New video conveys being a collision tech is an art that’s in high demand
December 8, 2022 — PHOENIX — Not every student needs to attend a 4-year university. For many, a technical education and career is a viable road to success. TechForce Foundation recently launched a new video in partnership with Caliber Collision, #BeaCollisionTech, designed to educate young people about the opportunities and benefits that a career in collision repair offers. TechForce’s annual Supply and Demand Report revealed that among the transportation sectors, collision is suffering the most from the tech shortage. The ratio of demand to supply with collision technicians is 7.9 to 1. That is nearly 8 job opportunities for every one collision tech graduate.
As a leader in the collision industry, Caliber is at the forefront of addressing collision technician shortages with its proprietary Technician Apprentice Program (TAP). Through TAP, and with strategic partners like TechForce, Caliber is attracting, training, and employing the next generation of auto body technicians.
To craft a compelling message and video, TechForce went to the source and interviewed dozens of students currently enrolled in collision engineering programs and apprenticeships. These interviews uncovered precisely what attracted students to a collision repair career path, and TechForce was able to incorporate their exact sentiments in the video. Students shared that it’s an art that’s in demand; the high-tech, emerging technologies ensure they’re never bored; they enjoy mastering not just the mechanics, but the computers, calibration services and artistic side of paint and body work; and that this hands-on, problem-solving profession is a better fit for them than a traditional college pathway.
“As a national nonprofit, TechForce is committed to helping people discover an education and career that fits,” shares Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “Most young people aren’t even aware the collision tech option exists or they think it’s just replacing bumpers and paint. But with advancing technologies, it’s much more of a ‘new collar’, technology-centric profession today,” says Maher.
To reach high schoolers, TechForce delivers its messaging via video, over an array of social channels from YouTube to TikTok and Instagram — all in the voice of GenZ. “Rather than seasoned adults telling young people about their options, we engage with GenZ to share their own words and journey with their peers,” says Angie Babin, president of TechForce’s board of directors and vice president of supply chain for Caliber Collision. “This is also why TechForce has invested in the TechForce Network,” a gamified, online career hub and app (Apple & Android) where students can find all the resources needed to explore and pursue technical education and careers. “You have to meet students where they are,” adds Babin. Each year, TechForce awards nearly $1.5 million in scholarships and grants to students pursuing their technical education through the TechForce Network.
TechForce’s Be a Collision Tech video has already enjoyed more than 85 thousand views on YouTube, demonstrating interest among young people for a broader variety of education and career options. The project was graciously underwritten by Caliber, one of TechForce’s corporate donors in the collision sector. Caliber, in turn, will leverage the video to create awareness of TAP among potential apprentice and mentor candidates.
TechForce plans to continue delivering its educational video series across other technician sectors, ranging from collision and automotive to diesel, motorsports, heavy equipment/machinery and emerging technologies, including electric and autonomous vehicles.
“Students need choices for their futures, and the skilled trades are viable, well-paying, sustainable careers that shouldn’t be overlooked,” says Maher. “TechForce and its donors are committed to giving students options.”
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 $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, “new collar” STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online, social network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit TechForce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.
About Caliber
Founded in 1997, the Caliber portfolio of brands has grown to more than 1,500 centers nationwide and features a full range of complementary automotive services, including Caliber Collision, one of the nation’s largest auto collision repair providers across 40 states, Caliber Auto Care for mechanical repair and quick oil change services and Caliber Auto Glass for glass repair and replacement.
Caliber was recognized as the only company of its kind to make the Forbes list of “America’s Best Large Employers,” an honor awarded to companies with high employee satisfaction. Caliber was also the only auto service provider to receive an Inc. 2021 Best in Business gold medal in the Extra-Large Company (500+ employees) category, recognizing Caliber for going above and beyond to make a positive impact. With the purpose of Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life®, Caliber’s more than 25,000 teammates are committed to getting customers back on the road safely—and back to the rhythm of their lives—every day. Dedicated to providing an outstanding customer experience, Caliber continues to rank among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry. Learn more about Caliber at caliber.com.
Links
- Be a Collision Tech video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij3irBwK7Uo
- TechForce Supply & Demand Report: https://techforce.org/supply-demand-report/
- TechForce Network: https://techforce.org/
- Caliber Technician Apprenticeship Program (TAP) https://www.caliber.com/why-caliber/restoring-you/technician-apprentice-program
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