Ways to engage with TechForce this month

As a friend of TechForce, we rely on you to help make our efforts a success. Here are some easy ways you can help:

• Vote for the Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner and encourage your friends, customers, and employees to do the same by 11:59 PM PT Friday
  
  
• Donate. Support technical education and careers by making a year-end, charitable donation to TechForce 
  
  
• Read & share our 2022 Technician Supply & Demand Report
  
  
• Download the TechForce app for iOS and Android
  
  
• Recommend a technician for our Women Techs Rock interview series
  
  

TOP STORIES – November 2022

Vote NOW for the 2022 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner!

Congratulations to the five technicians named as Category Winners in TechForce’s 2022 Techs Rock Awards! Each Category Winner will receive over $1,700 in prizes from TechForce partners. Now it’s up to YOU to decide which of the five will win the 2022 Grand Prize! Meet the winners and vote for your favorite by Friday at TechForce.org/Vote

Get the 2022 Technician Supply & Demand Report

TechForce’s updated Technician Supply & Demand Report makes it clear that the technician shortage is still a serious industry-wide challenge. In fact, nearly 1,000,000 new automotive, diesel, collision, and aviation technicians are needed by 2026! Get the full picture, including the number of technicians projected to enter the industry in the 2022 report. Download now!

Get the TechForce App!

SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID – Apply now

Reminder that November scholarships close today. If you miss the deadline don’t worry. TechForce scholarships and grants are open throughout the year and cover educational expenses like tuition, tools, books, transportation, and even emergencies. Visit TechForce.org/Scholarships to find scholarships from around the industry, including the opportunities below:

Opportunity: TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarships
Deadline: Nov 30, 2022 | Amount: $1,000–$2,000
Learn more and apply>>

Opportunity: Driven to Care: Tom & Kevin Caulfield Scholarship Fund
Deadline: Nov 30, 2022 | Amount: $1,000
Learn more and apply>>

Opportunity: Boom & Bucket’s Student Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 15, 2023 | Amount: $1,000
Learn more and apply>>

UPCOMING EVENTS

Meet up with TechForce at these December events. Be the first to know about free tickets to events & experiences; get the TechForce app at TechForce.org.

Last Collision Careers Pit Stop of 2022 is next week in Texas

Join TechForce, Learning Undefeated and Caliber Collision Dec. 10^th as we partner to host the final Collision Careers Pit Stop event of the year! Recent attendees have had a blast at these events, and it’s easy to see why. From exclusive collision shop tours and hands-on paint & technician demos to a high-speed RC car derby and giveaway, these events are built for you. Get your free tickets today>>

Hey Florida Instructors: Bring your class to RM Sotheby’s for free

Would you like to bring your students to the RM Sotheby’s Auction in Miami Saturday, Dec. 10^th? Simply request tickets in TechForce and we’ll reach out to you to handle the rest. Only Instructors can sign up, so students make sure your teacher sees this! Log in or create your TechForce profile and then head to our events section to register today. See you there!

Don’t miss the TechForce STEM Career Center at X-STEM Phoenix

TechForce is bringing our mobile STEM Career Center to X-STEM Phoenix on Dec. 8^th. X-STEM is an all-day conference-style event for middle and high school students. Parents and educators can still register to bring your students. We hope you can join us to explore STEM opportunities in technician careers!

OTHER STORIES

Read on for some of the other exciting happenings at TechForce this month.

TechForce hosted students and made waves at the 2022 AAPEX Show with help from our partners

TechForce brought our STEM Career Center and hosted more than 50 students for an exclusive tour, lunch, and conversations with industry leaders at the 2022 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas November 1-3. A huge thank you AAPEX for hosting us, Autolite for underwriting our event expenses, and Penske Truck Leasing for hosting lunch with our students! We could not have done this event without you. We also thank WD-40 Company, Endeavor Business Media and CRC Industries for speaking with our students during their exclusive tour of the Show! Check out TechForce’s social media for more event photos.

Support students now with your year-end charitable giving!

‘Tis the season of giving! Your tax-exempt charitable gift of any size, combined with others can help us raise $750,000 by December 31st so that in the first quarter of 2023 we can:

• Promote the pursuit of skilled trades to students at 400 schools
• Award 250 scholarships and grants to financially disadvantaged students seeking technical training
• Take 500 students to VIP experiences at premier industry events, introduce them to industry pros, and show them what’s available in a technical career
• Grant 1000 students access to the TechForce career network, built exclusively for aspiring & working techs to connect with training, jobs, mentors and peers

Our supporters make the events, resources and opportunities in this newsletter possible. Become a TechForce supporter. Make your tax-deductible donation!

TechForce’s Women Techs Rock resources are now in one place

Women technicians are filling a critical workforce need and working hard to keep America moving forward. That’s why we made it easy for our community of women techs to connect with TechForce on our new Women Techs Rock page! We invite you to explore our interviews and research, answer our monthly poll question, and even share your own story to encourage other women techs like you.

Your holiday shopping supports TechForce at no cost to you with AmazonSmile

Support TechForce with your Amazon shopping by following these simple steps: 1) Go to Smile.Amazon.com, 2) Sign in, 3) Select TechForce Foundation as your charity, and 4) Start shopping! A percentage of your Amazon purchases will support TechForce at no cost to you. Just be sure to use Smile.Amazon.com instead of plain old Amazon.com!

Meet Brennen: Army Veteran and TechForce Scholarship Recipient

Brennen is an Army veteran who knows how to overcome obstacles while giving back. The John & Bernadette Heenan Veterans at Work Fund helps make it possible for Brennen to pay for her technical education and living expenses. Read Brennen’s full story and get inspired to find a TechForce scholarship of your own.

TechForce Winter Season Leaderboard Challenge happening now

Enter the TechForce Winter Season Leaderboard Challenge. The instructor, student and school with the most points at the end of the season will receive AutoZone gift certificates worth $700, $750 and $1,000, respectively!!! A big thank you to AutoZone for sponsoring this season’s prizes. The season ends January 14, 2023, so log in or join TechForce to start earning points today!

Join the great organizations below in supporting TechForce. Donate now>>

Thank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier corporate partners and celebrity ambassadors!

For TechForce news, follow us on social media.

TechForce engagement opportunities this month

Read and share TechForce’s new special report Women Techs: Solving the Tech Shortage. Please also continue to help promote the career resources available on TechForce, as well as our Women Techs Rock video series. If you know a woman technician we should interview in the series let us know!

Now is the time to gather technicians’ stories to share during TechForce’s annual Because I’m a Tech campaign (8/22–9/10/22). Record technicians finishing the phrase “Because I’m a tech…” telling us something they achieved thanks to their career in transportation, and send the video to sgordon@techforce.org. Together we can inspire Gen Z to consider a rewarding hands-on career by showcasing what is possible! We also invite you to explore the Because I’m a Tech campaign resources available here>>

EVENTS

Don’t miss TechForce’s free summer events! Join our social network for tickets to behind-the-scenes VIP experiences, races, car shows and more. Get started>>

Free tickets to 8/4 Autobahn racing experience

Join us August 4th for hot laps, shop tours, and a chance to meet real racecar drivers and technicians at the Autobahn Country Club race track in Joliet, IL. Tickets are free but they’re going fast! Don’t miss our exclusive student experience, co-hosted with John Weinberger Driven to Care. Log in to get your free tickets>>

TechForce free VIP summer events so far… with more to come!

Students have gone to VIP events for free all summer thanks to TechForce. From Formula DRIFT, IndyCar and NASCAR races to our most recent Student Experience at Road America TechForce members are having the time of their lives at unforgettable events. Don’t miss out! Join for free and find your tickets>>

SCHOLARSHIPS – Apply now!

Students can pay for technician training expenses with help from TechForce! Our scholarships & grants pay for more than just tuition. Need help covering the cost of tools, books, transportation or even emergencies? See opportunities below:

Opportunity: TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarships
Deadline: July 31, 2022 | Award range: $1,000–$2,000
Learn more and apply>>

Opportunity: Life Happens Emergency Grants
Deadline: August 29, 2022 | Award range: $400–$1,200
Learn more and apply>>

Opportunity: Career & Technical Education Scholarship
Awarded by: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Deadline: Rolling, Processed monthly | Award range: $1,500–$10,000
Learn more and apply>>

TECHFORCE NEWS

New TechForce report – Women Techs: Solving the Tech Shortage

Businesses in all sectors of the transportation industry urgently need more technicians, yet women — who comprise 52% of the population — only account for less than 3% of employed technicians. With the tech shortage crisis worsening each year, one solution seems obvious: Hire more women techs. But how? Download the report for answers>>

Informed by a year of interviews with women technicians, Women Techs: Solving the Tech Shortage lets their voices be heard. Learn from their insight and tips to recruit, retain and advance women techs in the workforce>>

Ford student Alejandro finds his path to success with TechForce

Alejandro received a Ford ASSET Accelerate Tuition Scholarship from TechForce, and is excited about becoming a technician! “Ever since I was a toddler I’ve always loved being around and working on cars… Being a well-trained automotive technician would allow me… to follow my dreams.” Read Alejandro’s full story>>

TechForce scholarships and grants help students pay for technician training expenses. Learn how TechForce Foundation can help cover the cost of tuition, tools, transportation and even emergencies at TechForce.org/Scholarships

Volunteer with us – Become a TechForce Ambassador!

Our TechForce Ambassador Program is now accepting applications. Join us in supporting future techs all across the US and Canada! We are currently seeking volunteers in Maryland and the Texas Gulf Coast. To volunteer with TechForce email Laylah Copertino, Volunteer Engagement Manager, at lcopertino@techforce.org>>

Women Techs are Inspiring a Generation – Share Your Story!

Calling all women techs! We need you to share your stories and inspire girls across the country to pursue their passions. Help TechForce show a new generation that there is a place for them in this industry. Share your story or the story of a woman tech you know at TechForce.org/WomenTechStories

Hemmings and Vice Grip Garage team up to support TechForce

Vice Grip Garage and Hemmings recently unveiled The Ultimate Road Trip in support of TechForce. Vice Grip Garage brought a 1978 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special back to life and drove it across the US on Historic Route 66. Now the truck is up for auction through August 4th on Hemmings, with proceeds to go to TechForce! Learn more and join in on the fun>>

Donate to help students like the younger you

Can you relate to the ‘younger you’, a student who is wired for success in a technical career but challenged by the lack of resources and support? Help TechForce be there for the younger you when they need it, to get to and through their technical training and into rewarding careers. Donate to support tech students>>

TechForce students attend VIP experience at Road America

Students in TechForce’s social network were treated to a VIP experience at the Road America racing track including hot laps, behind-the-scenes tours and Q&As with racing professionals. A big thank you to co-host John Weinberger Driven to Care and all of the guest speakers who volunteered to make the event a success! Hear from the students who attended and find your own event tickets in TechForce>>

TechForce continues to grow – Join our team!

TechForce welcomed two new staff members to our team this month! We are excited to introduce Amanda Garcia (left) and Michelle Abril (right) as TechForce’s National Partnership Coordinator and Development Manager, respectively. Meet our entire team on the new TechForce.org.

If you would like to work with TechForce, check our open positions>>

Join the great organizations below in supporting TechForce. Donate now>>

Thank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier corporate partners and celebrity ambassadors!

For TechForce news, follow us on social media.

TODAY: Jennifer Maher live on Women Shifting Gears Podcast

Catch TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher on the Women Shifting Gears podcast today June 14th at 7 PM ET/ 4 PM PT. Don’t miss out on this free event! Register now to save your seat>>

TechForce students met the pros at Formula Drift

Students from TechForce’s social network got free tickets and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Formula DRIFT race in New Jersey this weekend, thanks to Ford and Throdle. Don’t miss another event – find your tickets today>>

TechForce scholarship helps student pursue his dream career

Steven has always loved cars. His dream is “to become the best automotive technician I can be,” and he is one step closer to achieving it thanks to a “Pedal to the Metal MSAT” Relocation Award from TechForce. These awards help cover necessary moving costs when students continue on to Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training.

Steven looks forward to expanding his knowledge about transportation technology and launching his tech career. Learn how TechForce scholarships and grants can help you>>

All of TechForce together in one place

We have made it even easier to access everything TechForce has to offer. You can now find all things TechForce – our social network, scholarships, industry resources and more – in one place at TechForce.org. Turbocharge your technician career with TechForce>>

Lyft and TechForce join forces to help students get to class

TechForce and Lyft have partnered to provide free rides to students in need who otherwise don’t have a way to get to school due to unforeseen circumstances. TechForce is also exploring a pilot program with Lyft to offer free car repairs to students with a demonstrated need. The repair program is expected to launch in the coming months. See our full list of partners here>>

CTE Instructors on why educators like using TechForce

Hear from instructors Fanny Perez Michaud and Sal Cappiello on why they like using TechForce’s Career Network in their classrooms, and why you should, too! There is no cost to join TechForce or to access the free training materials, trivia, scholarships, industry events and other resources offered. Join TechForce now>>

#WomenTechsRock Hear aviation technician Angel Green’s advice

Whether an airplane carries people or packages technicians like Angel Green keep them moving. Angel worked her way up from student to aviation technician and is now a Quality Control Supervisor at UPS Airlines. Hear her advice for setting boundaries and succeeding as a woman in a male-dominated space in our most recent #WomenTechsRock interview>>

Help us inspire the next generation of women technicians. Tell us who we should interview at TechForce.org/WomenTechStories

TechForce is growing – Join our team!

TechForce is growing. We recently welcomed Laylah Copertino as TechForce’s Volunteer Engagement Manager and our newest team member. Meet the entire TechForce team on our website.

If you would like to join our team, check here for open positions with TechForce>>

Join the great organizations below in supporting TechForce. Donate now>>

Thank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier corporate partners and celebrity ambassadors!

For TechForce news, follow us on social media.