TechForce Foundation | Scholarships For Transportation Technicians
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Your Future
in Automotive Tech

Not your grandpa’s garage jobs. These are high-tech, high-pay careers that shape the future of transportation.

$ 0 K+
Average Tech Salary
0 M+
Job Openings by 2030
0 %
Job Security Rating
0 +
Career Specializations

Choose your ADVENTURE!

⚡

EV & Future Tech

Work on Tesla, Rivian, and next-gen electric vehicles. The future is electric, and these techs are leading the way.

$70K - $120K+

💻

Tech Specialist

ADAS, infotainment, autonomous driving systems. If you love computers AND cars, this is your path.
$80K - $130K+

🤝

Service Advisor

Be the bridge between tech and customer. Leadership potential and people skills meet automotive expertise.

$50K - $100K+

🔧

Specialty Systems

Brakes, suspension, performance tuning. Become THE expert everyone comes to for specific systems.
$55K - $95K+

🛠️

Mechanical Service

The foundation path. Master the basics, then branch into any specialty. Every expert started here.

$40K - $80K+

👑

Leadership Track

Shop manager, service director, or start your own business. Turn your expertise into empire-building.

$75K - $150K+

⚡ EV & Hybrid Specialist

The future is electric. Be part of the revolution.

EV Apprentice

  • Learn high-voltage safety, battery basics, and EV maintenance fundamentals.
    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 3-6 month

$40K-$50K

Key Skills:
Customer service
Basic automotive knowledge
Sales fundamentals
Communication

EV Specialist 1

  • Perform maintenance on electric vehicles and hybrid systems.
    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 1-2 years

$55K-$70K

Key Skills:
Regenerative braking
Motor diagnostics
Cooling systems
Software updates

EV Specialist 2

  • Advanced diagnostics and battery system service.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 3-4 years

$70K-$90K

Key Skills:
Battery rebalancing
High-voltage repairs
Performance tuning
Training others

EV Master Tech

  • Expert-level EV work including battery replacement and complex system integration.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 5+ years

$85K-$120K+

Key Skills:
Battery replacement
System programming
Advanced diagnostics
Prototype work

🤝 Service Advisor Track

Leadership starts here. Be the bridge between tech and customer.

Service Apprentice

  • Learn customer service and basic automotive knowledge.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 3-6 months

$35K-$45K

Key Skills:
Customer service
Basic automotive knowledge
Sales fundamentals
Communication

Service Advisor 1

  • Handle customer interactions and coordinate service work.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 1-2 years

$50K-$65K

Key Skills:
Technical consultation
Estimate writing
Warranty processing
Upselling

Service Advisor 2

  • Mentor junior advisors and handle complex customer issues.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 3-4 years

$65K-$85K

Key Skills:
Team mentoring
Complex diagnostics
Customer retention
Process improvement

Service Manager

  • Lead the service department and drive business growth.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 5+ years

$75K-$120K+

Key Skills:
Department management
P&L responsibility
Staff development
Strategic planning

💻 Technology Specialist

Where automotive meets Silicon Valley.

Tech Apprentice

  • Learn automotive networking, infotainment, and basic programming.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 6-12 months

$45K-$55K

Key Skills:
CAN bus basics
Infotainment systems
Basic programming
Network protocols

Tech Specialist 1

  • Program and diagnose advanced driver assistance systems.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 2-3 years

$65K-$80K

Key Skills:
ADAS calibration
Camera systems
Radar/LiDAR
ECU programming

Tech Specialist 2

  • Complex system integration and autonomous vehicle preparation.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 4-5 years

$80K-$100K

Key Skills:
Autonomous systems
AI integration
System architecture
Cybersecurity

Master Tech

  • Lead technician for cutting-edge automotive technology.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 6+ years

$100K-$130K+

Key Skills:
System design
Prototype development
Advanced AI
Team leadership

🛠️ Mechanical Service Specialist

The foundation. Master this, then go anywhere.

MSS Apprentice

  • Learn the fundamentals: oil changes, tire rotations, basic maintenance.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 3-6 months

$35K-$45K

Key Skills:
Basic maintenance
Safety procedures
Tool usage
Quality standards

MSS Level 1

  • Perform routine maintenance with minimal supervision.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 1-2 years

$45K-$55K

Key Skills:
Independent work
Time management
Customer interaction
Advanced procedures

MSS Level 2

  • Handle complex maintenance and light diagnostic work.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 2-3 years

$50K-$65K

Key Skills:
Basic diagnostics
Complex systems
Mentor apprentices
Process improvement

MSS Level 3

  • Ready to specialize or move into leadership roles.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 3-5 years

$55K-$75K+

Key Skills:
All vehicle systems
Leadership potential
Training ability
Specialization ready

🔧 Systems Specialist

Master specific systems and become the go-to expert.

Specialty Apprentice

  • Choose your specialty: brakes, suspension, HVAC, or performance.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 6-12 months

$40K-$50K

Key Skills:
System basics
Safety procedures
Tool proficiency
Quality standards

Specialist 1

  • Perform standard repairs and maintenance in your specialty.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 2-3 years

$55K-$70K

Key Skills:
Advanced diagnostics
Complex repairs
Parts expertise
Customer education

Specialist 2

  • Handle the tough cases others can’t solve.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 4-5 years

$65K-$80K

Key Skills:
Expert troubleshooting
Custom solutions
Training others
Performance tuning

Master Specialist

  • The expert that other shops call for advice.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 6+ years

$75K-$95K+

Key Skills:
Industry expertise
Product development
Training ability
Consultation

👑 Leadership Track

Turn your expertise into business success.

Team Lead

  • Lead a small team while maintaining technical skills.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: After 3+ years experience

$55K-$65K

Key Skills:
Team leadership
Scheduling
Quality control
Performance management

Assistant Manager

  • Support shop operations and develop management skills.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 5-7 years total experience

$65K-$80K

Key Skills:
Operations management
Budget basics
Staff development
Customer relations

Shop Manager

  • Run the entire service operation.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 7-10 years experience

$75K-$100K

Key Skills:
P&L management
Strategic planning
Staff hiring/training
Business development

Owner/Director

  • Own your shop or become a service director for a dealer group.

    ⏱️ Typical timeframe: 10+ years experience

$100K-$300K+

Key Skills:
Business ownership
Multi-location management
Market expansion
Industry leadership
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"By connecting students, instructors, industry pros and working techs, the TechForce Foundation provides unilateral support to the transportation industry’s technician recruiting needs… The administration of our Scholarships by the TechForce team has been instrumental in delivering us with a successful method to gain interest from qualified candidates as well as provide our students with additional assistance to complete their education."
Tony Farr
Ford Technical Programs Manager