New Nonprofit Champion It Forward Launches to Train Collision Repair Technicians as Industry Vacancy Tops 55%
Champion It Forward, a new independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, launched on October 27 with a mission to equip and champion the next generation of automotive collision repair professionals through education, training, mentorship and apprenticeships.
The need is significant: according to the latest industry data cited by the organization, more than 55 percent of auto body repair technician roles in the United States are currently unfilled, with demand for nearly 100,000 technicians projected over the next five years. The organization's early priorities include building awareness of the collision repair industry and the skilled trades as viable careers, reducing financial barriers to technical training, certifications and paid apprenticeships through scholarships, and bringing together insurers, suppliers and educators to invest in the next generation of technicians.
Early funding is already in place: collision repair provider Crash Champions raised $300,000 for the organization at its annual Champions Classic charity golf outing in September. Early programs include paid apprenticeships, educational support and tool grants, and the board of directors includes executive leaders from industry companies such as LKQ and 3M.
"Champion It Forward is designed to unite the automotive and collision repair industries in support of building and sustaining a strong workforce," said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. Dave Gunderson, president of 3M's Automotive Aftermarket Division and a board member of the organization, said the $300,000 raised through the Champions Classic gives the organization the ability to begin turning shared commitment into action.
(Source: Champion It Forward)
Source: Champion It Forward
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 非营利组织Champion It Forward官方标识（机构供图）
