Under the Hood Newsletter | January 2023
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Nissan & INFINITI students, we have scholarships for you!
TechForce celebrates new & renewed donors and association partners
Nominations Open in TechForce Foundation®’s 2023 FutureTechs Rock Awards
Nominations Open in TechForce Foundation®’s 2023 FutureTechs Rock AwardsTM, Ten Students to Receive National Honor
Ten transportation technician students to be recognized nationally for outstanding contributions as role models in school and communities
January 23, 2023 – PHOENIX – TechForce Foundation’s® 5th annual FutureTechs Rock Awards season has begun. TechForce created this prestigious award to honor aspiring technicians and recognize students with a promising future in the transportation industry. The FutureTechs Rock Awards are accepting nominations through 5 PM PT, February 10, 2023. Nominate a technician student today at TechForce.org/FutureTechsRock.
Over $10,000 in scholarships and prizes will be awarded:
Each of the ten (10) Category Winners, as selected by a panel of industry judges, will receive prizes valued at nearly $700 including training materials, supplies and products from TechForce partners including NISSAN, Advance Auto Parts, CRC Industries, Cengage, AutoZone, New Ford Tech, Volvo, WD-40 Company and Snap-on Industrial.
The Grand Prize Winner, as chosen by popular vote, will also receive a $1,000 TechForce scholarship and additional prizes valued over $2,000 from partners including NISSAN, Advance Auto Parts, CRC Industries, Cengage, AutoZone, New Ford Tech, WD-40 Company and Snap-on Industrial.
Students will be considered for one of ten categories depending on their academic focus including Automotive, Aviation, Collision Repair, Diesel On-Road and Off-Road, Marine/Watercraft, Motorcycle/ATV, Motorsports, Restoration and Welding/CNC.
A panel of industry experts will select one winner from each of the ten categories. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the slate of Category Winners via a People’s Choice Public Vote, to be held February 27 – March 3, 2023.
Past Grand Prize Winner Zander Worm remarked on how the FutureTechs Rock Awards helped him in his education, “It’s amazing to know that other people have faith in me, that I [have something] to offer to the industry… [The Awards] are helping me start my career… debt free.” Hear Zander’s message and meet last year’s winners.
Since 2019, TechForce Foundation and our partners have awarded 40 transportation technician students with over $47,000 in prizes through the annual FutureTechs Awards. The Awards are made possible because of generous donations from corporations and everyday people who believe everyone should have a chance to succeed.
The FutureTechs 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 national 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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Conor is pursuing his passion thanks to TechForce’s Veterans At Work: Military Transition Fund
How Technician & Navy Veteran Conor Went Pipeline to Placement and Beyond with TechForce
“Pursuing a technical education has set part of the foundation of my life,” says Conor. “I started working on classic Fords from day one with my family. Later things got difficult and we were very poor. When I was 13, I worked doing oil changes, brakes, and cleaning to help pay the bills. When I was 14, I moved to a dairy farm and it changed my life. I did all sorts of dirty jobs, but my favorite was the shop where we worked on the equipment. I became the neighborhood mechanic.”
Wrenching Through Difficult Times
After high school, Conor joined the Navy where he got to work on airplanes. Unfortunately, his military career took a left turn when he suffered a shattered ankle. “I was put in a limited-duty status that didn’t allow me to do my job, so I turned back to flipping cars to make extra money.”
Now on an honorable medical discharge, and a father of three with a fourth baby on the way, he’s had multiple surgeries including one that resulted in having his ankle fused. “That still didn’t stop me from working on things,” he says. “Mechanics has always provided me with joy and an ability to combat depression. I love turning on music and wrenching on anything. The sense of accomplishment when the job is done makes me feel great.”
Transitioning into the Civilian Workforce with Help from TechForce Donors
In 2021 Conor decided to pursue his passion and started his technical education. He soon after discovered TechForce, joined the Network and received a relocation grant through the Veterans At Work: Military Transition Fund – Sunstate Equipment grant.
Thanks to support from generous donors who believe everyone should have a chance to succeed, Conor was able to move with his family closer to school.
Conor is thriving today
“It’s great that TechForce is bringing awareness to the industry. There are so many other technical options and opportunities for people who aren’t interested in going to a traditional college. TechForce has been really helpful with my education and their Network is an excellent resource with a great community of industry people, tutorial videos, upcoming events, and even fun things like trivia.”
TechForce was able to help connect Conor with Sunstate Equipment, where he was hired as a technician. “I am excited for the chance to work at Sunstate. There are so many opportunities for growth plus, they really appreciate and take care of their employees. I am very thankful to TechForce for helping me land this job.”
Conor recently reflected on his experience with TechForce Foundation, “TechForce is an unbelievable free resource and it has been a big help throughout my entire process from school to career. I will recommend TechForce to other people and I’ll definitely keep using its Network while I finish my education and throughout my career.”
About TechForce Scholarships
TechForce Foundation is a national 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, with more than 40,000 students supported since 2007. All of TechForce’s scholarships and programs are made possible by donors like you.
Learn more and apply for TechForce scholarships and grants at TechForce.org/Scholarships
Enterprise and Ford Partner to Expand Collision Engineering Program
Automotive Industry Leaders Enterprise and Ford Partner to Expand Collision Engineering Program
Industry Partnership will Address National Collision Technician Shortage and Open the Program’s Seventh U.S. School
ST. LOUIS (Jan. 18, 2023) – Enterprise Holdings, through the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, today announced a strategic partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund to support the growth of the industry-leading Collision Engineering Program (CEP). The new industry partnership will expand the CEP to a new college that will become the seventh school to offer the two-year apprenticeship model, founded by Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Ranken Technical College, to attract and develop entry-level talent to fill essential roles within the collision repair industry.
The Ford Fund will offer scholarships to CEP students to prevent any barriers to students’ academic success. Ford Fund’s support will also fund program startup costs, instructor training and school equipment such as lab materials, and provide students access to toolkits, uniforms, PPE, certifications, tuition assistance, assessments and other student-centered resources at the new school.
“This is an exciting time to support students pursuing careers in collision engineering,” said Mike Schmidt, economic mobility director at Ford Motor Company Fund. “As the auto industry is rapidly evolving, the need for bright minds who are passionate about technical careers becomes greater every day. Partnerships like these allow us to drive progress more quickly, and with a greater impact, for the next generation of engineers.”
With more than 110,000 new collision technicians needed between 2022 and 2026, according to the TechForce Foundation, a national public charity, the CEP is designed in collaboration with the automotive industry and encourages schools and industry leaders to work together to build a new generation of highly skilled, motivated and passionate collision repair professionals. Throughout the Program, students learn in both classrooms and modern collision engineering facilities where industry experts provide real-world education as students work toward earning their associate degree.
“Widespread industry support is vital to addressing the worker shortage and skills gap, and to ensuring the success of the Collision Engineering Program,” said Mary Mahoney, vice president at Enterprise Holdings. “As a leader in the automotive industry, we’re committed to addressing these challenges with our partners. We could not be more thrilled to expand our longtime partnership with Ford Motor Company, through its philanthropic arm, the Ford Fund, to increase access to the Program and help address this ongoing industry challenge.”
The CEP is also partnering with the TechForce Foundation to help administer the Ford Fund scholarships for students enrolled in the Program.
“This collaboration enables even more students who are passionate about the collision engineering field to pursue their dreams,” said Jennifer Maher, executive director of TechForce Foundation. “Cars today are computers on wheels, and the technology is advancing rapidly. It takes a highly skilled technician — an engineer — who can properly service the paint and body, calibration and mechanics required to ensure the repair and safety of the vehicle. TechForce is honored to partner with CEP and Ford Fund to administer the Ford Fund scholarships.”
The Program is currently active at six schools across the U.S. including Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, Missouri; College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois; Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California; Collin College in Allen, Texas; Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas; and Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. The seventh school that will be opened through the Ford Fund’s support will be announced in the coming months.
For more information about the Collision Engineering Program, visit www.beacollisionengineer.com.
About Enterprise Holdings
Enterprise Holdings, Inc. is a leading provider of mobility solutions, owning and operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries. Enterprise Holdings and its affiliates offer extensive car rental, carsharing, truck rental, fleet management, retail car sales, as well as travel management and other transportation services, to make travel easier and more convenient for customers. Privately held by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Mo., Enterprise Holdings manages a diverse fleet of more than 2.1 million vehicles through a network of nearly 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport rental locations in more than 90 countries and territories.
About Ford Motor Company Fund
As the automaker’s philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund has been supporting local communities for more than 70 years. Working with nonprofit organizations, community partners, and across the Ford network in the U.S. and in 43 countries, Ford Fund provides resources and opportunities that advance racial equity and empower people to reach their highest potential. Since 1949, Ford and Ford Fund have invested more than $2.2 billion in initiatives that ensure basic needs are met, provide access to essential services, offer tools to build new skillsets, and open pathways to high-quality jobs.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national 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 and LinkedIn.
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TechForce Partnership with Caliber Collision Helps Young People Explore Technical Education and Careers in Collision Repair
New video conveys being a collision tech is an art that’s in high demand
December 8, 2022 — PHOENIX — Not every student needs to attend a 4-year university. For many, a technical education and career is a viable road to success. TechForce Foundation recently launched a new video in partnership with Caliber Collision, #BeaCollisionTech, designed to educate young people about the opportunities and benefits that a career in collision repair offers. TechForce’s annual Supply and Demand Report revealed that among the transportation sectors, collision is suffering the most from the tech shortage. The ratio of demand to supply with collision technicians is 7.9 to 1. That is nearly 8 job opportunities for every one collision tech graduate.
As a leader in the collision industry, Caliber is at the forefront of addressing collision technician shortages with its proprietary Technician Apprentice Program (TAP). Through TAP, and with strategic partners like TechForce, Caliber is attracting, training, and employing the next generation of auto body technicians.
To craft a compelling message and video, TechForce went to the source and interviewed dozens of students currently enrolled in collision engineering programs and apprenticeships. These interviews uncovered precisely what attracted students to a collision repair career path, and TechForce was able to incorporate their exact sentiments in the video. Students shared that it’s an art that’s in demand; the high-tech, emerging technologies ensure they’re never bored; they enjoy mastering not just the mechanics, but the computers, calibration services and artistic side of paint and body work; and that this hands-on, problem-solving profession is a better fit for them than a traditional college pathway.
“As a national nonprofit, TechForce is committed to helping people discover an education and career that fits,” shares Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “Most young people aren’t even aware the collision tech option exists or they think it’s just replacing bumpers and paint. But with advancing technologies, it’s much more of a ‘new collar’, technology-centric profession today,” says Maher.
To reach high schoolers, TechForce delivers its messaging via video, over an array of social channels from YouTube to TikTok and Instagram — all in the voice of GenZ. “Rather than seasoned adults telling young people about their options, we engage with GenZ to share their own words and journey with their peers,” says Angie Babin, president of TechForce’s board of directors and vice president of supply chain for Caliber Collision. “This is also why TechForce has invested in the TechForce Network,” a gamified, online career hub and app (Apple & Android) where students can find all the resources needed to explore and pursue technical education and careers. “You have to meet students where they are,” adds Babin. Each year, TechForce awards nearly $1.5 million in scholarships and grants to students pursuing their technical education through the TechForce Network.
TechForce’s Be a Collision Tech video has already enjoyed more than 85 thousand views on YouTube, demonstrating interest among young people for a broader variety of education and career options. The project was graciously underwritten by Caliber, one of TechForce’s corporate donors in the collision sector. Caliber, in turn, will leverage the video to create awareness of TAP among potential apprentice and mentor candidates.
TechForce plans to continue delivering its educational video series across other technician sectors, ranging from collision and automotive to diesel, motorsports, heavy equipment/machinery and emerging technologies, including electric and autonomous vehicles.
“Students need choices for their futures, and the skilled trades are viable, well-paying, sustainable careers that shouldn’t be overlooked,” says Maher. “TechForce and its donors are committed to giving students options.”
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national 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.
About Caliber
Founded in 1997, the Caliber portfolio of brands has grown to more than 1,500 centers nationwide and features a full range of complementary automotive services, including Caliber Collision, one of the nation’s largest auto collision repair providers across 40 states, Caliber Auto Care for mechanical repair and quick oil change services and Caliber Auto Glass for glass repair and replacement.
Caliber was recognized as the only company of its kind to make the Forbes list of “America’s Best Large Employers,” an honor awarded to companies with high employee satisfaction. Caliber was also the only auto service provider to receive an Inc. 2021 Best in Business gold medal in the Extra-Large Company (500+ employees) category, recognizing Caliber for going above and beyond to make a positive impact. With the purpose of Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life®, Caliber’s more than 25,000 teammates are committed to getting customers back on the road safely—and back to the rhythm of their lives—every day. Dedicated to providing an outstanding customer experience, Caliber continues to rank among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry. Learn more about Caliber at caliber.com.
Links
- Be a Collision Tech video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij3irBwK7Uo
- TechForce Supply & Demand Report: https://techforce.org/supply-demand-report/
- TechForce Network: https://techforce.org/
- Caliber Technician Apprenticeship Program (TAP) https://www.caliber.com/why-caliber/restoring-you/technician-apprentice-program
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2022 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner Announcement
TechForce Foundation® Announces Grand Prize Winner
In 4th Annual Techs Rock AwardsTM
Auto Technician Daniel McCrum of Gulfport, MS Named Grand Prize Winner; Five Professional Technicians Honored for Passion and Commitment to Career
December 6, 2022 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation® announces automotive technician Daniel McCrum of CarMax in Gulfport, MS as the 2022 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner. TechForce created this prestigious award in 2018 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. Meet the full slate of honorees including Category and Grand Prize Winners at TechForce.org/TechsRock.
“What!? Wow… I’m in, like, shock right now. Thank you!” Daniel exclaimed upon learning of his Award. “I kinda thought I had a pretty fair chance to win something because of everything I overcame, but I didn’t think I could win the whole thing. This is a national contest… it’s nationwide wide and I won!”
Not every student needs to go to a 4-year university. TechForce created the Techs Rock Awards to highlight the contributions of technicians in their workplaces and communities and demonstrate to the public that a technical education and career is a viable pathway to success. The Awards showcase the benefits of an in-demand technician career to spark students’ interest, and the TechForce Network meets those students where they are with the resources needed to explore and pursue a technical education and career.
Thousands of TechForce followers weighed in to select Daniel as the Grand Prize Winner from among five Category Winners in the November 28 – December 2, 2022 People’s Choice public vote. Daniel previously won the Awards’ Barrier Buster Category.
As the Grand Prize Winner Daniel will receive more than $10,000 in total prizes from TechForce and our industry partners. Prize sponsors include Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Caliber, Cengage Learning, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Snap-on Industrial and WD-40 Company.
Since 2018 technicians have received more than $27,000 in prizes. Over $17,500 in prizes are being awarded in the 2022 Techs Rock Awards alone, including:
- Each Category Winner (Grand Prize Winner included) received tools, gift cards and other prizes valued at over $1,700.
- The Grand Prize Winner also receives an all-expenses-paid trip to STX 2024 in Orlando, FL valued at $3,000 courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, along with an additional prize package valued at over $5,500.
The five Category Winners represent less than one percent of the nearly 700 technicians nominated. Winners were selected by a panel of expert celebrity judges including 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.
The 2022 Category Winners represent five states and five companies including one independently-owned auto repair shop and one technical school. Each honoree is recognized in one of the Techs Rock Awards’ distinct categories:
- Barrier Buster – Daniel McCrum, Carmax. The Barrier Buster category recognizes technicians for showing heart and passion in overcoming obstacles to succeed.
- Die Hard – Joshua Ferrantino, Rodman Ford. The Die Hard category recognizes industry superfans who live, breathe, sleep, and thrive in their career.
- Outstanding Mentor – Frank Mendoza, Flow Nissan & NASCAR Technical Institute. The Outstanding Mentor category recognizes techs for providing support and guidance to the industry’s future technicians.
- Pay it Forward – Zachary Carlsen, Northern Auto Repair. The Pay it Forward category recognizes technicians for being a community advocate and inspiring the next generation of techs.
- Rookie of the Year – Kael Gortat, Carmax. The Rookie of the Year category recognizes up-and-coming tech professionals with under two years’ professional experience.
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 national 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
- Winner photos: https://adobe.ly/3i9pVqI
- 2022 Techs Rock Awards website: TechForce.org/TechsRock
- 2022 Techs Rock Awards logo: https://adobe.ly/3gmW2SO
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2022 Techs Rock Awards: Category Winners Announced & Grand Prize Vote NOW OPEN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TechForce Foundation® Opens Grand Prize Vote & Announces Category Winners in 4th Annual Techs Rock Awards
Five technicians recognized for outstanding contributions as role models in their shops & communities, one to be selected by the public for Grand Prize
November 28, 2022 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation® announces the Category Winners in the 2022 Techs Rock Awards and opens the Grand Prize Public Vote. TechForce created this prestigious award in 2018 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. Meet the Category Winners and vote for the Grand Prize Winner at TechForce.org/Vote. Voting is open through 11:59 PM PT on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.
The five Category Winners represent less than one percent of the nearly 700 technicians nominated. Winners were selected by a panel of expert celebrity judges including 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.
Since 2018 technicians have received more than $27,000 in prizes. Over $17,500 in prizes are being awarded in the 2022 Techs Rock Awards:
- Each Category Winner receives 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 will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to STX 2024 in Orlando, FL valued at $3,000 courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, along with an additional prize package valued at over $5,500 from TechForce partners CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Snap-on Industrial, Advance Auto Parts, WD-40 Company and AutoZone.
Each Category Winner represents a distinct category. Awardees include:
- Barrier Buster – Daniel McCrum, CarMax. The Barrier Buster category recognizes technicians for showing heart and passion in overcoming obstacles to succeed.
- Die Hard – Joshua Ferrantino, Rodman Ford. The Die Hard category recognizes industry superfans who live, breathe, sleep, and thrive in their career.
- Outstanding Mentor – Frank Mendoza, Flow Nissan & NASCAR Technical Institute. The Outstanding Mentor category recognizes techs for providing support and guidance to the industry’s future technicians.
- Pay it Forward – Zachary Carlsen, Northern Auto Repair. The Pay it Forward category recognizes technicians for being a community advocate and inspiring the next generation of techs.
- Rookie of the Year – Kael Gortat, CarMax. The Rookie of the Year category recognizes up-and-coming tech professionals with under two years’ professional experience.
The Grand Prize will be awarded to one Category Winner, as selected by the ongoing Grand Prize Public Vote. Voting ends Friday, December 2, 2022 at 11:59 PM PT. Read the Category Winners’ bios and vote for the 2022 Grand Prize Winner at TechForce.org/Vote
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.
Links
- Category Winner photos: https://adobe.ly/3i9pVqI
- 2022 Techs Rock Awards voting website: TechForce.org/Vote
- 2022 Techs Rock Awards logo: https://adobe.ly/3gmW2SO
- Vote Announcement, featuring The Humble Mechanic – YouTube: https://youtu.be/k6FraOmiqE8
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Meet Brennen: Army Veteran and TechForce Scholarship Recipient
Meet Brennen, Beneficiary of The John & Bernadette Heenan Veterans at Work Fund
Brennen is an Army veteran who knows how to overcome obstacles while giving back
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve always really enjoyed working with my hands and I knew I wanted to be a technician. I look forward to learning everything I can and being able to move up the ranks of master technician. My ultimate goal is to one day own my own shop and getting certified is going to help tremendously with those plans.”
Overcoming challenges and inspiring others to do the same
Balancing being a single mother, working and going to school can prove to be very challenging. Brennen says, “I’m always feeling like I have to prove and push myself further than everyone else because I am a female in a male dominated industry.”
“I’d like to change the way women feel about having a career in the industry and make it easier for them to pursue their dreams. I am dedicated to reaching my goals. I keep my head up, practice, study and take any experience I can to perfect my craft. Being in school for something I am passionate about has made me more confident and not afraid to work in the industry. I want my daughter to know that she can be anything she wants to be without any fears.”
Finding ways to give back
Brennen understands how important it is to be involved and give back to her community. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season she makes sure to volunteer at a local homeless shelter.
Being a single mom, Brennen cannot live on campus. Paying for rent and school expenses makes it difficult for Brennen to make ends meet.
About the scholarship
The John & Bernadette Heenan Veterans at Work Fund helps make it possible for Brennen to pay for her technical education and living expenses.
For more on how TechForce scholarships and grants support students through their technical education, visit Techforce.org/Scholarships
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Caliber Partners with TechForce and Learning Undefeated to Reach Students
Caliber Influences Future Collision Repair Technician Leaders, Partners With TechForce Foundation and Learning Undefeated to Reach Students
Experiential events highlight exciting auto body repair career opportunities and Caliber Technician Apprentice Program for high school students
November 14, 2022 – LEWISVILLE, TEXAS – The Caliber family of brands, including Caliber Collision, alongside Caliber Auto Care and Caliber Auto Glass, is highlighting its Technician Apprentice Program (TAP) and partnering with two national nonprofits, TechForce Foundation® and Learning Undefeated, both of which are dedicated to workforce development in the technician field and creation of unique STEM experiences for students from under-resourced communities. STEM Education is an educational approach which focuses on one or more of the four disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math. This collaboration features a pilot program that provides hands-on experiences, introducing high school students in Maryland and Texas to Caliber, TAP, and career possibilities where students can use the latest technology in the collision repair industry.
The pilot program runs from October through December and features both after-school and weekend events. Combining the resources of Caliber Collision centers and Learning Undefeated’s Mobile eXploration Lab (MXLab), students will receive tours, one-on-one demos and interact with experienced Caliber auto body technicians in a live shop environment. Additionally, students will learn about Caliber’s Technician Apprentice Program (TAP) and participate in fun car-related activities such as timed assembly challenges, remote control car racing and more.
“At Caliber, we are committed to inspiring all teammates to reach their full potential. Through our Technician Apprentice Program, we are influencing the next generation of auto body techs and helping students achieve their goals, as well uncover career opportunities, which they may not have previously considered, within Caliber’s supportive culture,” said Caliber President and CEO Mark Sanders. “We are excited to leverage this partnership to expose even more students, teachers and parents to Caliber and TAP.”
“This partnership is a great way to leverage the expertise of our complementary nonprofits combined with Caliber’s commitment to workforce development,” said TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher. “Using our techforce.org platform to promote and engage students, together, we’re introducing them to rewarding careers in collision repair, while leaving a lasting imprint on our communities.”
“There’s power in numbers, and this partnership will benefit thousands of students,” said Learning Undefeated CEO Brian Gaines. “Hands-on learning experiences help open students’ eyes to career possibilities and build excitement about the high-demand field of collision repair.”
About Caliber
Founded in 1997, the Caliber portfolio of brands has grown to more than 1,500 centers nationwide and features a full range of complementary automotive services, including Caliber Collision, the nation’s largest auto collision repair provider across 40 states, Caliber Auto Care for mechanical repair and quick oil change services and Caliber Auto Glass for glass repair and replacement.
Caliber was recognized as the only company of its kind to make the Forbes 2021 list of “America’s Best Large Employers,” an honor awarded to companies with high employee satisfaction. Caliber was also the only auto service provider to receive an Inc. 2021 Best in Business gold medal in the Extra Large Company (500+ employees) category, recognizing Caliber for going above and beyond to make a positive impact.
With the purpose of Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life®, Caliber’s more than 25,000 teammates are committed to getting customers back on the road safely—and back to the rhythm of their lives. Dedicated to providing an outstanding customer experience, Caliber continues to rank among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry. Learn more about Caliber at Caliber.com.
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.
About Learning Undefeated
Learning Undefeated is driving race and gender equity in STEM through experiential and deep-impact learning experiences for students from under resourced communities. Best known for its fleet of traveling STEM laboratories, Learning Undefeated’s flagship STEM education program has prepared more than 1.3 million K-12 students for STEM careers since 2003, through hands-on content exploration, game-based learning, summer camps, and talent development programs. In 2022, Learning Undefeated’s shipping container based Drop Anywhere Lab won the Best of STEM Awards in the Social Impact: Promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category. Learning Undefeated also operates several other celebrated STEM education programs including custom curriculum development and STEM disaster recovery education. Visit learningundefeated.org or follow us on social media @LearningUNDFTD.
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