Nominations Now Open for Sixth Annual Techs Rock Awards

TechForce Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing the technician workforce, has joined forces with Mecum Auctions to announce the opening of nominations for the sixth annual Techs Rock Awards.

This year’s awards will honor both working and aspiring student technicians, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history. Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 14, 2024, at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

The Techs Rock Awards recognize outstanding students and professional technicians in five categories: Automotive & Motorsports; Diesel; Collision, Restoration & Welding; Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine; and Evolving Technologies.

Category winners go on to compete in a public vote, with one student and one professional tech grand prize winners to each receive a trip to Glendale, Arizona to attend Mecum Auction Glendale and meet and be honored by industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit.

Mecum Auctions, a first-time partner of the Techs Rock Awards, is “thrilled to be part of this initiative during a time when there is a growing public interest in high-tech, hands-on technical careers,” says David Magers, CEO of Mecum Auctions.

TechForce established the Techs Rock Awards to honor the dedication and passion for the profession demonstrated by aspiring and working technicians, according to an announcement.

“The Techs Rock Awards are special because they celebrate those committed to keeping America rolling. We need skilled technicians so that our cars start, airplanes fly and trucks move,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “After five years of honoring students and technicians separately, the sixth annual Techs Rock Awards are the greatest opportunity yet for the industry to recognize their workforce of today and tomorrow.”

Since its inception in 2018, the Techs Rock Awards have recognized 75 technicians and technician students, providing more than $131,000 in scholarships and prizes, the organization stated.

“Your nomination matters,” continued Maher. “By submitting a nomination your institution demonstrates a dedication to your industry’s excellence and growth, elevates your brand to align with excellence and innovation, and helps foster a culture of appreciation and motivation within your institution and industry.”

Eligible nominees include professional transportation technicians and technical students studying or working in any of the award categories.

By Jef White

Jef White is the executive editor of THE SHOP magazine.