CECU and TechForce Foundation Collaborate to Empower the Workforce of Tomorrow
This strategic collaboration aims to support more students pursuing careers in the trades, highlighting the resources available to help them become the next generation of skilled professionals.
January 09, 2025 — Phoenix, Ariz. and Arlington, Va. — TechForce Foundation (TechForce) and Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) have entered a strategic collaboration to empower the next generation of skilled trade professionals.
CECU member schools represent more than 800 campuses across the United States, training graduates in a variety of skilled, career-ready professions. With more than 250 campuses specializing in aviation, automotive, collision repair, diesel, and welding technician training, this mutually beneficial collaboration will provide students with the access and support needed to achieve their career goals.
TechForce awards scholarships in the following fields:
- Automotive
- Auto Body – Repair/Restoration and Preservation
- Aviation
- CNC Machining
- Diesel
- HVAC
- Marine & Watercraft
- Motorcycle & Recreational Vehicles
- Welding
Through the collaboration, CECU will introduce TechForce Foundation’s career-building resources to its members, giving them access to TechForce™, a network of students, instructors, and working techs. The online career hub supports students’ career growth and development, from building their interest and skills to connecting with year-round scholarships, events, apprenticeships and jobs. Reciprocally, TechForce will educate its network about career training opportunities through CECU member schools and industry advancement through the Employer Engagement Network.
“Collaborations are vital to addressing the technician shortage and ensuring students find an education and career that works for them,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “TechForce helps students understand the steps to become a technician and provides the resources (scholarships, training aids, industry connections) students need to start their careers. We are excited to partner with CECU and its member schools to reach even more students. Together we can empower the next generation to succeed in essential skilled trade careers that keep America moving.”
“We are excited about this exclusive partnership with TechForce, one of the premier support organizations for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades,” states CECU’s President and CEO Dr. Jason Altmire. “This partnership will provide students at CECU-member schools increased access to scholarships and other resources, helping them continue their education and expanding the pipeline to a skilled workforce across a variety of high-demand professions.”
The workforce shortage remains a persistent challenge across the United States. The most recent research from TechForce finds four job openings for every tech school graduate, with nearly one million new technicians needed over the next five years. Through this collective partnership, TechForce Foundation and CECU will introduce more students and instructors to the existing resources than ever before. The anticipated result is more students enrolling in and completing technical education and a larger, better-prepared next-generation technician workforce.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $4 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially disadvantaged students; changing perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and providing local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online network of 50,000+ students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.
About CECU
Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national organization serving postsecondary career education schools, staff, and most importantly, students. As a voluntary membership organization that serves as the national voice for the proprietary higher education sector, CECU is the voice of career education. Representing over 1,300 campuses across North America, CECU provides valuable services for members and advocates for policies that advance postsecondary career education. All CECU member schools are licensed by the state(s), accredited by a regional or national accreditor, and must be eligible to participate in Title IV financial aid programs. For more information, visit career.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
