AWARDING

FUTURE TECHS

&

HONORING

WORKING TECHS

TechForce will host main stage winner presentations, a press event with SEMA Media, and exclusive VIP experiences for winners including hotel accommodations and a meet and greet. This is one of our highest visibility moments of the year.

NOMINATIONS:

June 24 to August 11

VOTE:

September 24 to October 15

WINNERS ANNOUNCED:

live at SEMA on November 5 and 6

AWARDING

FUTURE TECHS

&

HONORING

WORKING TECHS

Techs Rock 2025 is heading to SEMA SHOW

This year, TechForce’s biggest celebration of aspiring and working techs takes the stage at SEMA SHOW, the automotive industry’s most influential event. It’s where the industry comes to connect, and now, it’s where the nation’s top techs will be recognized in front of the people who shape what’s next.

NOMINATIONS:

June 24 to August 11

VOTE:

September 24 to October 15

WINNERS ANNOUNCED:

LIVE at SEMA on November 5th & 6th

GRAND PRIZE

2 WINNERS

ASPIRING TECH & WORKING TECH

We’re flying you and a guest to Las Vegas for the Techs Rock Awards at SEMA. Roundtrip, locked in.

You’ll be front and center for the main stage awards and get full access to the show. From behind the scenes to industry insiders, you’re in it.

You and your guest will stay on the Las Vegas Strip, just minutes from SEMA and everything else worth being near.

AWARDS CATEGORIES

Recognizing excellence in the automotive sector and motorsports sector. It’s an acknowledgment of expertise behind the reliable functionality of daily vehicles and the advanced adjustments essential for motorsports success.

This category acknowledges the proficiency behind the robust engines that drive both our on-road giants and off-road workhorses. It’s a nod to the specialized expertise required to maximize torque and durability, ensuring relentless performance, whether on paved highways or rugged terrains.

The art and science of bringing vehicles back to life. Whether it’s the meticulous revival of an old classic, the precision repair of a recent collision, or the expertise of welding techniques, this catagoy stands for dedication, attention to detail, and passion for aesthetics and functionality.

Across air, land, and sea, precision engineering is paramount. This category highlights the mechanics behind reliable aircraft, efficient motorcycles, and durable marine vessels. A testament to the diverse expertise that shapes our journey, no matter the medium.

The future is now. This category is our salute to those at the frontier of transportation technologies, breaking barriers and envisioning tomorrow. From electric advancements to ground-breaking automation, this category is for the visionaries defining our transport’s next chapter.

The future is now. This category is our salute to those at the frontier of transportation technologies, breaking barriers and envisioning tomorrow. From electric advancements to ground-breaking automation, this category is for the visionaries defining our transport’s next chapter.

Recognizing excellence in the automotive sector and motorsports sector. It’s an acknowledgment of expertise behind the reliable functionality of daily vehicles and the advanced adjustments essential for motorsports success.

This category acknowledges the proficiency behind the robust engines that drive both our on-road giants and off-road workhorses. It’s a nod to the specialized expertise required to maximize torque and durability, ensuring relentless performance, whether on paved highways or rugged terrains.

The art and science of bringing vehicles back to life. Whether it’s the meticulous revival of an old classic, the precision repair of a recent collision, or the expertise of welding techniques, this catagoy stands for dedication, attention to detail, and passion for aesthetics and functionality.

Across air, land, and sea, precision engineering is paramount. This category highlights the mechanics behind reliable aircraft, efficient motorcycles, and durable marine vessels. A testament to the diverse expertise that shapes our journey, no matter the medium.

The future is now. This category is our salute to those at the frontier of transportation technologies, breaking barriers and envisioning tomorrow. From electric advancements to ground-breaking automation, this category is for the visionaries defining our transport’s next chapter.

This category honors the precision and expertise behind heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. From optimizing indoor climates to ensuring vital systems stay operational across vehicles, buildings, and beyond—HVAC professionals are the masters of temperature, air quality, and energy efficiency. Their work powers comfort, performance, and sustainability in every environment.

HOW IT WORKS

 

Nomination Eligibility & Requirements

Nominees must be:

  1. a professional technician employed full-time, OR

  2. a current student studying a technical education curriculum in at least one of the Techs Rock Awards recognized categories:

  • Automotive & Motorsports

  • Diesel

  • Collision, Restoration & Welding

  • Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine

  • Emerging Technologies

  • HVAC 


1.) General Eligibility and Requirements for All Nominees:

All nominees must exhibit exemplary character and be making a positive impact in their school, workplace, and/or community.

To nominate a technical student or professional technician, please provide details about your candidate in the nomination form.

Nominations open Monday, June 24, 2025 and close Sunday, August 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT. 

  1. Nominees must be 18 years or older to enter, or 16+ with parent/guardian permission.

  2. Nominees must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have DACA status with valid Employment Authorization.

  3. A nominee may only be nominated in one category.

  4. Each individual may nominate a student or technician only once per person, but may submit multiple nominations for different individuals.

  5. Nominations may be submitted by anyone. Self-nominations are accepted.

  6. Only one nominee per form submission. Multiple submissions are allowed.

  7. Nomination questions must be answered in complete sentences.

  8. Nominations must be submitted through the Techs Rock Awards online form. Submissions via other methods or after the deadline will not be accepted.

  9. Once nominated, each nominee will receive a Nomination Acceptance email. Nominees must accept their nomination via the linked survey by Sunday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT. 

  10. If a nominee is under 18, their parent/guardian must confirm participation by the same deadline. Failure to respond disqualifies the nominee.

  11. All honorees must agree to:

  • a) Name and photo publication in media.

  • b) Participate in a Q&A interview.

  • c) Provide contact/shipping info for prize delivery.

  • d) Participate in a video interview for promotional use.

  • e) Travel to Las Vegas, NV during SEMA Week (Nov 5–6, 2025) for recognition if selected as the Grand Prize Winner.


2.) Student-Specific Eligibility and Requirements:

  1. Student nominees must demonstrate passion, commitment, and above-average performance in their technical education.

  2. Must be a currently enrolled student in a transportation technology curriculum who:

    • a) Has completed at least their sophomore year of high school.

    • b) Is currently a junior/senior in high school or enrolled in a post-secondary program.

  3. Nominees must remain enrolled through October 31, 2025. 

    • a) Students graduating on or before October 31, 2025 are ineligible.

    • b) Students on a leave of absence or between enrollment periods are ineligible.

    • c) Any misrepresentation of eligibility will result in disqualification and revocation of awards.


3.) Professional Technician-Specific Eligibility and Requirements:

  1. Nominees must be known for their technical skill, character, and professionalism, with real examples of exceeding expectations.

  2. Must be employed full-time in any of the eligible categories listed above.

  3. Technicians with achievements or milestones in the past 18 months are strongly encouraged to be nominated.


💡 Note on Prize Income:

  • Prizes are considered taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code.

  • Prize value will be reported on Form 1099-MISC if over $600 in a calendar year.

  • Winners must complete a W-9 and prize/award acceptance form.

  • If awarded a scholarship, recipients must also complete the application and acceptance process at techforce.org.


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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