TechForce Puts Technician Shortage in Spotlight with National Competition at SEMA Show

TechForce Puts Technician Shortage in Spotlight with National Competition at SEMA Show

-- Foundation opens public voting to crown two grand prize winners in the 2025 Techs Rock Awards, celebrating the students and working techs who keep America moving --

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2025) - With a nationwide technician shortage threatening key sectors from transportation to energy, one nonprofit is turning the spotlight toward the young men and women stepping up to keep America running.

TechForce Foundation and the SEMA Show announce the 2025 Techs Rock Awards public vote, inviting Americans to help crown the top student and working technicians in the country. Voting is open now through Oct. 15 at TechForce.org/Vote.

"This vote is about more than prizes," said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. "It's about showing the next generation of techs that the country is behind them. We talk a lot about the technician shortage, and this is a chance to support the solution."

Two Grand Prize Winners - one aspiring student technician and one working professional technician - will be chosen by public vote and honored live at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Nov. 5, the largest automotive event in the United States.

"Part of the future of the automotive aftermarket depends on the dedication and passion of today's technical students," said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. "It's an honor to celebrate these emerging technicians through our collaboration with the Techs Rock Awards and inspire them to continue moving the industry forward."

A national panel of judges - including ChrisFix, YouTube's most-followed automotive DIY expert; Melissa Scoles, President & CEO, QA1 Precision Products, Inc.; Emily Reeves, YouTube personality; Charles "Humble Mechanic" Sanville; Rick Love, President of Vintage Air; Myles Kovacs, Co-Founder & CEO of TIS & Dropstars Wheels; and Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy - selected 12 category winners from hundreds of nominations submitted. Each finalist has already earned over $3,000 in prizes and now competes for a $15,000-plus grand prize package that includes Carlyle tools, travel, and national recognition.

NATIONAL FINALISTS

Future Techs (Students)

• Automotive & Motorsports - Marcello Dean, McPherson College (KS)
• Diesel - Nathaneal Watkins, Big Sandy Community and Technical College (KY)
• Collision, Restoration & Welding - William Morrison, Northwood University (MI)
• Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine - Sabrina Marrero, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Hasbrouck Heights Campus (NJ)
• Emerging Technologies - Caleb Marc, Lincoln Technical Institute, Union Campus (NJ)
• HVAC, Home & Buildings - Dylan Matjazic, Universal Technical Institute, Canton Campus (MI)

Working Techs (Professionals)

• Automotive & Motorsports - David Borer, Reineke Family Dealerships (OH)
• Diesel - Cristian Trasandes, San Diego Miramar College (CA)
• Collision, Restoration & Welding - Jose Caballero-Vallejo, Team Toyota (PA)
• Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine - Mia Jackson, Hinckley Yachts Chesapeake (MD)
• Emerging Technologies - Trevor Burgin, Pinnacle Career Institute (MO)
• HVAC, Home & Buildings - Bryan Baker, Cool Breeze Heating & Air (FL)

The Techs Rock Awards were created to celebrate students and working techs who go above and beyond, not just in technical skill, but in character, leadership, and drive. Since its inception in 2018, the program has awarded 77 students and working techs. It's one of many TechForce initiatives focused on building respect and visibility for high-tech, hands-on careers.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at https://www.semashow.com or https://www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

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. The Foundation supports the technician workforce by awarding more than $6 million each year in scholarships and grants to financially disadvantaged students. TechForce also works to shift public perception of this evolving, high-tech STEM career path and provides hands-on career exploration and workforce development programs in communities across the country. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and YouTube.

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