FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner | The Humble Mechanic Partners With TechForce | Scholarship: Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award | WD-40 Virtual Event | SunState Continues To Support TechForce | Donate Your Car To Support Technicians | TechForce Peer Network | TMCSuperTech Augmented Reality Game | Cars Yeah! Podcast with Jen Maher | Garage Guru Scholarship Available.
2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner
Congratulations to 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner Zander Worm, representing the Motorsports category of the Awards. Zander is a high-school student from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, who is determined to one day lead Chevrolet’s Corvette team.
2021 was the biggest FutureTechs Rock Awards yet, and we thank everyone who made this year’s Awards possible. Students were nominated from 39 states, 40% of this year’s finalists and runners up were women and more than $14,500 in prizes are being distributed. Learn more about the Awards and this year’s winners here>>
The Humble Mechanic joins the workforce development campaign
TechForce Foundation is excited to welcome Charles Sanville, AKA The Humble Mechanic as our newest celebrity ambassador! Charles Sanville is a certified Master Volkswagen Technician with over 10 years of experience. The Humble Mechanic YouTube channel features informative, accessible and fun videos about cars, parts and the technician career. Learn more about The Humble Mechanic here>>
Scholarship Highlight: Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award Winner
Congratulations to Hunter Nelson, the most recent recipient of the Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award! An Eagle Scout and UTI student, Hunter plans to use his automotive technology education to become a Porsche technician.
Learn more about TechForce Foundation scholarships and start your application in our peer network today at JoinTechForce.org>>
Virtual Event: WD-40 CEO to discuss impact of learning organizations on 5/26
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from CEO and Chairman of the WD-40 Company Garry Ridge and world renowned executive coach Dr. Marshall Goldsmith on May 26 at 1:30 PM EDT/ 10:30 AM PDT!
These industry leaders will host a webinar explaining how WD-40 Company evolved into a learning organization, and how learning moments can drive positive changes in your organization. The event is hosted by TechForce partners WD-40 Company and S/P2 Training, as well as the American Safety Council. Learn more and register here>>
TechForce Foundation thanks Sunstate Equipment, a long-time partner in our workforce development campaign, for their recent donation. Sunstate’s contribution includes $25,000 in support of TechForce’s general mission, and an additional $10,000 to fund our veteran-specific programs. Learn more about Sunstate Equipment here>>
Support technician students: Donate your vehicle to TechForce
Donate your car, RV or boat to TechForce Foundation to support students in their education and careers as professional auto, diesel, collision, aviation, and other transportation technicians. Your car donation will fund the technical education and careers of future technicians. Donate a car, RV, boat or other vehicle today by calling 1-877-957-2277 or clicking here>>
Join the world’s only peer network dedicated to future and working technicians
Are you on TechForce yet? Experience the world’s first and only peer network 100% dedicated to future and working technicians! Connect with other students, educators and working techs, compete in daily trivia and other fun challenges, and find events, trainings, scholarships and more. Join TechForce today>>
TMC releases augmented reality game to attract new technicians
TMCSuperTech is an augmented reality game that lets you progress through a career as a technician in the trucking industry. Start as a trainee and level up to full-time tech to customize the trucks in your garage. Do your job and do it well, and you will graduate from Full-Time Technician to the Owner of the shop itself! Learn about the app>>
Catch up with TechForce Foundation on the CarsYeah! Podcast
Have you heard TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher’s interview on the Cars Yeah! Podcast? Listen to catch up on some exciting updates from TechForce Foundation, including how you can join the world’s first peer network for future and working technicians. Listen here>>
Thank you to WrenchNation’s Frank Leutz and Desert Car Care
TechForce Foundation staff recently dropped by to say thank you to WrenchNation host Frank Leutz and the entire Desert Car Care of Chandler team for their outstanding support. TechForce joined Desert Car Care for lunch, a tour of the shop and to brainstorm ways to further serve student technicians. Learn more about Wrench Nation here>>
Reminder: Garage Guru Scholarships closing 5/31
Garage Gurus’ has extended the deadline for their annual scholarship through May 31, 2021. The scholarship is open to high school and post-secondary students pursuing an automotive technician education. Twelve students will be awarded up to $2,500 each to help support their educational expenses! Learn more and apply 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, 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)
For more news on TechForce Foundation, follow us on social media at the links below!
TechForce Foundation® Announces 2021 FutureTechs Rock AwardsTM Grand Prize Winner
Ten transportation technician students recognized for outstanding
contributions as role models at school and in their communities
May 11, 2021 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation announces the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner is Zander Worm, a high school senior from Copper Country Intermediate School District in Hancock, MI. As a nonprofit dedicated to helping student techs achieve their professional dreams, TechForce created this prestigious award to honor our student technician community and recognize those who have a promising future and will shape the transportation industry. To learn more about the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards visit TechForce.org/FutureTechsRock.
Zander was selected as the Motorsports Category Winner by a panel of industry expert judges. His instructors describe his curiosity and interest in vehicles as profound. He regularly asks more information than the course requires, and spends time helping his classmates understand the material. A two time regional SkillsUSA winner, Zander is determined to one day lead Chevrolet’s Corvette team.
“I have been committed to the automotive industry as a whole my entire life,” says Zander. “I’ve been repairing or modifying my personal [1977] Corvette for the past three years and have been able to relate everything I learn with that to autotech and vice versa. I’ve rebuilt a 4-speed transmission from a bunch of scrap parts and swapped it into my originally automatic equipped Corvette. I’ve also used my autotech experience to design a rig and test a few cylinder head designs for my senior project. I swapped the best performing heads onto my Corvette. I’ve also replaced engines on a few personal vehicles in order to make a profit on sale. I love everything automotive and I’m determined to lead our industry into the future.”
During the May 3-7, 2021 People’s Choice public voting, TechForce followers cast thousands of votes among10 national Category Winnerswho were selected from more than 400 technician students by a panel of expert judges. This year’s nominees represented more than 75 unique schools in 39 states, including at least 32 high schools and 43 post-secondary schools. Over 40% of the 2021 Category Winners and runner ups were women, a significant proportion when considering only 3% of professional technicians are women.
Zander secured the largest number of votes and has been named the Grand Prize Winner, earning a $1,000 TechForce Foundation tuition scholarship and $1,500 in prizes from TechForce sponsors including training and prizes from Advance Auto Parts, a Smart Parts Washer from CRC Industries, a gift card from AutoZone and an iPad Air from Ford Motor Company.
Diesel On-Road Category Winner Brooklyn Booth received the second-largest number of votes, a significant accomplishment. All 10 Category Winners including Zander and Brooklyn will receive prizes valued over $1,200 from TechForce partners including WD-40, AutoZone, Ford Motor Company, Cengage Learning, Advance Auto Parts, FedEx Freight and CRC Industries.
The 2021 finalists each represented a distinct technical education discipline. The Category Winners include:
Automotive – Jana Warnke, Clover Park Technical College
Aviation – Alexander Fernandez, St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Collision Repair – Alfonso Porter, Universal Technical Institute Houston
Diesel Off-Road – Wyatt Brink, Meridian High School
Diesel On-Road (Grand Prize Runner Up) – Brooklyn Booth, Great Oaks High School Live Oaks Campus
Marine and Watercraft – Aaliyah Hickey, Chattanooga State Community College
Motorcycle & ATV – Frederick Wooten, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Phoenix
Motorsports (Grand Prize Winner) – Zander Worm, Copper Country Intermediate School District
Restoration – Justin Arace, Central Carolina Community College
Welding & CNC – Martin Witt, Universal Technical Institute Long Beach
The FutureTechs Rock Awards are part of TechForce Foundation’s workforce development initiative to help inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. 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 onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.
Finalists were selected from eligible nominations by industry expert judges. Each will receive prizes valued over $1,200 from TechForce partners including WD-40, AutoZone, Ford Motor Company, Cengage Learning, Advance Auto Parts, FedEx Freight and CRC Industries. The Grand Prize Winner as chosen by this week’s public vote will also receive a $1,000 TechForce Scholarship and additional prizes valued over $1,500, including additional training and prizes from Advance Auto Parts, a Smart Parts Washer from CRC Industries, a gift card from AutoZone and an iPad Air from Ford Motor Company.
TechForce Foundation® Announces Finalists and Opens Public Grand Prize Vote in its 2021 FutureTechs Rock AwardsTM
Ten transportation technician students to be recognized for outstanding
contributions as role models at school and in their communities
May 3, 2021 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation® announces the finalists for the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards and opens the Grand Prize public vote. As a nonprofit dedicated to helping student techs achieve their professional dreams, TechForce created this prestigious award to honor our student community and recognize those who have a promising future and will shape the transportation industry. Meet the finalists and vote for the Grand Prize Winner at: TechForce.org/Vote. Voting is open through 11AM PDT, May 7, 2021.
Finalists were selected from eligible nominations by industry expert judges. Each will receive prizes valued over $1,200 from TechForce partners including WD-40, AutoZone, Ford Motor Company, Cengage Learning, Advance Auto Parts, FedEx Freight and CRC Industries. The Grand Prize Winner as chosen by this week’s public vote will also receive a $1,000 TechForce Scholarship and additional prizes valued over $1,500, including additional training and prizes from Advance Auto Parts, a Smart Parts Washer from CRC Industries, a gift card from AutoZone and an iPad Air from Ford Motor Company.
The 2021 finalists each represent a distinct technical education discipline. The Awards finalists include:
Automotive – Jana Warnke, Clover Park Technical College. Jana’s dream has always been to become an automotive technician, but she was discouraged from pursuing it her entire life. Now, after 18 years of raising a family through her husband’s military deployments and a recent battle with a serious illness, Jana will be graduating technical school at the top of her class later this year.
Aviation – Alexander Fernandez, St. Lucie West Centennial High School. Alexander earned 8 ASE certifications and the Yamaha ITOS certification this academic year, the most ever held by a student in his county. He has enlisted in the United States Navy as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, where he will earn experience and licenses that will one day launch his civilian aviation technician career.
Collision Repair – Alfonso Porter, Universal Technical Institute Houston. Alfonso couldn’t decide on a career after his military service, until someone asked him “What would you do even if you weren’t paid?” He instantly knew he wanted to work on cars, and has overcome hardships including the 2021 Texas winter storm to pursue his technician career. Alfonso plans to one day open a shop of his own.
Diesel Off-Road – Wyatt Brink, Meridian High School. Wyatt has a passion for transportation. He has taken every shop class his school offers, works as a mechanic’s assistant and also participates in Future Farmers of America Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems competitions. Wyatt placed 7th in Washington State’s individual competition, and his team won the state and placed 8th nationally.
Diesel On-Road – Brooklyn Booth, Great Oaks High School Live Oaks Campus. Brooklyn has spent her senior year of high school working at a local Ford dealership, and is set to start an apprenticeship with one of the shop’s Master Diesel Technicians after she graduates this spring. Brooklyn has already earned a number of certifications, and plans to attend a Ford ASSET program after her apprenticeship.
Marine and Watercraft – Aaliyah Hickey, Chattanooga State Community College. Aaliyah is making waves, even in the first semester of school. She placed 2nd in her state’s SkillsUSA competition, and is described by her instructors as “one of the most dedicated students,” who “refuses to quit and keeps moving forward.” Aaliyah’s goal is to open a marine and motorcycle shop of her own.
Motorcycle & ATV – Frederick Wooten, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Phoenix. Frederick is opening a new chapter in his life as a motorcycle technician. A disabled veteran, Frederick plans to use his technician training to open an independent motorcycle repair business. He also has a passion for supporting others, and aspires to help other disabled veterans enter motorcycle technician careers.
Motorsports – Zander Worm, Copper Country Intermediate School District. Zander’s instructors describe his curiosity and interest in vehicles as “profound.” He regularly asks more information than the course requires, and spends time helping his classmates understand the material. A two time regional SkillsUSA winner, Zander is determined to one day become the Chief Engineer of Corvette.
Restoration – Justin Arace, Central Carolina Community College. Justin holds a Bachelor’s degree in mathematical engineering, but after working a desk job he decided that career was not for him. Instead, Justin opted to go back to school to pursue his lifelong passion for automotive restoration. Justin plans to become a master restoration technician, and one day even own a shop of his own.
Welding & CNC – Martin Witt, Universal Technical Institute Long Beach. Martin is a determined individual committed to becoming an automotive welding technician. After a career as an executive producer Martin made the decision to reinvent himself, learn a new skill, and pursue his dream of designing and building custom cars at his own shop.
The FutureTechs Rock Awards are part of TechForce Foundation’s workforce development initiative to help inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. 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 onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.
FutureTechs Rock Awards | Join TechForce’s Peer Network | John Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy Scholarship | Harbor Freight Teacher Excellence Prize | New Partners: CADIA & STEAM Sports Foundations | TechForce Scholarship | NC3 and SkillsUSA signing days
Nominate a student for the FutureTechs Rock Awards | Deadline April 20
Over $14,500 in prizes are up for grabs in TechForce’s 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards! Anyone can nominate a student. Self-nominations are accepted. Ten finalists will be chosen by a panel of industry judges, and one student will go on to win the Grand Prize based on a public vote.
Take five minutes to nominate an outstanding transportation technician student. Nominations close this Tuesday April 20, so act today! Nominate a student for the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards>>
Join the world’s only peer network dedicated to future and working technicians
Are you on TechForce yet? Experience the world’s first and only peer network 100% dedicated to future and working technicians! Connect with other students, educators and working techs, compete in daily trivia and other fun challenges, and find events, trainings, scholarships and more. Join TechForce today>>
Apply for John Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy
Scholarships by April 30
The family of renowned automotive enthusiast, racer, and entrepreneur John Weinberger has teamed up with TechForce to offer a variety of scholarships.
The John Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy Scholarships support students with awards of up to $10,000 across a broad spectrum of automotive career disciplines. Per TechForce procedure, students must submit an Accelerate Tuition application and will be considered for all possible awards. Don’t miss out! Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply before the April 30 deadline here>>
Apply for the 2021 Prize for Teaching Excellence by May 21
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools announced that applications are now open for its fifth annual Prize for Teaching Excellence. The prize will award over $1 million to 18 outstanding public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs. To apply before the May 21, 2021 deadline head to HFTforSchoolsPrize.org>>
TechForce welcomes CADIA & STEAM Sports Foundation as Association Partners
TechForce is excited to partner with Center for Automotive Diversity & Inclusion and Advancement (CADIA) in pursuit of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. CADIA is a non-profit that seeks to double the number of diverse leaders in automotive by providing diversity, equity and inclusion tools, networks, insights and practical advice to companies in the auto-mobility space. Learn more here>>
TechForce also welcomes STEAM Sports Foundation as an Association Partner in our workforce development campaign. The Foundation is dedicated to showing tomorrow’s workforce career opportunities available via science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). Learn more about STEAM Sports Foundation here>>
TechForce scholarships help students pursue their passion
“With three generations of close family that work on cars, I became passionate about their engineering and mechanics at a young age,” says Cody, a college-level technician student and TechForce Foundation scholarship recipient.
TechForce is proud to support passionate students like Cody with tuition scholarships. Learn how TechForce’s scholarships can help you achieve your education goals and apply here>>
Celebrate technician careers with NC3 and SkillsUSA signing days
National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)’s National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day is this Thursday, April 15. This day is dedicated to high school students who are making a commitment to technical education. Learn how you can celebrate your fellow students and the dignity of work>>
SkillsUSA National Signing Day will be held on Tuesday, May 4 to celebrate high school seniors and college/post-secondary students who have chosen to pursue a career as a professional in any of the skilled trades. Learn how you can get involved 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), 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: Lyn St. James (IndyCar), Bogi Lateiner (Girl Gang Garage), Steve Johnson (Steve Johnson Racing – NHRA) and Julia Landauer (Julia Landauer Racing – NASCAR)
For more news on TechForce Foundation, follow us on social media at the links below!
Ten transportation technician students to be recognized for outstanding contributions as role models at school and in their communities
TechForce Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for its 3rd Annual FutureTechs Rock AwardsTM
Ten transportation technician students to be recognized for outstanding contributions as role models at school and in their communities
April 6, 2021 — SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation’s® annual FutureTechs Rock Awards season has begun. TechForce created this prestigious award to honor aspiring technicians and recognize those students with a promising future in the transportation industry. Now in its third year, the FutureTechs Rock Awards are accepting nominations through 4 PM PDT, April 20, 2021. Nominate a future technician today at TechForce.org/FutureTechsRock.
Nearly $15,000 in scholarships and prizes will be awarded:
Each category finalist, selected by a panel of industry experts, will receive prizes valued over $1,200 from TechForce partners including AutoZone, Ford Motor Company, Cengage Learning, Advance Auto Parts, FedEx Freight and CRC Industries.
The Grand Prize Winner, as chosen by popular vote, will receive a $1,000 TechForce Foundation scholarship and additional prizes valued over $1,500 from Advance Auto Parts, CRC Industries, AutoZone and Ford Motor Company.
Students will be considered for one of ten categories depending on their academic program’s focus, including Automotive, Diesel On-Road and Off-Road, Motorcycle/ATV, Marine/Watercraft, Aviation, Restoration, Motorsports, Collision Repair and Welding/CNC.
A panel of industry experts will select one finalist from each of the ten categories. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the slate of finalists via a People’s Choice Public Vote, to be held May 3-7, 2021.
Past winners have remarked on the FutureTechs Rock Awards, “Just being nominated means so much… This experience encourages me to do my best… It’s a great feeling to know that other people recognize my hard work.” Meet last year’s winners here.
The FutureTechs Rock Awards are part of TechForce Foundation’s workforce development initiative to help inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. 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.
TechForce Peer Network | FutureTechs Rock Awards | Vaughn Gittin Jr Shout Out To TechForce | SkillsUSA Restoring Cars | Reviews About TechForce’s Peer Network| Greg Settle To Retire | Jessi Combs Legacy | NCAT & Wrench Nation Partners With TechForce | FREE Training & eLearning Videos | Garage Guru’s Scholarship | Submit Events In TechForce Peer Network
Join the first ever peer network exclusively for future and working technicians
TechForce Foundation has launched the world’s first and only peer network 100% dedicated to future and working transportation technicians! Join to connect with other students, educators and working techs, compete in daily trivia and other fun challenges, and find events, trainings, scholarships and more. Learn more about TechForce’s peer network today>>
Coming soon: 2021 FutureTechsTM Rock Awards
Our annual competition recognizing outstanding transportation technician students kicks off next week! Over $13,000 in prizes will be awarded to 10 exceptional students in the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards. Nominations open April 6. Learn more here>>
Thank you to Shell Pennzoil for lining up shout-out from Vaughn Gittin, Jr.
A special thank you to Shell Pennzoil for helping line up this great introduction to TechForce’s peer network from professional fun-haver Vaughn Gittin, Jr! Watch and share the shout-out here>>
SkillsUSA champion finds rewarding career restoring high-end cars
From a young age, Ben Falconer enjoyed all things automotive. His passion was born while working with his father on small engines in their home garage, and eventually led him to back to back “best in the nation” awards for Automotive Refinishing at the 2015 and 2016 SkillsUSA national competitions. Today you can find him working to restore Ferraris, Maseratis, Alfa Romeos and Porshes. Read Ben’s inspiring story here>>
Hear what people are saying about TechForce’s peer network
Students, instructors and working technicians love TechForce’s peer network. Here’s what some had to say:
“It’s a great way to connect students with the industry…” “Engaging, interactive and a great learning resource all in one…” “Really like the gamification…” “Gave you information you didn’t know you needed…”
Longtime TechForce staff member and visionary Greg Settle to retire
Long-time TechForce staff member Greg Settle will officially retire on March 31, 2021. Greg joined TechForce in 2014, helping to expand our mission to tackle the technician shortage by co-founding the FutureTech Success initiative and serving as much of the brains behind the new TechForce’s peer network. Hats off and our deepest thanks to Greg and all his years of service to TechForce.
How Jessi Combs’s legacy is still inspiring women to take up automotive trades
Jessi Combs made a career of breaking barriers in automotive trades and empowering other women to do the same. Although the world lost Jessi Combs in 2019, the women she inspired are carrying her legacy forward. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month by learning more about the women technicians breaking the garage’s glass ceiling>>
TechForce welcomes Wrench Nation as a Media Partner
TechForce welcomes Wrench Nation Car Talk Radio Show and Podcast as a Media Partner in the campaign to build the next generation of transportation technicians. Learn more about Wrench Nation here>>
TechForce welcomes NCAT as an Association Partner
TechForce Foundation welcomes the National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT) as an Association Partner in the workforce development campaign! Learn more about NCAT here>>
Discover free training, e-learning and more to jump start your technician career
Level up your skills with training from transportation industry leaders. Join TechForce’s peer network to access simulations and short, easy to digest tutorials to help you stay on top of advancing vehicle technology. Log in or create your profile and select “Training” to get started>>
Closing 4/15 – Diesel technician scholarships from American Trucking Associations
ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) and the Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC) are proud to offer many scholarships to support future fleet maintenance technicians and supervisors. Click here to learn more and apply>>
Closing 4/30 – Garage Gurus’ scholarship for high school and post-secondary students
Garage Gurus’ annual scholarship is accepting applications now through April 30, 2021. The scholarship is open to high school and post-secondary students pursuing an automotive technician education. Twelve students will be awarded up to $2,500 each to help support their educational expenses! Learn more and apply here>>
Find and submit events through TechForce’s peer network
Join TechForce’s peer network to discover upcoming webinars, races, conferences and more transportation related events. You can even help other members discover great events by submitting them to the TechForce! Log in or create your profile at JoinTechForce.org and select “Events” from the main menu to get started>>
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), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)
Celebrities: Lyn St. James (IndyCar), Bogi Lateiner (Girl Gang Garage), Steve Johnson (Steve Johnson Racing – NHRA) and Julia Landauer (Julia Landauer Racing – NASCAR)
For more news on TechForce Foundation, follow us on social media at the links below!
TechForce Peer Network Launch | FutureTechs Rock Awards 2021 | Vaughan Gittin Jr. Give Shout-Out To TechForce | TechForce Scholarship | TMC Diesel Scholarship | Reviews About The New TechForce Peer Network | Garage Gurus Scholarship | Submit Events To TechForce Peer Network | Jessi Combs Women’s History Month | FREE Training & e-Learning Via TechForce Peer Network
Join the first ever peer network exclusively for future and working technicians
TechForce Foundation has launched the world’s first and only peer network 100% dedicated to future and working transportation technicians. Learn more about TechForce’s peer network here>>
Coming soon: FutureTechsTM Rock Awards
Our annual competition recognizing outstanding transportation technician students kicks off next week! Nominations for the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards open April 6. Learn more>>
Get excited about TechForce with this shout-out from Vaughn Gittin, Jr.
A big thank you to Shell Pennzoil for helping line up this great introduction to TechForce’s peer network from professional fun-haver Vaughn Gittin, Jr! Watch and share the shoutout here>>
Resource Spotlight
TechForce’s peer network is the place to jumpstart your technician career!
Connect with other students, educators and working techs, compete in daily trivia and other fun challenges, and find events, trainings, scholarships and more!
Another path to easily apply for TechForce scholarships
You can now apply for TechForce scholarships through our peer network! We’ve updated our system, and if you have previously applied you may need to reset your password and supply some additional info. To get started simply log in or create your profile at JoinTechForce.org and select “Scholarships.” Start your application>>
Scholarship closing 4/15 – Diesel scholarships from ATA
ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) and the Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC) are proud to offer many scholarships to support future fleet maintenance technicians and supervisors. Click here to learn more and apply>>
Hear what people are saying about TechForce’s peer network
Students, instructors and working technicians love TechForce’s online peer network.
Here’s what some had to say: “It’s a great way to connect students with the industry…” “Engaging, interactive and a great learning resource all in one…” “Really like the gamification…” “Gave you information you didn’t know you needed…”
Garage Gurus’ annual scholarship is accepting applications now through April 30, 2021. The scholarship is open to high school and post-secondary students pursuing an automotive technician education. Twelve students will be awarded up to $2,500 each to help support their educational expenses! Learn more and apply here>>
Find and submit events through TechForce’s peer network
Join TechForce’s peer network to discover upcoming webinars, races, conferences and more. You can even help other members discover great events by submitting them to the TechForce! Log in or create your profile at JoinTechForce.org and select “Events” from the main menu to get started>>
How Jessi Combs’s legacy continues to inspire women to take up automotive trades
Jessi Combs made a career of breaking barriers in automotive trades and empowering other women to do the same. Although the world lost Jessi Combs in 2019, the women she inspired are carrying her legacy forward. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month by learning more about the women technicians breaking the garage’s glass ceiling>>
Discover free training, e-learning and more to jump start your technician career
Level up your skills with training from transportation industry leaders. Join TechForce’s peer network to access simulations and short, easy to digest tutorials to help you stay on top of advancing vehicle technology. Log in or create your profile and select “Training” to discover ways to learn>>
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), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)
Celebrities: Lyn St. James (IndyCar), Bogi Lateiner (Girl Gang Garage), Steve Johnson (Steve Johnson Racing – NHRA) and Julia Landauer (Julia Landauer Racing – NASCAR)
For more news on TechForce Foundation, follow us on social media at the links below!
We thought you and your audiences might be interested in the first peer network for future and working transportation technicians.
TechForce introduces the first peer network dedicated to advancing the careers of future and working transportation techs
JoinTechForce.org is free and designed to help solve the tech shortage
March 24, 2021 — SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has introduced a free platform dedicated to launching and advancing the careers of next generation technicians – JoinTechForce.org.
As the largest provider of scholarships for post-secondary tech training (more than $1.5 million annually), TechForce has been dedicated to solving the transportation technician shortage by helping students to and through careers as transportation techs since 2005.
“Next-gen techs are digital-native, yet there was no commercial-free digital environment for them to connect with peers, showcase their talents, check out employers and compete for points, status and prizes,” according to TechForce CEO, Jennifer Maher. “This is the first and only peer network of its kind. It is full of engaging content and designed as the place for aspiring and working techs to explore and advance their careers. With the support of our many partners, TechForce developed this peer network to meet this need. JoinTechForce.org is full of dynamic content that is refreshed daily. Designed by GenZers for GenZ, it is gamified to keep it fun and tap the competitive nature techs are famous for.”
– follow industry trends and connect with peers and employers
– compete and climb the leaderboard in daily trivia and other competitions
– earn prizes from industry partners
– learn about events, win free tickets, and see what’s going on in the area
– apply for more than $1.5 million in scholarships awarded annually
– access free videos and informative content to explore interests
Maher continued, “Because TechForce works with many leading companies, educational institutions and associations, our neutrality helps us accomplish things together that would be nearly impossible to tackle independently. Our partners share our dedication to placing the students and professionals first and insisted that our network not be an advertising platform. This enables us to provide fun, engaging and rewarding experiences that keep people coming back for more. Thanks to our generous supporters, we have been able to make valuable educational content free to our network. Much of the educational content within the site is fee-based outside of our network.”
Although the network is designed primarily for future and working techs, it is also popular with instructors, industry professionals, hobbyists and enthusiasts.
– “I can’t believe there is a place just for people like me.” – Chris, post-secondary student
– “I like being able to communicate within a specified community/group of people with mostly the same interests.” – Jose, CTE student
– “I would totally recommend this site to my friends.” (Average student rating on a scale of 1-10 was 9.2)
– “I liked the trivia and challenges. They challenged my knowledge and I learned some new stuff too.” – John, high school student
– “One stop shop – It’s great that you have other career information, students, colleges, industry experts, instructors all right there in the system. That is so helpful for a student who is specifically interested in exploring these types of careers. You can get lost on the internet and a lot of the information can be outdated. This is such a great tool!” – Lisa, CTE instructor
– “It’s a great way to connect students with the industry and almost serve as a Linkedin type of platform. We enjoyed the trivia and training opportunities as well.” – Jay, high school instructor
– “I especially liked how it explained what the correct answer was immediately and the system has other ways you can earn points and engage. Engaging, interactive and a great learning resource all in one.” – L. Kennedy, high school instructor
– “TechForce made it so engaging that our students (and instructors) enjoy coming back frequently.” – Bob, post-secondary administrator
– “As an industry professional, I am blown away, there is nothing like this out there. Informative, engaging, and fun. – Tony, OEM executive
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. 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.
Supporters that have helped bring this network to fruition include:
New Ford Tech, AutoZone, WD-40, General Motors, Advance Auto Parts, Shell-Pennzoil, Snap-on, Universal Technical Institute, Penske Truck Leasing, Daimler Trucks North America, Toyota USA Foundation, Carmax, Volvo, Cengage Learning, CRC Industries, FedEx Freight, SunState Equipment Co., Autoshop Solutions, 10 Missions Media, Babcox Media, Endeavor Business Media, Wrench Nation, Cars Yeah, American Rental Assoc., American Trucking Assoc. – Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), ASE, ASE Education Foundation, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Auto Care Assoc., Automotive Communications Council, Automotive Maintenance and Repair Assoc., Automotive Service Assoc., Center for Advanced Automotive Technology (CAAT), Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Coordinating Committee for Auto Repair (CCAR), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Minn. State Transportation Center of Excellence, Ntl. Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), Ntl. Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA, Ntl. Assoc. of Automobile Clubs of Canada, Women in Auto Care.
Read Premier Financial Services, LLC’s interview with TechForce Foundation CEO & Executive Director Jennifer Maher in their Residual Values newsletter. Learn more about TechForce Foundation, the ongoing transportation technician shortage and Jennifer’s own experience as a woman in the transportation industry.
Scholarship management of New Ford Tech’s ASSET program | TMCSuperTech mobile game | Be A Pathfinder – Learning Quiz | Scholarship winner – Penske Outstanding Student Award | CRC Industries joins TechForce | Donate Your Car | CREF 30 years | WD-40 increases participation in TechForce | Scholarships Available via Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central & Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship
TechForce Foundation awarded administration of Ford ASSET scholarships
New Ford Tech has transferred management of scholarships for its Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET) program to TechForce Foundation. Students applying for all Ford ASSET scholarships can now do so at TechForce.org/Scholarships>>
TMC debuts mobile game to spark students’ interest in diesel tech careers
TMCSuperTech is an augmented reality game that lets you progress through a career as a technician in the trucking industry. Start as a trainee and level up to full-time tech where you can gain in-game cash to customize the trucks in your garage. Do your job and do it well, and you will graduate from Full-Time Technician to the Owner of the shop itself! Download TMCSuperTech for free on Google Play>> and the App Store>>
“Be a Pathfinder” – TechForce generated 80% more new contacts
Thank you to our partners who joined in to make TechForce Foundation’s 2021 “Be a Pathfinder” promotion a success! 80% more people viewed our Learning Style Quiz and discovered their learning style than during last year’s campaign.
Scholarship winner highlight: Penske Outstanding Student Award
Congratulations to Melesa Starks, recent winner of the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award, recognizing students dedicated to succeeding in the automotive/diesel service industry who have demonstrated the ability to assist other students to do the same.
Melesa has since graduated from Universal Technical Institute and been offered a job with Volvo, allowing for a new city and new adventures. Victor De Leon, Jr. and Dakota Ty Hendrick were chosen as runners-up. Learn more about the winner>>
CRC Industries joins the workforce development campaign
TechForce Foundation welcomes CRC Industries as the newest partner in our industry wide workforce development campaign to inspire, connect and support the next generation of transportation technicians. Learn about CRC Industries>>
TechForce now accepting vehicle donations
Do you have a car, boat or RV you no longer want? Donate it to TechForce Foundation! Our vehicle donation program will pick up your car, boat or RV free of charge, whether it runs or not. Donate your vehicle today>>
CREF celebrates 30 years of supporting collision programs
TechForce association partner Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021 by ramping up efforts to support high school and college collision programs, students and instructors nationwide. CREF will be announcing unique fundraising and support opportunities throughout 2021. Learn more about CREF’s celebration here>>
WD-40 Company increases participation in workforce development campaign
TechForce Foundation thanks long-time partner WD-40 Company for increasing its already significant participation in our industry wide workforce development campaign. Learn more about WD-40 Company>>
Scholarship Opportunity: Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central
Apply to Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central today. All it takes is one application to be considered for hundreds of scholarships from more than 40 donors. Students planning to pursue a transportation technician career are encouraged to apply before the March 31, 2021 deadline. Apply today>>
Scholarship Opportunity: Arkansas Trucking Association’s Carl Tapp Scholarship
High school seniors planning to attend a medium and/or heavy duty truck technician training program in the state of Arkansas after graduation are encouraged to apply for the Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship! Applications are due April 2, 2021. Apply today>>
Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!
Associations: Automotive Communications Council, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), American Rental Association (ARA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), ASE Education Foundation, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), Auto Care Association/Women in Auto Care, Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)
Celebrities: Lyn St. James (IndyCar), Bogi Lateiner (Girl Gang Garage), Steve Johnson (Steve Johnson Racing – NHRA) and Julia Landauer (Julia Landauer Racing – NASCAR)
For more news on TechForce Foundation, follow us on social media at the links below!
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"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."
TMCSuperTech is an augmented reality game that lets you progress through a career as a technician in the trucking industry. Start as a trainee and level up to full-time tech where you can gain in-game cash to customize the trucks in your garage. Do your job and do it well, and you will graduate from Full-Time Technician to the Owner of the shop itself! Download TMCSuperTech for free on 
