TechForce Foundation named their finalists for the Techs Rock Awards, officially opening up the vote to the public. One future technician and one working technician finalist will be named grand prize winners, as chosen by the public. Voting is open through February 28.
"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 Techs Rock Awards recognizes both technical students and professional technicians and their commitment to the profession. The national demand for top-tier technicians drives the awards. According to TechForce Foundation, honorees serve as role models, inspiring the next generation and fueling the pipeline of future technicians.
TechForce invites the public to meet the finalists here.
Future technician finalists include:
- Automotive and motorsports: Misael Rodriguez, Ben Davis High School and Area 31 Career Center
- Aviation, motorcycle, and marine: Zoe Pernites, Aviation Institute of Maintenance
- Collision, restoration, and welding: Madysen Smith, Dauphin County Technical School
- Diesel: Alejandra Rivas, Western Technical College
- Emerging technologies: Michael Meier, Centura College
Working technicians finalists include:
- Automotive and motorsports: Dustin Thomas, CarMax
- Aviation, motorcycle, and marine: Joshua Borel, Chennault Aviation Academy
- Collision, restoration, and welding: Kevin Walker, Caliber Collision
- Diesel: Christopher Heil, TA Truck Service
- Emerging technologies: Paul Herold, Firestone Complete Auto Care
Finalists were selected by a panel of judges, including ChrisFix, automotive YouTuber; Sabre Cook, professional driver and mechanical engineer; JP Emerson, automotive journalist; John Gardner, host of "Tech Garage" and "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; Emily Reeves, co-host of Flying Sparks Garage; Brandon Steckler, technical editor at Motor Age magazine; and Micki Woods, president of Micki Woods Marketing and host of the Body Bangin' podcast.
The two winners will also recieve a trip to Glendale, Arizone to attend Mecum Glendale 2024 and be honored by industry leaders at TechForce's National Partner Summit. They will also receive a week-long rental of an electric vehicle (EV). Additionally, the winners will receive a NAPA Carlyle toolbox stocked with Carlyle tools valued at $8,000 each. Each of the eight runners up will also receive a $500 AutoZone gift card and a GEARWRENCH Modular Tool Set, valued at up to $1,000.
