Partnership Archives - Page 2 of 2

March 19, 2018

ARA Partners with TechForce Foundation to Raise the Profile of Trade and Technical Careers

TechForce Foundation and the American Rental Association are collaborating to address the technician workforce demand. The American Rental Association (ARA) and TechForce Foundation, Scottsdale, Ariz., are collaborating in an effort to raise the profile of trade and technical careers necessary to support future growth in the equipment rental industry.

TechForce Foundation is a leading, educational, nonprofit 501(c)(3) that has developed the FutureTech Success™ campaign, an industry-wide initiative to drive tomorrow’s workforce of technicians by inspiring, supporting and connecting middle and high school students and their influencers with the resources to support their technical education and career development.

“We are excited to announce ARA’s support of the FutureTech Success™ campaign, and proud to be named an association partner. The demand for skilled technicians to keep the equipment rental industry thriving has become increasingly dire,” says Tony Conant, ARA CEO. “ARA recognizes that this labor shortage is a significant issue for our members and the industry as a whole. Partnering with TechForce Foundation is one step that ARA is taking to address the growing concern and provide resources that our members can benefit from.”

Conant was joined by Jennifer Maher, TechForce Foundation CEO, at The Rental Show® in New Orleans where they discussed the challenges that rental business operators face with finding people with tactile skills and the technical training to build, diagnose and maintain various types of equipment in the industry.

“Having ARA on board as an association partner with TechForce Foundation in the FutureTech Success™ campaign helps us reach a new audience and opens up opportunities for us to assist an additional segment of the industry. There is power in numbers and the more companies and organizations that join in our cause and help share the message, the increased likelihood for success,” says Maher.

“For decades, technicians have been unfairly identified as ‘grease monkeys.’ It’s a label that was never true but, today, is just ridiculous when you consider the complexity of the equipment in the rental industry. Frankly, we’re out to disband that negative image once and for all. And, in the process, we want to inspire and support those who are looking for a secure and rewarding career that fits their talent and interests,” says Maher.

According to the Technician Demand Report, published by TechForce Foundation, 125,000 new entrant technicians in auto, diesel and collision will be needed annually over the next 10 years. “If you look at the statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), they accounted only for new entrants in this career field, but failed to account for the replacement component of demand, which is a considerable number,” says Maher. “The new BLS projection is more in line with what TechForce believes the demand to be.”

A number of factors have contributed to the current shortage, such as the growing economy, increased demand caused by the 2008 recession and the complexity of vehicles and equipment with more intricate diagnostics than ever before. Overcoming the misperception that a four-year degree is the only road to success in America and educating students and parents on the rewarding opportunities that a technician career can provide are the fundamental issues in overcoming the labor shortage, according to Maher.

Earlier this year, the ARA Foundation initiated the Technical Training Grants program, which is designed to provide financial assistance to rental business employees pursuing higher learning in areas from welding to hospitality services. This program assists employees with a minimum of 1,000 hours of service to a rental business who are eligible for up to 50 percent of the training costs, up to a maximum of $1,000.

This release is an official publication of the American Rental Association.
Produced by Rental Management Group. Copyright © 2018 Rental Pulse all rights reserved

November 8, 2017

TechForce Foundation’s FutureTech Success™ Initiative Teams Up With NASCAR Driver Julia Landauer

Scottsdale, AZ — Julia Landauer, NASCAR powerhouse, female racer and advocate for women in S.T.E.M., has signed on as an official partner of TechForce Foundation and its FutureTech Success™ campaign. This industry-wide initiative aims to drive tomorrow’s workforce of transportation technicians by repositioning the image of the profession. Moreover, the campaign provides middle- and high-school students and their parents opportunities to experience automotive and motorsports technology and to encourage diverse audiences, including women and people of color to enter the field.

Bearing the title of FutureTech Success Ambassador, Landauer will work with the Foundation through media appearances, public service announcements, and fundraising efforts to inform and inspire young, tactile-minded individuals seeking to pursue careers in the field of transportation tech, a mission the accomplished racer is very passionate about. Since graduating from Stanford with a degree in science, technology, and society, Landauer has made it her goal to apply such subjects to the world of racing, and to do everything in her power to involve others in the industry she is so passionate about.

“Some people are a great fit for suit and tie careers and others are built to build—to work with their hands. We are all wired differently,” explains Landauer. “That’s the message TechForce is projecting through FutureTech Success and why I am so excited to be an ambassador of the cause. It is so important for young people to discover early on what they click with, and for their parents and other authority figures to provide them with the tools, opportunities, and support to develop those gifts and build exciting futures.”

As the highest finishing woman in K&N Series history and the only auto racer on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list, it is safe to say Landauer knows a thing or two about success — and the hard work and dedication it takes to get there. “We should all have an underdog mentality that forces us to stick with it, make it work, and see it through. That’s how you win,” Landauer says. Through her work with TechForce Foundation, Landauer seeks to instill this mentality in today’s youth, encouraging them to pursue greatness both for themselves, and for the industry in which they will become the lifeblood.

Unfortunately, some have had to work a little harder than others to find that success. Historically a white, male dominated field, careers are now more accessible than ever to women and people of color seeking to dive into the world of S.T.E.M. Landauer has held true to her dedication to encouraging diversity and involvement in such careers, utilizing her rising notoriety as a platform for the cause.

“I’ve always been passionate about the intersection of technology, community, and racing,” recalls Julia. “Everyone has something unique to contribute, and the industry loses out on so much when it’s not inclusive. Women and people of color have as much to give in racing and tech as anyone else, and working together toward innovation only makes us all stronger and better off.”

Landauer describes racing as a team effort, where having the best of the best in your pit can make all the difference. “Racing is about so much more than just the person behind the wheel,” she explains. “As a driver, you rely pretty heavily on your pit crew technicians to make sure everything is working the way it should. In order to be a great driver, you have to have great techs on your team — limiting the pool of talent you’re pulling from for a crew doesn’t just hurt the industry, it can hurt you.”

Through FutureTech Success, TechForce seeks to break down those barriers, equipping each and every child with the information and tools necessary to pursue success in the industry. Landauer’s passion for and experience with this same goal provides invaluable insights to the Foundation, and with the help of her established reputation and platform, will allow TechForce to reach even farther than before, impacting the lives of students across the nation.

“Take one look at Julia’s career and you’ll know exactly what she’s all about,” explains Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “She’s driven, she’s talented, and she is absolutely committed to the future of the technician and racing industries. That is exactly the kind of fire TechForce needs to ensure the FutureTech Success initiative reaches its fullest potential.” With such a force behind the campaign, great things will be possible for young people who are poised to revolutionize the industry.

Landauer has injected every aspect of her image with the truth that the next generation is well worth pouring into to create a brighter future for all. With an entire career of experience with advocating for more involvement in racing and tech under her belt, Julia Landauer is perfect partner to work with TechForce Foundation and its FutureTech Success initiative. Together, these two forces are on track to make a huge difference in the lives of future 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 technicians for the transportation industry. TechForce Foundation awards more than $1 million in scholarships and grants annually to students facing financial hardship so they may obtain their post-secondary technical education. Additionally, TechForce leads the FutureTech Success™ campaign, an industry-wide initiative to drive tomorrow’s workforce of technicians by inspiring, supporting and connecting middle- and high-school students and their influencers with the resources to support their technical education and career development.

About Julia Landauer:
Julia Landauer is a two-time championship winning NASCAR driver from New York City. Since making history as the first and youngest female champion in the Skip Barber Racing Series at age 14, Julia has amassed dozens of wins in many different racing series. After becoming the first woman to win a NASCAR Track Championship at Motor Mile Speedway in her division in 2015, Julia graduated to the televised NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in 2016. In the K&N series, Julia finished 4th in the series championship, becoming the highest finishing female in the series’ 62-year history. Julia is currently competing in her second season in the K&N Pro Series West. Now settled in North Carolina, Julia is making her name synonymous with more than speed and grit; as she climbs the NASCAR ladder Julia uses her racing platform to continue advocating for STEM education and women’s empowerment. For more information, visit www.julialandauer.com

Mark Ferner - Bridgestone | TechForce Foundation Director

October 16, 2017

TechForce Foundation announces Partnership with Interstate Batteries

For years, society has pushed that a university education is the only path to a successful career. This messaging steered students away from exploring trade careers—such as automotive technicians and electricians—leaving most to view these jobs as undesirable with no future. But this is not the case.

The U.S. is home to the second largest passenger vehicle market in the world. These vehicles are highly sophisticated, typically outfitted with over 100 million lines of code and thousands of parts. In addition, they are on average 11.5 years old. Because vehicles are now more complicated and staying on the road longer, the auto repair industry is set for massive growth. Coupled with an aging technician population, this occupation has high earning potential and almost guaranteed job security for those entering the field.

Interstate Batteries is playing a part in changing this narrative by signing on as a main sponsor of the FutureTech SuccessSM campaign, in cooperation with the TechForce Foundation. The campaign’s goal is to eliminate the stereotype of the “grease-monkey mechanic,” by encouraging and providing opportunities for young people to explore and tinker, while informing parents and influencers of the career potential in the transportation industry. By supporting FutureTech Success, Interstate Batteries is championing the technicians of tomorrow.

“This is an issue that affects everyone in our industry,” said Tom Gray, vice president of marketing, Interstate Batteries. “We’ve been wanting to take action for some time and TechForce Foundation has the right message, tools and caliber partners to help us make that difference.”

Interstate Batteries’ contribution to FutureTech Success will help fund marketing campaigns and grassroots projects that will inspire young people to learn more about this industry. The donation will also provide resources for parents, schools and other influencers to help identify young person’s natural tactile intelligence, which translates to some of the skills necessary to be a technician.

With the support of its corporate and association sponsors, such as Interstate Batteries, Nissan, Pennzoil, and General Motors, TechForce Foundation seeks to enact great change, unifying the transportation industry to encourage young, tactile-minded individuals to consider the industry for what it truly is: innovative, exciting and filled with opportunity.

For more information on TechForce Foundation, visit: www.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 technicians for the transportation industry. TechForce Foundation awards more than $1 million in scholarships and grants annually to students facing financial hardship so they may obtain their post-secondary technical education. Additionally, TechForce leads the FutureTech SuccessSM campaign, an industry-wide initiative to drive tomorrow’s workforce of technicians by inspiring, supporting and connecting middle- and high-school students and their influencers with the resources to support their technical education and career development. For more information visit www.techforce.org.

About Interstate Batteries
For more than 65 years, Interstate Batteries® has powered people down roads, trails and waterways and businesses to succeed. Best known for its starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries, this product has been under car hoods since 1952, each one backed by the company’s service, quality and value. Interstate PowerCare® offers premier products and technical expertise for all critical motive power needs, while Interstate All Battery Center® provides portable power in both retail and commercial markets. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Interstate Batteries is an industry leader in recycling efforts, as well as a global leader in safe lead handling practices. Guided by a set of common values, the company’s purpose is to glorify God and enrich lives while delivering the most trustworthy source of power to the world. For more information, visit www.interstatebatteries.com.

July 31, 2017

Interstate Batteries Partners With TechForce Foundation

Interstate Batteries has officially signed on as a national corporate partner of TechForce Foundation’s FutureTech Success℠ campaign, an industry-wide initiative to drive tomorrow’s workforce of qualified technicians. Jennifer Maher, TechForce Foundation’s CEO, met with Tom Gray, VP of Marketing for Interstate Batteries, and his marketing team last Friday in Dallas to sign the sponsorship agreement.

Interstate Batteries joins an impressive list of corporate partners, including Advance Auto Parts, Autoshop Solutions, Bridgestone, General Motors, Nissan North America, Snap-on, Shell Lubricants, S/P2, Sunstate Equipment, Universal Technical Institute, and WheelTime, each aligning their brands to support the technician profession, and to champion those who love to work with their hands. Welcome, Interstate Batteries!

June 23, 2017

No Venture Too Big In Snap-on’s Dedication to Future Technicians

Snap-on has a very specific vision in their backing of TechForce Foundation and our mission to encourage and support students pursuing post-secondary technical education and careers in the transportation industry. Opting to target donations toward Strong Start grants over traditional tuition scholarships shows a focus on the personal well-being of the techs themselves. Strong Start grants aid students in relocation, an often necessary and pricy step in pursuing Advanced Training programs. These grants may cover moving costs and first thirty days startup expenses such as utilities, security deposits, and first month’s rent and food. The cash grants supported by Snap-on provide an all-encompassing, unwavering support system for the budding technician, and show a true commitment to the bright future of the industry as a whole.

In addition to their backing of Strong Start grants, Snap-on has also earmarked money to be used in support of the FutureTech Success^sm campaign. This campaign, set to launch in May 2017, is TechForce Foundation’s surge to fuel the future pipeline of transportation technicians. Snap-on’s partnership with TechForce in fueling this campaign will help us reach out to young individuals interested in pursuing technical careers, aiding students in discovering an exciting future and providing the industry with much-needed talent. Snap-on recognizes the massive shortage of skilled technicians necessary to keep up with the fast-growing and technologically innovative transportation industry, and is taking steps to help remedy the deficit.

Snap-on has also very generously donated tools to TechForce for fundraising purposes. Anyone who has ever been in charge of a fundraising auction before knows just how important it is to have the highest quality, most well regarded items available on the block in order to meet a monetary goal. The largest single supplier of the tools utilized in nearly every aspect of the transportation industry donating their very best for our auction gave us a massive leg up in meeting our goals. We greatly appreciate the generosity displayed by Snap-on in support of TechForce and student technicians everywhere.

TechForce not only enjoys the support of Snap-on through their donations, it is also honored to have Greg Rintala on its Board of Directors. In addition to his position on the TechForce Foundation board, Mr. Rintala serves on the boards of SkillsUSA, ACTE, and I-CAR. His commitment to bettering both technicians and the industry as a whole has led him to work with a variety of organizations, encouraging a sense of unity in purpose. Each organization has unique strengths and goals, and Mr. Rintala sees this as an opportunity for such organizations to work together to help technicians more effectively and in a larger variety of ways.

TechForce and Snap-on look forward to the many ways their synergy will assist future techs in achieving their education and career goals.

TechForce Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that encourages and supports students pursuing post-secondary technical education and careers in the transportation industry. The Foundation distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors. For more information visit

www. techforce.org

Snap-on is a $2.5 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, offering products and services that are available around the world. Snap-on Industrial has one goal: to enhance productivity with products, services, and capabilities for Aerospace, Education, Energy and Natural Resources, Military, Defense & Government, Maintenance, and Manufacturing and Assembly.

June 21, 2017

General Motors Supports STEM Education In Pursuit of Global Prosperity

General Motors has shown strong support for TechForce Foundation and our mission to encourage and support students pursuing post-secondary technical education and careers in the transportation industry. Their very generous grant of $140,000 will be poured into three exciting projects: the FutureTech Success SM campaign, tuition scholarships for the UTI Avondale GM Advanced Training program, and a pilot after-school program with the Arizona Science Center.

General Motors places a huge emphasis on its support of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs in seeking to foster economic growth and sustainability among communities worldwide. However, STEM does not just apply to IT or engineering, as many might think, it applies to many other functions within the transportation industry as well. General Motors has recognized this as an opportunity to combine its mission to better communities worldwide with TechForce’s mission to support the technicians of tomorrow.

The transportation industry is growing at an exponential rate, and the need for skilled workers is in high demand. This provides a very promising future for those pursuing careers in the field. “If we can help individuals who are motivated to pursue this kind of challenge discover the industry and get excited about the vast opportunities it holds, we are one step closer to creating the smart, safe, and sustainable communities General Motors has long been dedicated to building,” explains Dan Hancock, retired General Motors Vice President and current President of TechForce Foundation’s Board of Directors.

In working together to achieve this goal, General Motors became one of eight Early Adopters supporting TechForce’s FutureTech Success campaign with a $50,000 donation.

This campaign, set to launch in May 2017, is TechForce Foundation’s surge to fuel the future pipeline of transportation technicians by giving individuals the tools to recognize and foster tactile intelligence, as well as get connected with the industry to discover what opportunities await them.

General Motors’ partnership with FutureTech Success shows its dedication to helping young people find good careers that they are passionate about, and that will provide them with a successful and fulfilling future. The transportation industry is a booming industry, saturated with technological advancements, which will be indispensable in constructing prosperous communities for future generations. General Motors has taken note of the very important role the transportation industry has the potential to play in its STEM-focused pursuit of global prosperity, and has shown incredible foresight in recognizing the future technicians FutureTech Success is purposed with cultivating as the backbone for such growth. General Motors’ support of FutureTech Success and its unwavering dedication to bettering the world through aiding technicians in achieving their dreams is both inspiring and greatly appreciated.

General Motors also donated an additional $40,000 to underwrite a pilot program with the Arizona Science Center as part of the FutureTech Success campaign. This after-school program will provide kids with the opportunity to experience tech in a hands-on, interactive way. “We believe that today’s youth constitute such an important aspect of General Motors’ mission to foster widespread economic growth and prosperity,” adds Hancock. “A program such as this one allows kids the chance to really experience and get excited about tech. An individual with high tactile intelligence, but less of an affinity for a ‘traditional classroom education,’ might get to experience the world of tech and fall in love with a career they didn’t even know existed.”

While General Motors has a specific interest in providing younger individuals with the education and skills vital to building brighter futures, they also make it a priority to come alongside current tech students. General Motors granted TechForce $50,000 dedicated to tuition scholarships for students pursing the GM Advanced Training program at Universal Technical Institute’s campus in Avondale, AZ.

From the very start of an individual’s love for working with their hands, to achieving the career and lifestyle they have always wanted, General Motors has committed to doing whatever it takes to help create widespread stability and prosperity. When today’s young people are supported and invested in, the future holds great things. General Motors and TechForce Foundation look forward to fostering such a future through supporting both current and future technicians as they pursue the education and careers of their dreams.

www. techforce.org

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at

http://www.gm.com

June 15, 2017

Auto Care Association and TechForce Foundation Partner in FutureTech Success Campaign

The Auto Care Association has partnered with TechForce Foundation in its new national initiative, FutureTech Success, in an effort to fuel the pipeline of tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. As part of the Auto Care Association’s Job and Career Development program, the association will offer support to the initiative to deliver the message that being a transportation technician is a successful, in-demand and valued career path.

“Future technicians in the auto care industry have to be well-trained, dynamic in their thinking and passionate about the cars of today and tomorrow,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “We are proud to team up with TechForce Foundation and FutureTech SuccessSM to identify and encourage a better perception of the technician profession.”

FutureTech SuccessSM seeks to reposition the outdated “grease monkey” stereotype and bring back after-school and summer activities where young people can experience vehicle technology and how it relates to science, engineering, math and careers.

The initiative will focus on parents and influencers of 13-18-year-olds, and will provide hands-on opportunities for young men and women to experience the rewards of working and creating with their hands. The Auto Care Association and TechForce Foundation will work together to deliver a unified public message around transportation technician career opportunities and best practices.

“We aim to provide tactile-minded individuals and their parents and influencers with the resources and opportunities to discover the transportation industry as both a viable and exciting career option,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO, TechForce Foundation.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that encourages and supports students pursuing post-secondary technical education and careers in the transportation industry. The Foundation distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors. For more information visit www.techforce.org.

About the Auto Care Association
Based in Bethesda, Md., the Auto Care Association has nearly 3,000 member companies that represent some 150,000 independent automotive businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies, and perform vehicle service and repair. Visit www.autocare.org.

Original article published by Auto Care Association

https://www.autocare.org/BlogDetail.aspx?id=3532&blogid=86&gmssopc=1

For more information, contact Katy McQuiston at katy.mcquiston@autocare.org.

TechForce Foundation announces Partnership with Interstate Batteries

Please share your contact details and a TechForce team member will contact you.