other women and little girls to do whatever they want and let them know that anything is possible.”
The scholarship will make it possible for Kiree to finish her education, and then start her career as both a technician and a mentor to young women interested in the field.
Savannah has a passion for motorsports
Savannah says, “My passion is Automotive Engineering, specifically a NASCAR career. I’ve chosen this as my dream career for many reasons… the work we put into the race car so it can travel at high speeds bring happiness and the feeling of accomplishment that I have never gotten from anything else…. It is a science to work on these cars. The more I work on them, the more I learn and understand. I love getting into the grit of things, figuring out the problem, and working with my body to achieve what the project needs… [and] I love a challenge! I am passionate about the career I chose to pursue, as it is what I love.”
Savannah continues, “I am specifically interested in NASCAR because it is a very important part of my life. I grew up with it, would watch it with my dad, and I help work on his race car with him two times a week and we race on Saturdays. When we race, I am a part of my dad’s pit-crew. I change tires, and adjust camber, tow, wedge, temperature and pressure of tires after a practice or race. I thoroughly enjoy this work. Adjusting the cars’ travel so that we can turn left for an hour. There are so many things that go into building a race car and every part of it makes me feel like I can do anything. I want to be able to race my own car one day, that is my goal. Yes, NASCAR is turning left for hours on end. That’s what the world sees. Unless you are a part of it, you wouldn’t understand the mechanics that go into it. Knowing everything the car needs. When things go wrong, knowing what to do. I love the technical pieces, the speed, the adrenaline rush and the emotions it makes me feel when I am out there working on the car. To say I love NASCAR is an understatement.”
Savannah is obviously passionate about NASCAR, and she is so thankful to be a recipient of the NASCAR/Brienne Davis Memorial Tutorial Scholarship. She is beyond grateful that the scholarship will enable her to continue to pursue her life’s passion!
Apply for TechForce Scholarships
Pay for school with scholarships, not loans. TechForce scholarships & grants cover more than just tuition. Whether you need help with the cost of tools, books, transportation, or even emergencies, TechForce can help. Learn more at TechForce.org/Scholarships
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TechForce Launches Campaign Promoting Skilled Trade Careers “Because I’m A Tech”
TechForce Launches Campaign Promoting
Skilled Trade Careers “Because I’m A Tech”
Campaign Inspires Interest in Technician Careers, Provides Unique Resource to Turbocharge Futures with TechForce - The First and Only Social Network Dedicated to Future and Working Techs
August 24, 2022 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ – TechForce Foundation®, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has launched its “Because I’m a Tech” campaign. Timed to align with Labor Day, the campaign celebrates skilled trades and promotes this career path. “Because I’m a Tech” shares technicians’ testimonials across industry sectors, from auto, diesel and collision repair to aviation, restoration, marine, welding and motorsports, highlighting the fulfilling lifestyles afforded by tech careers. Learn more at TechForce.org/Tech
Once the “Because I’m a Tech” campaign sparks a person’s interest they are encouraged to join TechForce, the first and only gamified social network for aspiring and working technicians. Designed by and for Gen Z, it connects them with a community of peers, employers and schools. The free platform fuels their interest and passion while supporting their career journey with everything from games/prizes, events, schools and scholarships to training, internships and jobs.
“As part of TechForce’s workforce development initiative to Power the Technician WorkforceTM, ‘Because I’m a Tech’ showcases the attractive lifestyle and secure economic potential of this profession. These careers are no longer ‘blue collar,’ but ‘new collar’, high tech and in high demand,” says TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher. “Thousands of technician students, working techs and educators are already taking full advantage of the fun and free resources available in the TechForce career network because it offers what they need to turbocharge their futures.”
Some of the companies participating in this campaign by showcasing technicians and their passion for this profession include Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Pennzoil, Penske Truck Leasing, and WD-40 Company, as well as TechForce Celebrity Ambassadors Bogi Lateiner, Julia Landauer and The Humble Mechanic.
More than 30% of the people active in TechForce are women which is a big deal when we consider that less than 3% of working techs are women. Participants earn points and prizes by accessing training, games, events and more. Students and educators from two schools NASCAR Tech and EVIT have already earned over a million points each.
This year alone TechForce participants have been hosted at major racing events and exclusive VIP experiences, been awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants and earned prizes including tools, training and gift cards from TechForce partners.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially-disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online, social network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.
Links
- Landing page: https://techforce.org/tech
- Images: https://adobe.ly/3pfnEKM
- Videos: vimeo.com/user/65964114/folder/12325222
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Under The Hood Newsletter | July 2022
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