Association Archives

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023

TechForce Foundation and Mecum Auctions Partner to Open Nominations for 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards

6th Annual TechForce Awards to honor students AND technicians for the first time

November 21, 2023 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to championing the technician workforce, has joined forces with Mecum Auctions to announce the opening of nominations for the highly anticipated 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards. This year, the Awards will honor both working and aspiring student technicians, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history. Nominations are now being accepted until January 14, 2024, at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

The Techs Rock Awards will recognize outstanding students and professional technicians in five categories: Automotive & Motorsports; Diesel; Collision, Restoration & Welding; Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine; and Evolving Technologies.

Category Winners will go on to compete in a public vote, with the one student and one professional tech Grand Prize Winners to each receive a trip to Glendale, Arizona to enjoy Mecum Auction Glendale and meet and be honored by industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit.

Mecum Auctions, a first-time partner of the Techs Rock Awards, is “thrilled to be part of this initiative during a time when there is a growing public interest in high-tech, hands-on technical careers,” says David Magers, CEO of Mecum Auctions.

TechForce established the Techs Rock Awards to honor the dedication and passion for the profession demonstrated by aspiring and working technicians. These individuals serve as true role models, inspiring the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

“The Techs Rock Awards are special because they celebrate those committed to keeping America rolling. We need skilled technicians so that our cars start, airplanes fly and trucks move,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “After 5 years of honoring students and technicians separately, the 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards are the greatest opportunity yet for the industry to recognize their workforce of today and tomorrow.”

Since its inception in 2018, the Techs Rock Awards have recognized 75 technicians and technician students, providing over $131,000 in scholarships and prizes. This program has been instrumental in promoting the importance of technical education and highlighting the immense value that skilled technicians bring to our world.

“Your nomination matters,” continues Maher. “By submitting a nomination your institution demonstrates a dedication to your industry’s excellence and growth, elevates your brand to align with excellence and innovation, and helps foster a culture of appreciation and motivation within your institution and industry.”

Nominations for the 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards are now open until January 14, 2024. Eligible nominees include professional transportation technicians and technical students studying or working in any of the award categories. To learn more about the nomination process and to submit a nomination for yourself or someone you know, please visit TechForce.org/TechsRock.

About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. Mecum Auctions is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has specialized in the sale of collector cars for more than 35 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin. For further information, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.

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 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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November 13, 2023November 13, 2023

NAPA Issues Call for the Next Generation of Technicians During National Apprenticeship Week

Joining with TechForce Foundation for its “Grab the Wheel” campaign, the aftermarket leader is launching The NAPA Success for Techs Scholarship fund to shine a light on exciting technician career paths

November 13, 2023 — ATLANTA — It’s National Apprenticeship Week, and NAPA, through the NAPA Network, is reaching out to the next generation of technicians and making it easier than ever to see themselves in a rewarding career through the “Grab the Wheel” campaign. This effort between NAPA and the TechForce Foundation contributes to a collective goal of hiring one million new automotive and aviation technicians in the next five years.

From November 13 – 30, interested applicants can apply for one of five The NAPA Success for Techs Scholarships. Recipients will be awarded this fall with a tool kit and financial contribution to jumpstart their technician career. The application and requirements to submit can be accessed at TechForce.org/Scholarships.

“There is so much more to being a technician than people realize,” said Jason Rainey, vice president of NAPA Auto Care. “As a technician, there is a clear career ladder in the auto industry and potential to work in other modes of transportation, such as motor sports, aviation and aeronautics. And with the growth of EV, they are on the cutting edge of technology. The NAPA Network seeks to not only show them the possibilities available to them but also provide them with the resources they need to land the career of their dreams.”

To illustrate the exciting careers that come with a technician education, throughout National Apprenticeship Week, NAPA and TechForce Foundation will highlight unique stories within the technician sector through the “Grab the Wheel” campaign, including:

Jeff Gordon: the NASCAR Hall of Famer knows all too well the importance of surrounding a driver with the best technicians and pit crew to win championships. Now, as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, Gordon brings decades of racing experience to his role, ensuring the NASCAR world continues to advocate for and support technicians in their pursuit of a career in the sport.
Chad Knaus: as the former crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, Knaus is the only crew chief in NASCAR history to have earned five consecutive Cup Series championships. He understands the importance of technician education to keep NASCAR’s stars safely on the track intimately, carrying that passion through in his current role at Hendrick Motorsports. He has worked in NASCAR since 1991.
Erica Smith: Erica was awarded a NAPA toolkit through its Women in Auto Care Scholarship collaboration to continue her career as an automotive technician. Erica was introduced to “backyard mechanics” at a young age, fixing friends’ old cars and lawn equipment. She founded John’s Lawn Service – named for her late father – to combat hesitance from prospective customers in hiring a woman. Today as a mom of two, she’s successfully working in Bakersfield, CA as a technician in an industry that began as a hobby.

“Even though the drivers are the only people behind the wheel, make no mistake – racing is a team sport, and the technicians and pit crew play a crucial role,” said Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. “There are many rewarding paths technicians can pursue – including the racetrack – so I’m thrilled to support NAPA and TechForce’s efforts to revitalize this career track.”

As America’s largest network of parts and care – and the sponsor of NAPA Racing – NAPA’s partnership with TechForce and its The NAPA Success for Techs Scholarship opportunity are just a few of the ways the NAPA Network is making it easier to learn more about the technician trade and take steps toward a career in the field.

NAPA’s efforts also include the existing NAPA Auto Care Apprenticeship Program, giving aspiring technicians a path to in-demand positions in the automotive industry alongside mentors to complete their ASE certifications over the course of 18 to 24 months. Most recently, through its continued partnership with Women in Auto Care, 20 toolkits valued at $9,000 each were awarded to female students across the U.S. who are interested in a career in the auto care industry. NAPA also has a strategic alliance with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), supporting the future of those seeking careers in the transportation and aftermarket auto repair industries.

To learn more from NAPA about turning your love for cars into a rewarding career, visit https://techforce.org/thats-not-you/

Learn about ways you can support TechForce Foundation by visiting https://techforce.org/ways-to-help/.

About NAPA
Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 18,000 auto care and collision centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with more than 725,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.

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October 30, 2023October 30, 2023

Industry Embraces TechForce Foundation Amid Surge in Public Support for Hands-On Technician Careers

Industry Embraces TechForce Foundation Amid Surge In Public Support For Hands-On Technician Careers

October 30, 2023 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to championing the technician workforce, has seen a significant uptick in public support for high-tech, hands-on mobility technician careers. Forward-thinking businesses are seizing on this opportunity and partnering with TechForce to supercharge the pipeline of future technicians.

“For 15 years, championing technician careers was an uphill battle. The public shied away from hands-on careers in favor of the college-for-all mentality and the industry complained, but did little to fix it. There is still much work to be done, but we’re seeing a shift,” reports Jennifer Maher, Executive Director of TechForce Foundation. “Everyone from parents to teachers and students themselves have opened their eyes to the life and career opportunities available to technicians, and TechForce has been a large part of that shift.”

This year, TechForce Foundation will award over $2.3 Million in scholarships and grants to support this growing interest, with nearly $1,000,000 already awarded to students in the first half of 2023. A huge lift came this year when Ford Motor Company Fund and Ford Dealers across the regions of Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix donated $1.1 million to support students pursuing their technical education in auto and diesel. “A grant of that magnitude is a real boost and vote of confidence in the work we’re doing,” says Maher.

“The phones are ringing,” says Angie Babin, Chair of the TechForce Foundation Board of Directors, “as more companies and foundations embrace our charitable mission.”

Companies have joined or increased their direct support for TechForce by hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2023, including enhanced partnerships with AutoZone, BASF, Bridgestone Americas, CarMax, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, LKQ, NAPA, and Snap-on Industrial. Additionally, the nonprofit trade association CAWA – Representing the Automotive Parts Industry – named TechForce as one of its charities of choice, pledging to engage its members across California, Nevada and Arizona as donors and volunteers.

“Each one of these companies has either significantly increased its commitment to TechForce Foundation this year, or entered into a new partnership to support our mission. The momentum and growth shows us that the pendulum is swinging,” says Babin. “Society is realizing we need a skilled workforce, and that employers and brands that rely on techs need to take action and invest in solutions like TechForce. We’re thrilled to see this uptick in energy.”

TechForce Foundation has invested heavily in building a first-of-its-kind online community, TechForce™, where tech students, working techs, instructors, brands and employers can connect. TechForce™ ensures aspiring technicians can find all the free resources to successfully navigate their technical education and job placement pathway. It’s absolutely free to join at techforce.org, where students can find tech schools, scholarships, apprenticeships and jobs and also tap free tickets to events, watch online training, participate in trivia and contests, and more. More than 27,000 users have joined TechForce™ since launch, accessing all that it has to offer for free, thanks to support from its individual, business and foundation donors.

TechForce continues to innovate, launching its Grab the Wheel campaign this past August to inspire the next generation of technicians. The ambitious campaign seeks to welcome one million new entry-level technicians over the next five years to meet a pressing workforce demand. The organization is also partnering with the industry to recognize the technicians and students who are shaping its future, with the largest Techs Rock Awards to date.

TechForce is supported by charitable contributions from the automotive, collision and diesel sectors, including OEMs, aftermarket, retailers, private shops, national MSOs and the rental sector, as well as other sectors, including aviation, CNC machining, marine, motorcycle, motorsports and welding.

Small businesses under $10M annual revenue can partner with TechForce Foundation for just $89 a month, including the right to post jobs and apprenticeships in TechForce™. Small brands can opt-in to a Professional Membership at just $499 a year. Named scholarship funds can be opened for as little as $10,000 and the organization has a team dedicated to crafting win/win strategic alliances with larger companies.

Donate at techforce.org or learn about more ways to support TechForce Foundation by visiting https://techforce.org/ways-to-help/.

Links:

TechForce Foundation logo: https://adobe.ly/3Diapjw
TechForce™ network: https://techforce.org/
Get involved with TechForce: https://techforce.org/ways-to-help/

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October 24, 2023October 24, 2023

CAWA and TechForce Foundation Strike a New Collaboration for the Betterment of the Auto Care Industry

Sacramento, CA and Phoenix, AZ – October 24, 2023 – CAWA and TechForce Foundation have formed a new strategic alliance to address the growth and support of America’s skilled technician workforce. The two not-for-profit organizations will collaborate and share resources to promote the technician profession with young people, connect industry volunteers with future techs and tech school programs, and spotlight the importance of respecting techs who keep America rolling.

“Our country needs skilled, qualified automotive technicians to keep our lives moving. Students who love problem-solving and working with their hands are longing to find an education and career that fits. For many, a 4-year university isn’t the path they want or need. Instead, they’d be most excited by a technical career,” shares Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “These days the auto tech profession offers a solid middle-class wage, the opportunity to live and work anywhere, and involvement in the fast-evolving, technology-rising mobility industry. Students are unaware of all their options and don’t always know how to navigate the career exploration pipeline. By forming this collaboration, CAWA and TechForce have combined the conduits through which we can reach, support, and connect aspiring tech students to their futures.”

Representing the Automotive Parts Industry, Rodney Pierini the President & CEO of CAWA adds, “The Board of Directors unanimously supported this new collaboration with TechForce, and we are excited to contribute to promoting and growing the technician workforce as another contribution of the Association to the improvement of the auto care industry”.

The principles of the collaboration are:

CAWA’s website will promote and support the technician workforce.
CAWA will invite its members to become “TechForce Champions” whereby they will provide financial support to the charitable mission of TechForce Foundation.
CAWA will ask its members to become “TechForce Ambassadors”, volunteering to speak in various venues regarding the need for a robust technician workforce.
CAWA will encourage its members to nominate technicians to TechForce to share their positive stories to inspire young people and their influencers , e.g., parents school counselors, etc., regarding careers as technicians.
CAWA members will have access to TechForce’s resource center to assist them in promoting technician careers.
CAWA will assist TechForce (and vice-versa) in building relationships with tech high schools and post-secondary programs.

Plans are now underway to implement the principles of this new collaboration. For more information, contact programs@cawa.org or info@techforce.org.

About CAWA:
CAWA is an automotive aftermarket trade association, which represents auto parts jobbers, retailers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives and program groups. The Association provides educational, legislative and business support to the industry and its membership. It is one of the largest trade associations of its kind in the United States and recognized as a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry. For more information, visit www.cawa.org.

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 and Linkedin.

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