TOPICS IN UNDER THE HOOD FOR OCTOBER 2021:

Technician Supply & Demand Report | Scholarship – Harbor Freight Tools for Schools | Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award | Driven to Care Legacy Fund | Women Techs Rock – Techs Rock Awards | TechForce Challenge Winner

Technician Supply & Demand Report: Updated for 2021

TechForce has released its 2021 Transportation Technician Supply & Demand Report, revealing the transportation technician shortage continues to worsen. Demand for technicians nearly doubled in the past year – from 136,503 in 2020 to 258,000 in 2021. Previously, demand outpaced supply by nearly three to one; now it is estimated to be five to one. Learn more. Download the 2021 Technician Supply & Demand Report>>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Auto & Diesel teacher wins big with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and TechForce

Congratulations to Salem High School Auto & Diesel Teacher Derek Wray, $100,000 winner in the Automotive Category of the 2021 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence!

TechForce added to Derek’s prize with a $2,500 Accelerate Tuition scholarship to be awarded to a high school senior of his choice. TechForce (center) was on-site with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (right) at Salem High School to award Derek (left) his prize. Learn more on the 2021 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence>>
 
 
 
 
 

Fall 2021 Terry Emig Hero Spirit Awardee

Congratulations to Brian Tsavolakis, recipient of the Fall 2021 Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award! The Award is granted each year to students who show the same grace and generosity that characterized our friend Terry Emig.

Brian will receive tuition and cash support to help with the cost of his motorcycle technician training. TechForce also congratulates runners-up Jack Boddie and Isaiah Andrews, who will receive cash support for their technical education. Apply for scholarships through TechForce’s social network>>

Students participate in Driven to Care VIP experience

John F. Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy Fund (part of the Footprints Foundation) and TechForce teamed up with the Sports Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) to host students for a day at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Students had the opportunity to see race track operations first hand, learn from Tom Lehmukhl and James Lowe, talk with race control, and go on pace laps with Ron Rigdon! Special thanks to SVRA, Circuit of the Americas and Lisa Weinberger for making the event possible. Find upcoming events and apply for scholarships through JoinTechForce.org
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

#WomenTechsRock – Techs Rock Grand Prize Winner Melina

GM technician Melina Algier has “dedicated [her]self to proving that women can work in the automotive industry.”

When she received the Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize in 2020 Melina had less than two years of technician experience. Yet, in that short time, she completed over 70 GM-certified courses and even moved up to training her shop’s new students and interns! Be sure to vote for the 2021 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner starting Monday 11/29>>

Meet the first-ever TechForce champion

Congratulations to UTI Orlando student Jinelee Galindez! She held the highest score after advancing through four weeks of challenges, earning her spot as the first-ever champion of TechForce’s social network along with $150 to Harbor Freight Tools and $150 Visa gift card! A big thank you to Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and Steven DeMarzio for sponsoring the contest. Find more contests here>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

Associations: Automotive Communications Council, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), American Rental Association (ARA), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), ASE Education Foundation, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), Auto Care Association/Women in Auto Care, Center for Advanced Automotive Technology (CAAT), Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement (CADIA), Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA, STEAM Sports Foundation and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)

Celebrities: Charles Sanville (The Humble Mechanic), Lyn St. James (IndyCar), Bogi Lateiner (Girl Gang Garage), Steve Johnson (Steve Johnson Racing – NHRA) and Julia Landauer (Julia Landauer Racing – NASCAR)

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