2023

Tag: 2023

Austin’s technician dream is closer than ever thanks to TechForce scholarships

TechForce scholarship brings Austin's technician dreams closer than ever

by TechForce Staff

Meet Austin, a TechForce scholarship recipient studying to become an automotive technician in the United States.

Our staff had an opportunity to hear from Austin the role his parents, peers and mentors played in his decision to become a technician, and his plans for a career in the future of mobility.

Scholarship recipient Austin wears a grey hoodie with a sports car printed on the front.

Discovering a Passion for Automotive

Austin always had a knack for getting hands-on. “Growing up I always enjoyed doing things hands-on. Any sport I played I would pick up very quickly. When I got to high school, I found a group of friends that enjoyed cars like I did. I would always help them do work on cars, like modifying suspensions or just doing just basic oil changes. That is when I knew that this was the type of work I had been looking for.”

Developing Skills and Confidence to Apply Them

“[Once I got] my own car, I was always tinkering with things and looking for ways to… make it how I wanted it. I had even gotten to the point where my parents felt confident enough to let me do small things to their cars like changing the brake pads,” said Austin.

“It was such a great feeling to know that I could do something with the skills I learned… I also helped my girlfriend’s family with one of their cars. It had sat unused for several years and I wanted to bring it back to life… it was definitely a steep challenge. Eventually, I figured out what needed to be done. I put the car back together and it started perfectly.”

“It took a lot for me to overcome a task that I was unfamiliar with, but I stayed committed and in the end, I figured it out. I have been driving that car around for the past year and it’s a great car – the first project car I brought back to life!”

Mentors Helped Austin Pursue his Passion Professionally

Although Austin had a knack and a love for working under the hood, he didn’t initially consider it as a career. In fact, it was his parents who first suggested that Austin consider working professionally as a technician.

“After working at a few jobs in the restaurant industry, transportation, and tourism, my parents asked, ‘Why don’t you just become a mechanic?’ They could always see how excited I was to work on my car.”

Eventually, it was a mentor who also went to technical school that convinced Austin to do what he loves. “[A] neighbor of mine had previously gone to Technical School. He really enjoyed the program and he seems to be very successful. He basically told me that if this is really my passion, I need to go for it because he could tell that I will really enjoy this kind of work too. I decided to attend Technical School, and I can’t wait for the future to come!”

Mentors Helped Austin Pursue his Passion Professionally

Austin is excited to have received a TechForce Foundation Tuition Scholarship, and he’s thrilled to be beginning an advanced training program. Technician training is an expensive undertaking, and Austin is grateful to have received the financial assistance will make it easier to achieve his goals!

As for his plans after school? “Once I finish school I can progress, get my ASE certifications and become a journeyman technician.”

About TechForce Scholarships

A TechForce scholarship (or cash grant) is a financial award to aid students in paying for the cost of their technical education. It does not require repayment. TechForce scholarships are privately funded by our partners, meaning the funds come from corporate and individual donors – not the government. It’s expected our scholarships are added to any other financial support you receive.

TechForce Foundation will award over $2.3 Million in 2023 to students in transportation technician programs around the country. Eligible technician programs include automotive, aviation, collision repair, diesel on- & off-road, motorcycle, marine & watercraft, restoration, welding, CNC and more!

Find a scholarship and apply today at TechForce.org/Scholarships

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Nominations Open Monday, May 15, for TechForce’s 2023 Techs Rock Awards

Nominations Open Monday, May 15, for TechForce’s 2023 Techs Rock AwardsTM

Five professional transportation/mobility technicians to be recognized nationally for outstanding contributions as role models in their shops and communities

May 11, 2023 – PHOENIX – TechForce Foundation’s 5th annual Techs Rock Awards season begins Monday, May 15, 2023. TechForce created these prestigious awards to honor professional technicians who are full of passion and grit, exhibit true excellence in their work and inspire the next generation of techs. The Techs Rock Awards will accept nominations May 15 through May 26, 2023, at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

More than $18,500 in prizes will be awarded:

  • Each of the five Category Winners, as selected by a panel of industry celebrity judges, will receive prizes valued at over $1,900, including gift cards, tools, merch and more from TechForce partners Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Cengage Learning, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Nissan, Snap-on Industrial and WD-40 Company.

  • One Grand Prize Winner, chosen by popular vote, will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to STX 2024 in Nashville, Tenn., valued at $3,000, courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, and additional prizes valued at $6,000 from AutoZone, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Nissan, Snap-on Industrial and WD-40 Company.

Technicians will be considered for one of five categories, including Pay it Forward, Rookie of the Year, Die Hard Tech, Outstanding Mentor, and Barrier Buster. A panel of industry celebrity judges will select one winner from each of the five categories. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the slate of Category Winners via a People’s Choice Public Vote to be held June 12 through 16, 2023.

2023 Techs Rock Award judges include Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; Harrison Burton, Wood Brothers Racing; Emily Reeves, Flying Sparks Garage; Pete Meier, Motor Age Magazine; and Camrie Caruso, Camrie Caruso Motorsports.

2022 Grand Prize Winner and CarMax technician Daniel McCrum was ecstatic about the recognition he received from winning. “I kinda thought I had a pretty fair chance to win something…but I didn’t think I could win the whole thing,” he said. “This is a national contest…it’s nationwide and I won!” McCrum will join this year’s Grand Prize Winner at STX 2024 in Nashville for the bi-annual event.

Since 2018 the Techs Rock Awards have awarded more than $46,000 in prizes to 20 professional technicians in recognition of their excellence, passion and commitment to driving the future of the mobility industry. Technicians will shape our future, and the Techs Rock Awards are made possible by TechForce donors who help shape theirs. In addition to prizes, Nissan is also co-sponsoring the 2023 Techs Rock Awards to help TechForce celebrate all technicians’ contributions throughout the country and the industry.

The Techs Rock Awards are part of TechForce’s workforce development campaign to inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. TechForce also created the first and only social network designed and gamified for professional technicians and tech students to connect with each other, employers and schools (TechForce.org). The transportation community is supporting it with content and using it to learn, connect, find events, and explore job opportunities while competing for prizes and leaderboard status.

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 $2.3 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.

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TechForce receives $1M donation from Ford Fund and dealers, the largest scholarship donation in its history

Ford Announces $1 Million Scholarship Program to Support Students Pursuing Careers as Automotive Technicians

  • Investment backed by Ford Fund and Ford Dealers will help meet the high demand for highly skilled automotive technicians across the industry

  • Scholarship program aims to foster diversity and reduce barriers for students pursuing careers in automotive service and technology by helping cover tuition and costs of attendance

  • New focus on STEM skills fuels upward professional and economic mobility as the industry moves toward electrification

DEARBORN, Mich., Mar. 30, 2023 – Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, is joining Ford dealers across four U.S. regions – Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix – to provide a million dollars in scholarship funding to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians.

The auto industry has long faced a shortage of technicians due to fewer students entering and graduating from post-secondary programs, according to TechForce Foundation. Despite annual demand for 258,000 new technicians, there are only 48,000 graduates from technician programs each year nationwide. The gap is likely to widen over the next decade without new graduates as there are projected growth rates of 14% in Arizona, 10% in Texas, 7% in Georgia and 3% in Illinois for this career field respectively.

“As we move toward an electrified future, these career opportunities are exciting and require skilled technicians who are proficient in STEM-related study,” said Elena Ford, Chief Customer Experience Officer. “Working together with the Ford Fund and our dealers to offer this scholarship program means we will welcome a new generation of diverse students to the industry, and hopefully into our Ford family, to help us better serve our customers.”

The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is open to current and future students who are enrolled in post-secondary auto or auto and diesel technician training programs in the Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix areas. This need-based scholarship is applied to a student’s school tuition account and may be used for all cost of attendance, including tuition, tools, living expenses, and transportation.

“These scholarships will go a long way in engaging students, particularly those from under-resourced communities, to consider careers in automotive technology and service,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO, TechForce Foundation. “We’re excited about working with the Ford Fund and Ford Dealer partners to help create a path to careers students may not have considered before.”

Scholarships will be administered by TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit supporting students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. Ford is proud to partner with TechForce given their deep understanding and expertise of the essential skills required to build a diverse pipeline of auto technicians.

This program supports Ford’s greater mission to prepare, empower and grow the future workforce needed to service vehicles and customers to prepare for an electrified future including:

  • A focus on STEM-based curriculum in combination with hands-on learning
  • Reaching students early and reinforcing the opportunities available for upward professional and economic advancement
  • Collaboration with dealers through their involvement in participating schools, career fairs, shadowing days, mentoring, and internships

For more information and to apply for the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship opportunity students can visit www.TechForce.org/FordFund.

Applications are due by June 30, 2023, and applicants will be notified of the results on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer.

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About Ford Fund
As the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund focuses on providing access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship opportunities for under-resourced and underrepresented communities. Ford Fund’s partnerships and programming are designed to be responsive to unique community needs, ensuring people have equitable opportunities to move forward. Harnessing Ford’s scale, resources and mobility expertise, Ford Fund drives meaningful impact through grantmaking, Ford Community Centers and employee volunteerism. For more information, visit fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

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 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.

 

 

 

TechForce Announces Grand Prize Winner in 2023 FutureTechs Rock Awards

TechForce Foundation® Announces Grand Prize Winner of Annual FutureTechs Rock Awards

Taeler Coverdale of Houston honored with $1,000 scholarship and $4,000 in prizes; 10 transportation technician students honored with over $20,000 in National Awards

March 7, 2023 – PHOENIX – Taeler Coverdale, a Collision Repair student at Universal Technical Institute in Houston, Texas has been named as Grand Prize Winner in TechForce Foundation®’s 2023 FutureTechs Rock Awards. TechForce created this prestigious award to honor aspiring technicians and recognize students with a promising future in the transportation industry. Learn more about the 2023 Grand Prize and Category Winners at TechForce.org/FTR23Winners.

“This is amazing! I’m in utter shock right now,” said Taeler upon learning she is this year’s Grand Prize Winner. “Thank you for the opportunity… being an example for other women… that’s what I want, that’s why I’m in this. I want to make a difference for women in this industry. If a girl sees that she might think she’s able to do this as a career.”

More than 4,000 TechForce followers voted in this year’s awards. The student with the most votes was Taeler, earning her the Grand Prize from among ten contenders who were all Category Winners. Taeler was previously named as the Collision Repair Category Winner.

“Role models like Taeler show students that there is a place for them in technician careers. As we all know, young people are so much more likely to pursue a career if they see people like them succeeding in it. Women account for less than 3% of transportation techs, and so welcoming women into the trade is critical to addressing the ongoing technician shortage. TechForce is proud to celebrate Taeler and the new generation of women joining the industry,” said TechForce Executive Director Jennifer Maher.

As the Grand Prize Winner Taeler will receive a $1,000 TechForce scholarship and $4,000 in prizes from TechForce and sponsors including Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Cengage Learning, CRC Industries, Mighty Auto Parts, New Ford Tech, Nissan, Snap-on Industrial, Volvo and WD-40 Company.

Through the FutureTechs Rock Awards TechForce and its partners have awarded 50 transportation technician students with over $67,000 in prizes and scholarships since 2019. The Awards are made possible because of generous donations from people and companies that believe everyone should have a chance to succeed.

Each of the ten Category Winners has been awarded $1,500 in prizes. Category Winners were selected by industry-expert judges from hundreds of High School and Post-Secondary nominations, representing 182 campuses across 38 states. 30% of the Category Winners were women, a significant proportion considering only 3% of professional technicians are women.

The ten Category Winners represent seven states and ten schools, with each being recognized in a distinct technical education discipline:

  • Automotive – Abbie Vetse, Hennepin Technical College, Maple Grove, MN
  • Aviation – Teresa Sacca, Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, CA
  • Collision Repair – Taeler Coverdale, Universal Technical Institute, Houston, TX
  • Diesel Off-Road – Nicholas Isaly, Lenawee ISD TECH Center, Adrian, MI
  • Diesel On-Road – Andrew Younkin, Western Technical College, El Paso, TX
  • Marine and Watercraft – Benjamin Pooler, Portland Arts & Technology High School, Buxton, ME
  • Motorcycle and ATV – Everrett Novak, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Phoenix, AZ
  • Motorsports – Benjamin Delauter, NASCAR Technical Institute, Mooresville, NC
  • Restoration – Tyler Renken, Central Carolina Community College, Bunnlevel, NC
  • Welding and CNC – Connor Essary, St. Clair TEC, St. Clair, MI

The FutureTechs Rock Awards are part of TechForce’s workforce development campaign to inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. TechForce also created the first and only social network designed and gamified for professional technicians and tech students to connect with each other, employers and schools (TechForce.org). The transportation community is supporting it with content and using it to learn, connect, find events, and explore job opportunities while competing for prizes and leaderboard status.

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 and will award more $2.3 million in scholarships and grants in 2023 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.


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TechForce Welcomes New Board Members and Officers

TechForce Foundation® Welcomes New Board Members and Officers

 

TechForce expands its impact on students’ technical education and career success with added collision repair, reconditioning, automotive service, fleet maintenance and business development expertise.

 

February 14, 2023 – PHOENIX – TechForce Foundation®, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians, welcomes new officers to its Board of Directors for 2023 including Jon Vesely Vice Chair; Paul Halsch, Treasurer; David Ellis, Secretary; and Jennifer Maher as Ex-Officio Member. Angie Babin is returning as Chair/President.

“Our new officers and board members bring a tremendous passion for our charitable mission along with a wide range of industry and philanthropic experience. Together we are working to raise more resources to help even more students experience the joy and fulfillment of tech careers,” says Jennifer Maher, TechForce Foundation Executive Director. “The reward our board, volunteers and staff get is immeasurable when hearing from our students what a difference TechForce makes in helping them fulfill their dreams. We are truly changing lives and communities.”

Paul Halsch, Mary Mahoney and Jon Vesely joined TechForce’s national Board of Directors in the Fall of 2022. Each of them bring industry and nonprofit expertise which helps further strengthen TechForce’s ability to achieve its mission.

  • Paul Halsch brings 30+ years experience as an executive with collision repair and automotive service brands including FinishMaster, Pep Boys, and more. In his most recent position Paul served as VP of Reconditioning for Cox Automotive.
  • Mary Mahoney, VP of Replacement and Leisure Division at Enterprise Holdings, provides leadership and guidance for Enterprise’s largest global accounts and is responsible for client and industry relations in the insurance, collision, dealer, OEM, and leisure/affinity segments. She has taken on many leadership positions in her decades-long Enterprise career, including spearheading the industry wide Collision Engineering initiative.
  • Jon Vesely brings a passion for community service and over 30 years experience in senior leadership positions developing and leading growth-oriented strategies in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. He is the Chair of the Board of several companies, an active business investor, and head of his family foundation.

More information including roles and photographs for TechForce Foundation’s full 13-member Board of Directors can be found at techforce.org/about-us/#board-of-directors

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a 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.

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Conor is pursuing his passion thanks to TechForce’s Veterans At Work: Military Transition Fund

How Technician & Navy Veteran Conor Went Pipeline to Placement and Beyond with TechForce

“Pursuing a technical education has set part of the foundation of my life,” says Conor. “I started working on classic Fords from day one with my family. Later things got difficult and we were very poor. When I was 13, I worked doing oil changes, brakes, and cleaning to help pay the bills. When I was 14, I moved to a dairy farm and it changed my life. I did all sorts of dirty jobs, but my favorite was the shop where we worked on the equipment. I became the neighborhood mechanic.”

Wrenching Through Difficult Times

After high school, Conor joined the Navy where he got to work on airplanes. Unfortunately, his military career took a left turn when he suffered a shattered ankle. “I was put in a limited-duty status that didn’t allow me to do my job, so I turned back to flipping cars to make extra money.”

Now on an honorable medical discharge, and a father of three with a fourth baby on the way, he’s had multiple surgeries including one that resulted in having his ankle fused. “That still didn’t stop me from working on things,” he says. “Mechanics has always provided me with joy and an ability to combat depression. I love turning on music and wrenching on anything. The sense of accomplishment when the job is done makes me feel great.”

Transitioning into the Civilian Workforce with Help from TechForce Donors

In 2021 Conor decided to pursue his passion and started his technical education. He soon after discovered TechForce, joined the Network and received a relocation grant through the Veterans At Work: Military Transition Fund – Sunstate Equipment grant.

Thanks to support from generous donors who believe everyone should have a chance to succeed, Conor was able to move with his family closer to school.

Conor is thriving today

“It’s great that TechForce is bringing awareness to the industry. There are so many other technical options and opportunities for people who aren’t interested in going to a traditional college. TechForce has been really helpful with my education and their Network is an excellent resource with a great community of industry people, tutorial videos, upcoming events, and even fun things like trivia.”

TechForce was able to help connect Conor with Sunstate Equipment, where he was hired as a technician. “I am excited for the chance to work at Sunstate. There are so many opportunities for growth plus, they really appreciate and take care of their employees. I am very thankful to TechForce for helping me land this job.”

Conor recently reflected on his experience with TechForce Foundation, “TechForce is an unbelievable free resource and it has been a big help throughout my entire process from school to career. I will recommend TechForce to other people and I’ll definitely keep using its Network while I finish my education and throughout my career.”

About TechForce Scholarships

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, with more than 40,000 students supported since 2007. All of TechForce’s scholarships and programs are made possible by donors like you.

Learn more and apply for TechForce scholarships and grants at TechForce.org/Scholarships