TechForce Announces Techs Rock Awards Finalists, Opens Public Vote to Decide Grand Prize Winners

TechForce Announces Techs Rock Awards Finalists, Opens Public Vote to Decide Grand Prize Winners

Awards Show Respect for Techs; Students and Professional Technicians Honored for their Commitment to the Profession and Work to Keep America Moving Now and into the Future

February 14, 2024 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation has named the Finalists in its Techs Rock Awards and opened the public People’s Choice Grand Prize Vote. One Future Technician and one Working Technician Finalist, as chosen by the public vote, will be named Grand Prize Winners. Voting is open now through February 28, 2024 at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

TechForce Foundation’s Techs Rock Awards is the premier awards program recognizing both technical students’ and professional technicians’ commitment to the profession. The pressing national demand for top-tier technicians–nearly three job openings for every tech school graduate–drives the Techs Rock Awards. Honorees serve as true role models, inspiring the next generation and fueling the pipeline of future technicians.

“These Finalists are rockstars, dedicated to both their craft and inspiring others to follow their path,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “By recognizing these individuals, we motivate others to pursue technical careers and further bridge the narrowing skills gap. Cast your vote now to help us celebrate the students and technicians who are shaping the future of their industries.”

The public is invited to meet the Finalists and vote for the Future Tech and Working Tech Grand Prize Winners now until February 28th at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

Future Technician Finalists include:

  • Automotive & Motorsports: Misael Rodriguez, Ben Davis High School & Area 31 Career Center
  • Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine: Zoe Pernites, Aviation Institute of Maintenance
  • Collision, Restoration & Welding: Madysen Smith, Dauphin County Technical School
  • Diesel: Alejandra Rivas, Western Technical College
  • Emerging Technologies: Michael Meier, Centura College

Working Technicians Finalists include:

  • Automotive & Motorsports: Dustin Thomas, CarMax
  • Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine: Joshua Borel, Chennault Aviation Academy
  • Collision, Restoration & Welding: Kevin Walker, Caliber Collision
  • Diesel: Christopher Heil, TA Truck Service
  • Emerging Technologies: Paul Herold, Firestone Complete Auto Care
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Finalists were selected by a celebrity panel of expert judges, including ChrisFix, The World’s Largest Automotive YouTuber; Sabré Cook, Professional Racing Driver & Mechanical Engineer; JP Emerson, Automotive Journalist & Host of The JP Emerson Show; John Gardner, Host of “Tech Garage” & “Motorhead Garage” TV series; MBP, Shoreline, and Six, Hosts of the Cancelled for Maintenance Podcast; Humble Mechanic, Host of Humble Mechanic YouTube Channel; Frank Leutz, Host of Wrench Nation Car Talk Radio and Owner of Desert Car Care of Chandler; Emily Reeves, Co-Host of Flying Sparks Garage; Brandon Steckler, Technical Editor at Motor Age Magazine; and Micki Woods, President of Micki Woods Marketing & Host of the Body Bangin’ Podcast.

One technician and one student Grand Prize Winner will each receive a trip to Glendale, Arizona to enjoy Mecum Glendale 2024 and meet and be honored by industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit. The Grand Prize Winners will also receive a NAPA Carlyle toolbox stocked with Carlyle tools valued at $8K each. Thanks to TechForce partner Hertz, Grand Prize Winners will also receive a week-long rental of a cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) and experience the thrill of eco-friendly, high-performance driving in style! Each of the eight Runners Up will also receive a $500 AutoZone gift card and a GEARWRENCH Modular Tool Set valued up to $1,000.

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; 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 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 and Linkedin.

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Techs Rock Awards Nominations Close in 10 Days

Deadline: Nominations for Techs Rock Awards Close in 10 Days

The Awards will recognize five professional technicians and five technical students nationally with more than $35,000 in total prizes.

January 3, 2024 — PHOENIX — Nominations for the Techs Rock Awards close Sunday, January 14 at 11:59 pm PT. TechForce Foundation’s Techs Rock Awards is the premier awards program recognizing both professional technicians’ and technical students’ contributions to the industry. These individuals serve as true role models, inspiring the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

WHO: Anyone can submit a nomination. Eligible nominees include professional technicians and technical students employed in or studying the following disciplines: automotive, aviation, collision repair, diesel, emerging technologies, marine, motorcycle, motorsports, restoration, and/or welding.

WHEN: The deadline to submit nominations is January 14, 2024, at 11:59 pm PT.

WHERE: Nominations are open nationwide online at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

WHAT: The pressing national demand for top-tier technicians–nearly three job openings for every tech school graduate–drives TechForce Foundation’s Techs Rock Awards. More than $35,000 in total prize value will be awarded to five professional technicians and five technical students. By recognizing these role models who inspire the next generation, the Techs Rock Awards is fueling the pipeline of future technicians.

One technician and one student Grand Prize Winner will each receive a trip to Glendale, Arizona to enjoy Mecum Glendale 2024 and meet and be honored by industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit. The Grand Prize Winners will also receive a NAPA Carlyle toolbox stocked with Carlyle tools valued at $8K each. Thanks to TechForce partner Hertz, Grand Prize Winners will also receive a week-long rental of a cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) and experience the thrill of eco-friendly, high-performance driving in style! Each of the eight Runners Up will also receive a $500 AutoZone gift card and a GEARWRENCH Modular Tool Set valued up to $1,000.

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 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.

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TechForce Announces Highest Profile Judges in Techs Rock Awards 6-Year History

TechForce Announces Highest Profile Judges in Techs Rock Awards 6-Year History

Judges for the 6th Annual Awards Include TV & Podcast Hosts, Racing Drivers, and the World’s Largest Automotive YouTuber

December 6, 2023 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to championing the technician workforce, has unveiled the celebrity judges in its 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards. The Awards will honor technical students and professional technicians, with two Grand Prize Winners being recognized live on stage at Mecum Glendale 2024. Nominations are open through Jan. 14, 2024 at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

“This year’s judge panel is the most exciting in Techs Rock Awards history,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “We are incredibly thrilled to have such a high-profile, talented, and knowledgeable group of judges. Their reach and expertise will ensure that the winners truly represent the students and technicians who are driving the technician profession forward, the best of the best from every corner of our industry.”

Judges for the Techs Rock Awards include:

  • ChrisFix, The World’s Largest Automotive YouTuber
  • Sabré Cook, Professional Racing Driver & Mechanical Engineer
  • JP Emerson, Automotive Journalist & Host of The JP Emerson Show
  • John Gardner, Host of “Tech Garage” & “Motorhead Garage” TV series
  • MBP, Shoreline, and Six, Hosts of the Cancelled for Maintenance Podcast
  • Humble Mechanic, Host of Humble Mechanic YouTube Channel
  • Frank Leutz, Host of Wrench Nation Car Talk Radio and Owner of Desert Car Care of Cave Creek
  • Emily Reeves, Co-Host of Flying Sparks Garage
  • Brandon Steckler, Technical Editor at Motor Age Magazine
  • Micki Woods, President of Micki Woods Marketing & Host of the Body Bangin’ Podcast

TechForce joined forces with Mecum Auctions to host this year’s Techs Rock Awards, recognizing students and professional technicians who show passion and dedication for the profession, serve as role models, and inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts. One professional technician and one technical student will be recognized in each of the Awards’ five categories: Automotive & Motorsports; Diesel; Collision, Restoration & Welding; Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine; and Evolving Technologies.

In addition to the recognition and prestige that comes with winning a Techs Rock Award, the one student and one technician named as Grand Prize Winners will each receive a trip to Glendale, Ariz. to enjoy dinner with top industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit and be recognized on stage at Mecum Glendale 2024.

“Nominations are an excellent way for employers and educators to show appreciation for their staff and students. The prizes for the Techs Rock Awards are designed to empower and inspire the winners to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in their field,” added Maher. “We want to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication by providing them with resources that will help them thrive in their careers.”

The nomination deadline is January 14, 2024. TechForce Foundation invites you to recognize the aspiring technical students and exceptional technicians you see making a difference every day. To learn more about the Techs Rock Awards, including how to nominate a deserving student or technician, visit TechForce.org/TechsRock.

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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"By connecting students, instructors, industry pros and working techs, the TechForce Foundation provides unilateral support to the transportation industry’s technician recruiting needs… The administration of our Scholarships by the TechForce team has been instrumental in delivering us with a successful method to gain interest from qualified candidates as well as provide our students with additional assistance to complete their education."
Tony Farr
Ford Technical Programs Manager