February 5, 2021

Announcing Penske Outstanding Student Award Winner

Congratulations Melesa Starks – Winner of the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award

Melesa Starks standing in front of a blue wall, smiling. Melesa is wearing a blue polo shirt, glasses, and a name tag clipped to her collar. On the wall are three plaques recognizing Roger Penske.

Melesa is described by many as the “ideal candidate.” In addition to a perfect school record, her enthusiasm for the industry was evident to instructors in both her Automotive II and Volvo SAFE programs. Fellow students know Melesa is the one they can go to for advice and support, whether it be about a career move or a good chicken soup recipe.

Now a graduate, Melesa has been offered a job with Volvo, allowing for a new city and new adventures. Her beaming smile will also be seen as part of TechForce Foundation’s Women Techs Rock initiatives.

Committee judges were impressed by Melesa’s ability to be proactive and tenacious in all aspects of life: school opportunities, personal experiences, and community support needs. Her horse therapy work with Freedom Ride and involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association were additional reasons she was selected as winner.

The Penske Outstanding Student Award recognizes students dedicated to succeeding in the automotive/diesel service industry who have demonstrated the ability to assist other students to do the same.

Victor De Leon, Jr. and Dakota Ty Hendrick were chosen as runners-up.

February 4, 2021

Tackling The Technician Shortage | Tire Business

In this webinar Tire Business Reporter Kathy McCarron talks with Jennifer Maher of TechForce Foundation, and Dan Gilley of RLO Training about some of the initiatives underway to encourage young people to pursue an automotive service career and review ways tire dealers and auto repair shops can attract and retain qualified technicians.

The livestream webinar is also available on Tire Business’s website at the following link:
https://www.tirebusiness.com/tb-live-tackling-technician-shortage-what-can-dealerships-do-find-and-retain-technicians

January 28, 2021December 8, 2022

Spark News | January 2021

Topics in Spark News for January 2021:

TechForce Foundation scholarships

TechForce Foundation continues to support students in a wide range of transportation technician programs, with over $1 Million in scholarships and grants awarded each year. Learn more, hear student stories and apply here>>

Scholarship opportunities:

DEADLINE 3/31: 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>>

DEADLINE 3/31: Opportunity for Minnesota Students

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota is awarding scholarships to students enrolled in post-secondary automotive programs. Eligible students must be entering their first or second year of an ASE-accredited program in the fall of 2021. Applications are due 3/31/2021. Learn more & apply>>

Scholarship recipient Chasity Gleason overcomes objectors to study welding

Meet Chasity Gleason, a TechForce Foundation scholarship recipient and welding student at Universal Technical Institute. Chasity is using the skills she learned as a MAC certified makeup artist to overcome partial blindness, defy those who told her she couldn’t and to rise to the top of her class. She is proof #WomenTechsRock.

Chasity’s advice to women going into the field? “Do it… Just do it, even if you’re scared!” Read Chasity’s inspiring story here>>

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)

January 19, 2021

How Hands-On Learners Thrive as Transportation Techs

TechForce Foundation’s “Be A Pathfinder” campaign illuminates learning styles

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — January 19, 2021 — The arrival of the new year means new decisions for students planning their futures. Although the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has thrown many students’ career plans for a loop, the increased time at home allows students and parents to reflect and explore opportunities they might not have considered. One place to start is by discovering a student’s learning style.

Everyone has a learning style, some people are visual learners, some learn best by listening, and some are hands-on — they learn by doing. For these hands-on learners, a career in a hands-on field, such as the high-tech transportation industry not only suits their strengths, but also brings them satisfaction and security.

As many parents spend more time observing their children’s learning in a virtual school environment, they are developing an appreciation for different learning styles. Many hands-on learners struggle in traditional learning environments. However, these children and teens thrive when they engage in educational opportunities that support their strengths, and can put them on the road to successful careers.

TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes the potential of professional technician careers, provides resources and encourages parents, teachers, and other influential figures to recognize and support technical careers that may be a good fit for hands-on learners.

“For too long, we’ve accepted as truth that a college degree is the only way to get ahead and we’ve overlooked the gifts, talents and significant contributions of students who don’t fit the four-year mold,” says Jennifer Maher, CEO & Executive Director of the Tech-Force Foundation.

“For students who are mechanically minded, and learn best when they’re in action, a quality technical or vocational education can be the path to success.”

As part of its ongoing “Be a Pathfinder” campaign, the Tech-Force Foundation offers a free online assessment to help students (and adults) identify their learning styles, and participants can receive a detailed report with educational and career advice based on their style — visual, auditory, or kinetic.

The campaign encourages students to be “pathfinders” by helping them discover and understand their unique strengths and use that knowledge to choose educational and career paths.

Visit TechForce.org/mypath for the learning styles assessment, as well as more resources for education and career planning.

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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. TechForce distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors. It also spearheads a workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. Learn more at www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

December 8, 2020

Announcing Fall 2020 Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award winner

Congratulations to Elizabeth Reece (representing MMI-Phoenix) – winner of the Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award!

“My passion [is] to use these skills [I am learning] as a means to impact others, to encourage others, and to provide ways for others to gain fresh perspective and opportunity with their lives,” says Elizabeth, a student at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute.

A single mom and small business owner, Elizabeth reflected on the challenges she faced to get to where she is today, “I am not ashamed that I must work so hard in school, or that, at age fifty, I have begun a whole new career direction. I am driven to show my three daughters that in living this life each day with integrity, focus, faith, generosity and persistence, others will be motivated to live the same way.”

Elizabeth’s instructors credit her for her compassionate outlook on life, with one commenting, “[Elizabeth] is a gifted leader, outgoing, and has a great sense of humor which makes people of all walks of life feel appreciated and special. She has an especially big heart for the people in society who have been forgotten or pushed to the side. It is not easy being a single mother and a business owner! It takes a lot of strength and determination—two things [Elizabeth] certainly has!”

Elizabeth’s strength and compassion are also evident in her future career goals. When asked how she plans to use her technician education Elizabeth replied, “My plan is to be able to have a garage where I can teach and employ people coming out of broken life experiences. I thrive when I am able to encourage. I dream of the day I get to say ‘YES, I am a motorcycle mechanic but more importantly I am a person who knows success beyond difficulty and hardship.’ THIS is the message I will convey. I am PASSIONATE about helping the next struggling person along, about saying I DID IT AND I WILL HELP YOU DO IT, TOO.”

The Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award is awarded to a student who shares its namesake’s grace, integrity, kindness, generosity and service to others. In a group of highly worthy candidates, Elizabeth stood out as the candidate who truly honors Terry Emig’s Hero Spirit. Elizabeth will receive $8,500 tuition scholarship and $1,500 cash award. Two finalists were also selected to each receive a cash grant.

Congratulations, Elizabeth!

Learn more about TechForce Foundation scholarships & apply here>>

December 1, 2020

Spark News | December 2020

Topics in Spark News for December 2020:

Ford ASSET program, CarQuest WorldPAC virtual training, Penske Outstanding Student Award, Skills USA Virtual Conference, Gen Zers Like Classic Cars, Transitioning Veterans Into Technicians

Ford ASSET scholarships now available through TechForce

We teamed up with our partner Ford Motor Company to make it easier for you to find the funding you need for your technical education! Students in Ford ASSET programs around the country can now access scholarships through TechForce Foundation’s “Accelerate Tuition” opportunity. Start your scholarship application today at TechForce.org/Scholarships>>

SkillsUSA announces virtual conference & competition

TechForce association partner SkillsUSA will be holding its National Leadership and Skills Conference and SkillsUSA Championships virtually in 2021, with localized hands-on elements for select competitions. For more information check out the official announcement here>>

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)

October 13, 2020

Announcing Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award winner

Congratulations to Joel McCallister (representing UTI-Orlando) – winner of the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award!

“From my very first class at UTI, I have done my very best in all things. And for this reason, I have excelled,” writes Joel. Joel is newly-graduated, having earned 19 Student of the Course awards during his Automotive & Diesel Technology II + Ford FACT program that began at UTI-Dallas/Fort Worth and culminated at UTI-Orlando.

Passionate about being a team player, Joel is respected by both students and instructors. One remarked, “He has demonstrated a true passion and commitment to advancing his career.” While at UTI-DallasFort Worth, Joel was honored to participate in a round-table discussion on campus with Senator Colin Allred (TX).

The Penske Outstanding Student Award recognizes students dedicated to succeeding in the automotive/diesel service industry who have demonstrated the ability to assist other students to do the same.

Thane Molne (UTI- Rancho Cucamonga) and James Sheridon (NASCAR Tech) were runners-up.

Congratulations, Joel!

Learn more about TechForce Foundation scholarships & apply here>>

September 29, 2020

Spark News | September 2020

Topics in Spark News for September 2020:

10k Scholarship Jessi Combs Foundation | Penske’s racing pit: NASCAR, SkillsUSA & Hot Rodders of Tomorrow | New Partners: Minnesota Transportation Center of Excellence and North Carolina A&T | Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship awarded to Arkansas State University student | TechForce Foundation awards Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

Associations: America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), 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), North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT), RPM Foundation, 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)

August 31, 2020January 10, 2023

TechForce releases 2020 Technician Supply & Demand Report

TechForce Report Reveals Demand for Vehicle Technicians
Continues to Outpace Supply by Nearly 3 to 1

Overall Gap in Supply and Demand of Transportation Technicians
Continues to Grow Despite Slight Uptick in Diesel Certifications

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — August 31, 2020 — TechForce Foundation® has released its 2020 Transportation Technician Supply & Demand Report, that reveals the transportation technician shortage continues to worsen.

The 2020 Technician Supply & Demand Report supplements the Foundation’s previous reports, adjusting prior projections to reflect research from the National Center for Education Statistics 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 despite a slight uptick in new post-secondary degrees and certificates for future diesel technicians.

“Although demand is strong, with 642,000 auto/diesel/collision techs needed between 2020 and 2024, the shortage continues to worsen. The good news is these careers have been deemed essential by the government, and the transportation industry is organizing to do something about the shortage,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce CEO. “TechForce’s campaigns are leveraging the industry’s collective voice to inspire the next generation of technicians and address the root causes of the shortage.”

Recent surveys show an increased interest in transportation technology work, both among younger students and career changers whose jobs may have been lost or furloughed because of the pandemic. Surveys of high school students show that more than half are open to something other than a four-year degree.

According to TechForce Director of National Initiatives Greg Settle, who authored the report, “Our projections do not reflect potential impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are seeing indications of increased interest in technical program enrollments. With our next report at year-end, we expect to be able to provide further insight into COVID-19 related trends.”

“Despite record rates of unemployment, there continues to be strong demand for our graduates,” says Jerome Grant, CEO of Universal Technical Institute. “Employers need skilled technicians to fill essential jobs and, as many in our nation look for new paths to prosperity, we’re seeing growing interest in our programs and in technical careers.”

You can download the 2020 Technician Supply & Demand Report here. For additional information about secure, successful careers in transportation technology, visit techforce.org.

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. TechForce distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors. It also spearheads a workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. TechForce is a partner organization of America’s Automotive Trust, LeMay – America’s Car Museum and RPM Foundation. Learn more at www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Download infographics here.

Media Contact
Mike Pressendo, mpressendo@techforce.org, (623) 445-9354

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August 24, 2020

Spark News | August 2020

Topics in Spark News for August 2020:

Because I’m A Tech | MMI Scholarship Recipients | Ultimate Guide to Transportation Tech Careers | Earn Credits Towards Tech School

Join the conversation! “Because I’m a Tech…” 2020

Our 2020 “Because I’m a Tech…” campaign is in full swing now through September 11th! Follow along as real technicians share stories of all that they have accomplished in the course of their career. Join the conversation with #BecauseImATech on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Blog highlight: 4 Ways to Earn College Credit towards Tech School While in High School

Back to school is a great time to think ahead and prepare for your next steps after graduation. Check out our blogpost below for ways you can get a jumpstart on your professional technician education:

“Not everyone realizes it, but there are ways to earn college or post-secondary credit for tech school while you’re still in high school… The sooner you earn credits, the sooner you graduate; the faster you finish, the faster you’re earning money and advancing in your career. Plus, training early will warm you up for tech school and help you know what to expect.

Wondering how to get a jump on tech school?” read the full blog post here>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

Associations: America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), 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), National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), RPM Foundation, 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)