With a nationwide technician shortage threatening key sectors from transportation to energy, TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is turning the spotlight toward the young men and women who keep America running, company officials stated in a press release. The Foundation and the SEMA Show have announced that public voting is now open for the 2025 Techs Rock Awards, and they are inviting Americans to help crown the top student and working technicians in the country. Voting is open now through Oct. 15, 2025, 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.”
The Judges for the 2025 Techs Rock Awards
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 for the 2025 Techs Rock Awards
Here are the six students and six working techs who make up the 12 finalists for the two awards.
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)
TechForce says 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.