Dev Admin, Author at TechForce

November 29, 2021

RELEASE: 2021 Techs Rock Category Winners & Grand Prize Vote

TechForce Foundation^® Announces Category Winners &
Opens Public Grand Prize Vote in its 3^rd Annual Techs Rock Awards^TM

Five transportation technicians recognized for outstanding
contributions as role models in their shops and in their communities

November 29, 2021 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation^® announces the Category Winners for the 2021 Techs Rock Awards and opens the Grand Prize public vote. 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. Meet the finalists and vote for the Grand Prize Winner at TechForce.org/Vote. Voting is open through 2 PM PST, Dec. 3, 2021.

Category Winners were selected from over 700 nominations by TechForce’s panel of industry judges including Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; Charles Sanville, The Humble Mechanic; Emily Reeves, Flying Sparks Garage; Steve Ford, The Car Guy; and Julia Landauer, NASCAR Driver.

Each Category Winner will receive prizes valued at more than $1,800 from TechForce partners including Ford Motor Company, CRC Industries, Snap-on Tools, Advance Auto Parts, Cengage, WD-40, and AutoZone.

One Grand Prize Winner, as selected by popular vote, will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to STX 2022 in Orlando, FL courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, along with an additional prize package valued at over $5,000 from TechForce partners CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Snap-on Tools, Advance Auto Parts, Shell, WD-40 Company, and AutoZone.

The 2021 Category Winners each represent a distinct category. The Awardees include:

Outstanding Mentor – David May, Karl Tyler Chevrolet. Shop Foreman David May mentors both professional technicians and students in his shop. He is credited with guiding many technicians into successful careers affording them a high quality of life. David says “One of the most satisfying rewards is to… see trainees be successful in their work and know that I had a hand in their success.”
Rookie of the Year – Drew Harless, Berglund Ford. Drew Harless was hired as an apprentice tech while still in high school and has been working in the shop full time since graduation. An Eagle Scout and SkillsUSA State Champion, Drew decided that college wasn’t for him once he discovered his love of cars in high school. “Every day I go to work with my mindset on learning something new… I want to show that you don’t need to go to college to be successful.”
Die Hard – Jess Anderson, Kolar Chevrolet. World Class certified tech and die-hard Chevy fan Jess Anderson strives to be the best technician in the industry. She specializes in vehicle electrical systems and has a keen knack for explaining her work to fellow technicians and customers alike. Jess says, “There is ALWAYS something new to learn or a new way to perform a repair… with all the new electric vehicle platforms coming… I’m ready for that challenge.”
Barrier Buster – Gabriel Gaumer, MHC Kenworth. Gabriel Gaumer’s colleagues describe him as a leader, one of the hardest working techs in his shop, and someone always willing to go the extra mile. He says, “I went to tech school, but also have experience in the agricultural [and] construction… industries. I am a left arm amputee and can usually perform any task given to me [but] prefer the weird electrical gremlin jobs.”
Pay it Forward – Donald Ranquist, CarMax. Donald Ranquist makes it a priority to find ways he can positively impact those around him. From serving on the CarMax Cares committee to establishing his own non-profit to heal victims of bullying through Motorsports, Donald shows those new to the industry what can be achieved as a technician. He says, “As an automotive technician I’ve developed skills that can help many people… I try and offer assistance in any way I can.”

The Techs Rock Awards are part of TechForce Foundation’s workforce development initiative to help inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. TechForce has 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 (JoinTechForce.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 technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads an industry-wide workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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November 18, 2021December 8, 2022

Under The Hood | November 2021

TOPICS IN UNDER THE HOOD FOR OCTOBER 2021:

Technician Supply & Demand Report: Updated for 2021

TechForce has released its 2021 Transportation Technician Supply & Demand Report, revealing the transportation technician shortage continues to worsen. Demand for technicians nearly doubled in the past year – from 136,503 in 2020 to 258,000 in 2021. Previously, demand outpaced supply by nearly three to one; now it is estimated to be five to one. Learn more. Download the 2021 Technician Supply & Demand Report>>

Auto & Diesel teacher wins big with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and TechForce

Congratulations to Salem High School Auto & Diesel Teacher Derek Wray, $100,000 winner in the Automotive Category of the 2021 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence!

TechForce added to Derek’s prize with a $2,500 Accelerate Tuition scholarship to be awarded to a high school senior of his choice. TechForce (center) was on-site with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (right) at Salem High School to award Derek (left) his prize. Learn more on the 2021 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence>>

Fall 2021 Terry Emig Hero Spirit Awardee

Congratulations to Brian Tsavolakis, recipient of the Fall 2021 Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award! The Award is granted each year to students who show the same grace and generosity that characterized our friend Terry Emig.

Brian will receive tuition and cash support to help with the cost of his motorcycle technician training. TechForce also congratulates runners-up Jack Boddie and Isaiah Andrews, who will receive cash support for their technical education. Apply for scholarships through TechForce’s social network>>

Students participate in Driven to Care VIP experience

John F. Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy Fund (part of the Footprints Foundation) and TechForce teamed up with the Sports Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) to host students for a day at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Students had the opportunity to see race track operations first hand, learn from Tom Lehmukhl and James Lowe, talk with race control, and go on pace laps with Ron Rigdon! Special thanks to SVRA, Circuit of the Americas and Lisa Weinberger for making the event possible. Find upcoming events and apply for scholarships through JoinTechForce.org

#WomenTechsRock – Techs Rock Grand Prize Winner Melina

GM technician Melina Algier has “dedicated [her]self to proving that women can work in the automotive industry.”

When she received the Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize in 2020 Melina had less than two years of technician experience. Yet, in that short time, she completed over 70 GM-certified courses and even moved up to training her shop’s new students and interns! Be sure to vote for the 2021 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner starting Monday 11/29>>

Meet the first-ever TechForce champion

Congratulations to UTI Orlando student Jinelee Galindez! She held the highest score after advancing through four weeks of challenges, earning her spot as the first-ever champion of TechForce’s social network along with $150 to Harbor Freight Tools and $150 Visa gift card! A big thank you to Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and Steven DeMarzio for sponsoring the contest. Find more contests here>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

Associations: Automotive Communications Council, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), American Rental Association (ARA), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), ASE Education Foundation, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), Auto Care Association/Women in Auto Care, Center for Advanced Automotive Technology (CAAT), Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement (CADIA), Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, 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, STEAM Sports Foundation and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)

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

October 28, 2021December 8, 2022

TechForce releases the 2021 Technician Supply & Demand Report

TechForce Report Reveals Demand for New Technicians
Nearly Doubled since 2020 – Estimated to Outpace Supply by 5 to 1

Supply took a big hit in 2020 from COVID while demand continued to increase Electric vehicle impact on demand negligible over next 5 years

October 28, 2021 – PHOENIX, AZ — TechForce Foundation^® has released its 2021 Transportation Technician Supply & Demand Report, revealing the transportation technician shortage continues to worsen. Demand for technicians nearly doubled in the past year – from 136,503 in 2020 to 258,000 in 2021. Last year demand outpaced supply by nearly three to one; now it is estimated to be five to one.

The 2021 Technician Supply & Demand Report supplements the Foundation’s previous reports, adjusting prior projections to reflect research from the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Energy, Vehicle Technologies Office and TechForce’s own analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Citing both increasing demand for professional techs and a declining supply of new techs entering the industry, the update concludes that the technician shortage is increasing in severity, exacerbated by the COVID driven decrease in post-secondary enrollments in 2020.

Although demand is strong, with 797,530 auto/diesel/collision techs needed between 2021 and 2025, the shortage continues to worsen. This year demand for new entrant techs is estimated at 258,000 (up from 136,503 in 2020) while 2020 post secondary completions (supply) were only 48,000. We are seeing a glimmer of hope as attitudes towards these careers are improving in part because they were deemed essential by the government. This translates to great job security. “There is no short-term immediate fix for the tech shortage because it takes time to cultivate and train new techs. However, we are seeing growing industry support and student engagement with near term solutions like the network launched earlier this year by TechForce,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce CEO.

Built to inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians, JoinTechForce.org is the first and only social network designed and gamified exclusively for professional technicians and tech students. They are using it to connect with each other, employers and schools. The transportation community is supporting it with content and using it to learn, connect, find scholarships and events, explore job opportunities while competing for prizes and leaderboard status.

According to TechForce Director Emeritus of National Initiatives Greg Settle, who authored the report, “We have done our best to make allowances for the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is clear that the long-term social and economic consequences remain unknown.”

“As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, skilled workers remain vital to our nation’s economy,” says Jerome Grant, CEO of Universal Technical Institute. “This report is informative as to the trends for emerging areas within the automotive field including some initial details on the impact of electric vehicles.”

You can download the 2021 Technician Supply & Demand Report here.

Resource Links

Infographics: https://adobe.ly/315dyDv
Download 2021 Technician Supply & Demand Report: https://info.techforcefoundation.com/en-us/supply-and-demand-report

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October 25, 2021December 8, 2022

3rd Annual Techs Rocks Awards now accepting nominations

TechForce Foundation Now Accepting Nominations
for its 3^rd Annual Techs Rock Awards^TM

Five transportation technicians to be recognized for outstanding
contributions as role models in their shops and communities

October 25, 2021 – 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. Now in its third year, the Techs Rock Awards are accepting nominations through 5 PM PDT, Nov 10, 2021. Nominate a technician today at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

Over $12,500 in prizes will be awarded:

Each Category Winner, selected by a panel of industry experts, will receive prizes valued over $1,500 from TechForce partners including Ford Motor Company, CRC Industries, Snap-on Tools, Advance Auto Parts, Cengage, WD-40 Company, and AutoZone.

The Grand Prize Winner, as chosen by popular vote, will receive additional prizes valued over $5,000 from CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Snap-on Tools, Advance Auto Parts, Shell, 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 29 – December 3, 2021.

2021 Techs Rock Award judges include Emily Reeves, Flying Sparks Garage; Charles Sanville, The Humble Mechanic; Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; Steve Ford, The Car Guy; and Julia Landauer, Julia Landauer Racing.

The previous Grand Prize Winner Melina Algier of Farnsworth Chevrolet remarked on the Techs Rock Awards, “Amazing! It’s an honor. I have dedicated myself to proving that women can work in the [transportation] industry… Thank you!”

TechForce Foundation will be releasing a 2021 update to its Technician Supply & Demand Report later this month addressing the ongoing technician shortage. Recognition programs like the Techs Rock Awards can help address the 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 Foundation’s workforce development initiative to help inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. TechForce has 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 (JoinTechForce.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.

Resource Links

48-second Overview, featuring Bogi Lateiner – YouTube: https://youtu.be/2GmxTMb4x74

2021 Techs Rock Awards Logo: https://techforce.org/wp-content/uploads/TRA-2021_Awards-Full-Logo_Dark-Text.jpeg

2021 Techs Rock Awards website: TechForce.org/TechsRock

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October 14, 2021December 8, 2022

Under The Hood | October 2021

2021 Techs Rock Awards are less than 2 weeks away!

We’re excited to announce nominations for the 3^rd annual Techs Rock Awards will be open from 10/25/2021 to 11/10/21! Help us celebrate the nation’s most accomplished transportation technicians. Submit nominations starting Monday 10/25 at TechForce.org/TechsRock!

Help spread the word in the meantime by sharing the flyers in the “Free Marketing” section of the TechForce I-HUB Resource Portal>>

TODAY: Learn all about this amazing ride with Stacey David

Don’t miss today’s exclusive, free online event! Spend some time with the one and only Stacey David, TV Host & Car Builder, as he gives a personal walkaround of his 1967 Mercury Cougar. The event is hosted by Mecum Auction and TechForce Foundation, and will be streamed live from Mecum Chattanooga. Tune in today Thursday, Oct 14 at 6 PM EDT/ 3 PM PDT here>>

Don’t miss a single free, exciting event! Join TechForce’s social network>>

Students participate in Driven to Care VIP experience at Autobahn

John F. Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy Fund (part of the Footprints Foundation) and TechForce teamed up to host more than 20 students for a day at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois. Students were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and garages, speakers who shared information on automotive and racing technician careers, and given hot laps around the track. Special thanks to Autobahn, Lisa Weinberger and Continental Motors for making the event possible. Find upcoming events and apply for scholarships through JoinTechForce.org

Brush up with training in TechForce’s social network

Can you easily explain how an electrical system works? Are you up to date on hybrid engines? Do you know how automated vehicles stay on the road? Stay up to date on advancing vehicle technology with free training from Advance Auto Parts, Cengage, Shell, WD-40, GM and other TechForce partners. Simply join TechForce’s peer network to get started>>

Marine Corps veteran receives Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award

Congratulations to the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award winner, Luis Menjivar Diaz! A United States Marine Corps veteran, Luis has overcome every challenge life has thrown at him, never missing an opportunity to give back along the way. TechForce is proud to help him pursue his dream of becoming a Master Technician.

Learn how TechForce scholarships can help you with your technician training at JoinTechForce.org

Compete against other TechForce members with trivia & contests

Climb the leaderboard in TechForce’s social network by playing trivia, competing in contests and more! Your point totals will be shown against other users in the network. You could even be named the next TechForce champion! Join the only social network built for aspiring and working techs to get started >>

#WomenTechsRock – “Alright let’s get this done”

“I’m always learning stuff, it’s exciting… [everyone around me] is very proud of me.” GM technician
Brooke Fabian loves what she does, and knows the power of believing in yourself. Hear Brooke’s story in this week’s #WomenTechsRock interview>>

Would you or a technician you know like to be featured in our #WomenTechsRock interview series? Let us know>>

TechForce salutes 10 Missions Media on the ADAPT Summit

TechForce recognizes our partner 10 Missions Media for organizing the ADAPT: Automotive Technology Summit (Dec 5-7, 2021) to support independent shops. The Summit is a forum for the automotive aftermarket that gives the resources, knowledge and strategies to overcome the obstacles you’ll face moving forward. Learn more about ADAPT>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

September 22, 2021December 8, 2022

Under The Hood | September 2021

TOPICS IN UNDER THE HOOD FOR SEPTEMBER 2021:

Thank you to all who shared their “Because I’m a Tech…” story

We asked and you answered! Thank you to every transportation technician who shared what they have been able to accomplish because they’re a tech. TechForce reached tens of millions of Americans with accurate representations of technician careers as the secure, high-tech, “new collar” careers that they are. Help correct misperceptions held by people in your circle by sharing our Ultimate Guide to Transportation Technician Careers>>

Nominations for the 2021 Techs Rock Awards open next month

We’re excited to announce nominations for the 3^rd annual Techs Rock Awards will be open from 10/25/2021 to 11/10/21! Help us celebrate the nation’s most accomplished transportation technicians. Spread the word to drive nominations by sharing the flyers, ads and other assets in the “FutureTech Success^® Free Marketing” section of the TechForce I-HUB Resource Portal>>

Women Techs Rock: Josie’s story proves the value of mentorship

Meet Josie Whitlock, a technician with Matt’s Automotive Service Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Josie’s time at Matt’s is proof that a shop’s culture starts at the top. The owner makes respect a top priority, even going so far as to refuse customers who don’t want a woman to work on their car! The result? A shop that fully accepts women techs. Read Josie’s full interview to learn more>>

See where TechForce’s Career Hub can take you

With the Career Hub in TechForce’s network, you can create and manage your resume and find the right job for you! Whether you’re looking to get your start or searching for the next step in your career, you will find what you need with Career Hub in TechForce’s network. Create your free account or log in to get started>>

Part II: Technician and shop owner Luke Walker pays it forward

TechForce’s blog introduced readers to Luke Walker, an energetic and highly motivated entrepreneur in Columbus, Ohio who built a fledging one-stall independent shop into a well-oiled machine. This month, we continue his incredible story by sharing how Luke is giving back and supporting students in his community>>

TechForce is the place to find events

Are you looking for something to do? Check out the events tab in TechForce’s social network. Whether you want to make industry connections, learn, or just have fun TechForce has something for you! Log in to explore events like UTI’s free Power & Performance Workshop at JoinTechForce.org>>

Pursuing your passion with TechForce scholarships

Congratulations to diesel technician student Derrick Graham on receiving a TechForce Foundation scholarship! Derrick says, “I have loved semi-trucks for as long as I can remember. I wanted to learn as much about them as I could. My passion is the diesel engine.” Sound like you? Find a career that fits with scholarships, e-learning and resources through TechForce’s network>>

Bring the repair bay into the classroom with T2U!

Tomorrow’s Technician University (T2U) is a free, interactive learning management system designed for high school and college-level students in technical programs. Registered instructors and students gain access to hours of instructional videos, quizzes and tests produced by both ASE certified technicians and leading automotive aftermarket brands. New courses are added monthly, with topics ranging from data bus diagnostic and meter usage to hybrid repair. See current T2U course offerings here>>

Something fun… What song lyrics best describe your ride?

We know some of our favorite songs are all about working in the garage, racing with our friends, or just cruising down the highway. We want to hear yours! Tell us what your favorite song lyrics about your vehicle is for a chance to win points in the TechForce network. Enter the contest at JoinTechForce.org>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

Josie Whitlock | Woman Technician | TechForce

September 15, 2021December 8, 2022

Women Techs Rock: Josie Whitlock proves the value of good mentorship

This technician spotlight is published as part of TechForce Foundation’s diversity initiatives. Help us find other women technicians to highlight in Women Techs Rock. Get started at TechForce.org/WomenTechStories

Women Techs Rock Highlight

Name: Josie Whitlock
Employer: Matt’s Automotive Service Center
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
School: North Dakota State College of Science

Who is Josie Whitlock?

In any career – or any endeavor, for that matter – a great support system is key to success. Fortunately, Josie Whitlock has had the support of friends, family, and instructors throughout her education and career as an Automotive Technician.

Josie’s first taste of an automotive career was in high school, when she worked in a tire shop. While she loved her time there, she envisioned a career in the military, which unfortunately wasn’t in the cards. Recalling the auto shop classes she enjoyed in high school, she enrolled at North Dakota State College of Science, where she found a community of like-minded and supportive instructors, administrators, and peers, devoid of the sexism that so many up-and- coming women techs experience.

Graduating with an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Automotive Technology, Josie started her career in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, before moving to Fargo, North Dakota, and Matt’s Automotive Service Center. And what a great move it was.

At Matt’s, she’s found an owner and mentor who is not only a master mechanic who leads in-house training, but who also makes respect a top priority. He even goes so far as to do personality testing before hiring, to ensure that the shop remains a drama-free and support-heavy environment. And when there’s a customer who refuses to have their car serviced by a woman? Matt sends them down the road. It’s support like this that makes Josie believe that those old stereotypes are changing. She’s worked with women service writers, lube techs, and full-service techs, and works among a group that fully accepts her and her role in the industry. In fact, applications to “Women Techs Rock!” were submitted by most, if not all, of her male co-workers.

That’s the kind of support to build a career on.

Q & A:

Where do you want to take your career?

“I want to learn more about electronics to be able to do advanced diagnostics and recalibration of safety systems.”

What is your near- and long-term vision for yourself?

“I want to stay with Matt’s. They’re family-oriented with great growth potential and plenty of ongoing training to stay current.”

Was you family behind your career choice?

“Mom wasn’t sure if this was a good choice and thought a four-year program would be best. She’s a lawyer. But after I got started and she said that I was thriving and doing well, she changed her mind.”

What advice would you give a young woman?

“Find your confidence! Know when to speak up and how to deal with adversity. It’s not something they teach in school and it’s a lesson worth learning young. Also, don’t stir the pot unnecessarily. If you have an issue, try to resolve it on your own first.”

Do you have a personal mantra?

“Be the reason someone smiles today.”

September 1, 2021

Women Techs Rock: EV tech Allison Donohoo works on the cutting edge of transportation

Women Techs Rock Highlight

Name: Allison Donohoo
Employer: Crest Volvo
Age: 23
Location: Frisco, Texas
School: Universal Technical Institute

Who is Allison Donohoo?

Like a lot of techs, Allison Donohoo’s interest in the automotive field started with her family. It was a shared love of NASCAR – the speed, the sounds, the smells of the races – that first sparked what would become a lifelong fascination with all thing technical – especially engines.

While she didn’t grow up around people who worked on cars, when high school came around and she needed to keep her car running, she took to tinkering. Self-motivated and undaunted by the challenge of learning something new, Allison largely taught herself the way around a garage. Combining that experience with a love of electronics and robotics, she naturally gravitated toward becoming a tech, studying both automotive and diesel at UTI (Universal Technical Institute).

Eventually dropping the diesel portion of her education, she graduated and quickly found herself as the first woman service technician – EV/Hybrid certified – at the family-owned Crest Volvo in Frisco, Texas. And while she experienced the same kind of difficulties many women find in male-dominated professions, she found that once she had the opportunity to prove herself to her co-working techs, she was welcomed as an equal part of an outstanding team.

Now, she’s writing a new chapter to her story, taking on the role of Volvo Technical Training Instructor for the Volvo SAFE Program with Calibre in South Carolina. From a self-taught tinkerer to a full-fledged teacher, we can’t wait to see who she inspires to follow in her footsteps.

Q & A:

What’s the hardest part of being a woman tech?

“You have to work harder to gain trust and you have to work smarter. It isn’t about the hours put in; it’s about the outcomes and the customer.”

Tell us about a memorable moment when you were treated differently as a women tech.

“At UTI, an instructor gave me a hard time throughout the class, but apologized when I got a perfect score. I also had a student asked me if I was there looking for a husband. ‘Nope,’ I said. ‘I’m looking for a career!’”

What do you tell yourself when something gets tough?

“You can be scared to do anything, but so what? If you’re scared, do it anyway!”

What do you think it will take to get more women into the tech profession?

“You have to really want it. You should have passion and you don’t need to think about yourself any differently because you’re a woman.”

August 26, 2021December 8, 2022

RELEASE: “Because I’m a Tech…” 2021 shares technicians’ stories of successful and secure careers

TechForce Foundation^® Shares Technician Stories and Career Guide
to Correct Misperceptions of Transportation Tech Careers

New resources now available on the only social network
dedicated to aspiring and working transportation techs

August 26, 2021 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation®, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has launched its national “Because I’m a Tech…” campaign featuring a diverse group of technicians sharing their stories of successful and secure careers. TechForce celebrates the campaign with the release of its updated Ultimate Guide to Transportation Technician Careers – TechForce.org/CareerGuide.

Transportation technology is critical to the American economy, and the demand for technicians is surging. Yet, many students planning their futures and individuals considering career changes don’t realize the opportunities and the potential for success as transportation techs. Often underestimated as “blue collar,” or “grease monkey” jobs, today’s technicians are actually high-tech “new collar” workers who depend on their computer skills and fluency with the latest technology.

“A modern car runs on approximately 100 million lines of computer code, more than twice that of the NASA space shuttle,” says Jennifer Maher, CEO & Executive Director for TechForce Foundation. “Now, with electric vehicles set to become more common than ever before, the list of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills transportation techs need continues to grow. These are skilled, well-paying, technical jobs that literally keep America rolling.”

To correct this misperception TechForce and its industry partners are sharing stories and resources to showcase accurate representations of technician careers. TechForce invites techs to join in by posting on social media and completing the phrase “Because I’m Tech…” with the accomplishments, lifestyle and other things they enjoy thanks to their technician career.

TechForce has also created the first and only social network designed and gamified for tech students and professional technicians to connect with each other, schools, industry and employers (JoinTechForce.org). The social network features the Ultimate Guide to Transportation Tech Careers and other resources, opportunities for career exploration, scholarships, free technical training and events. The online platform also connects schools with industry resources.

The TechForce social network is evolving and growing every day, with thousands of students, instructors and working techs using this innovative resource. TechForce was able to launch the gamified site in the midst of COVID to meet the rising demand for virtual training and social connectivity. The transportation community is both supporting it with content and using it to learn, connect, find scholarships and events, and explore job opportunities while competing for prizes and leaderboard status.

For additional information about secure, successful careers in transportation technology, visit jointechforce.org.

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads an industry-wide workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

Links

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August 25, 2021

Women Techs Rock: How college grad Hannah Lutrey found her purpose in the world of forklifts

Women Techs Rock Highlight

Name: Hannah Lutrey
Employer: Doosan Industrial Vehicle America Corporation
Age: 33
Location: Duluth, Georgia
School: Gwinnett Technical College; Randolph College

Who is Hannah Lutrey?

Hannah Lutrey always considered herself a gearhead – a fan of cars and motorcycles, with an interest in how things work – but she never imagined that she’d find herself working in the world of forklifts.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and aiming for a career of helping others, like many of us, Hannah found that life has a funny way of steering toward another direction. She found herself working as a warranty administrator for PAI Industries in Suwanee, Georgia. She was – as she says – “thrown into the deep end,” working as part of the failure analysis process, writing denial reports, and working with suppliers to make product improvements based on claim discoveries. However, she soon grew tired of not fully understanding what techs were talking about.

The solution? Gwinnett Technical College and the Heavy Duty Diesel Service Technician Certification Program. With an employer that allowed her time to go to school and an instructor who was hugely supportive (they’re still in touch), she was not only the first woman to apply for the program, but also the first to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. And, she’s proud to say, without any student debt.

Looking to expand her career beyond what PAI could offer, she was introduced to Doosan Industrial Vehicle America Corporation at a career fair and was hired as a Product Support Representative – the first woman to hold a tech position there. Now, she helps technicians troubleshoot problems in the field, provides support to regional representatives, and assists with warranty parts returns and analysis. While she looks forward to working more closely with dealers in a regional position, she loves her job, thanks to the supportive people she gets to work with. And yes, because she’s a specialist in the installation for specific forklift parts, she still gets to pick up a wrench now and again.

Q & A:

Do people give you a hard time because you’re a woman?

“Once, a man called for tech support and wouldn’t speak to me. I don’t dwell on it though. I won’t let a fool affect what I do.”

What would you tell other women considering this profession?

“It’s very rewarding, but you have to really love it to make it. Is Doosan ready for more women techs? Yes! We hear that Cummins engines wants more women on staff because they’re more detail-oriented.”

What mantra do you use when things get challenging?

“Just keep going. Deep breath. You can’t change stupid.”

What is your dream form of transportation?

“A 1930 round-body pickup with a wood bed, a Cummins small-block engine, and Allison automatic transmission. Or a split-windshield Studebaker pickup. Or a 6-speed Mini Clubman.”