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.