Special Presentation

Storytelling, Resources for Filling Technician Shortages

Presented Jennifer Maher,CEO TechForce Foundation

from coast to coast have been feeling for years…but technicians are actually in short supply in all segments of the transportation industry, from automotive to aviation to diesel. Though all segments are hurting, most business owners are too busy to spend a significant amount of time seeking out technicians to fill the gaps.

“We need to stop complaining and start doing something… but we have started doing something; we’re doing a lot of things that you may just be unaware of,” stressed Jennifer Mayer, CEO of TechForce Foundation, a nationwide non-profit organization focused on championing future and working technicians through scholarships, school partnerships and industry engagement. “You’re not hitching your wagon to solutions. The transportation industry can only solve this crisis if we row together and create a movement.” so they spin and waste time and money, acquiring debt as they try to figure it out. So, as an industry, we need to meet them and help connect the dots.”

Many young people who are interested in becoming a technician simply have no clue how to go about learning the trade.

That’s exactly what TechForce strives to do through a variety of free resources which seek to inspire, support and connect young and future technicians with the industry that desperately needs them. “We’re passionate about young people because they’re wired for success. But we need to show them a pathway into technical education in the skilled trades.”

TechForce’s marketing team focuses on storytelling to show that pathway to success by changing perceptions about the role of today’s technicians and promoting respect for techs. They accomplish this largely through the Techs Rock Awards, which recognize technicians currently working in the industry, while the Future Techs Rock Awards recognize students for their passion and commitment.