WD-40 Partners with TechForce, Advance Auto Parts for Scholarship Program
WD-40 Brand is partnering with TechForce and Advance Auto Parts on a scholarship program to support a new generation of trade professionals, the company announced.
WD-40 Brand will donate $25,000 to the TechForce Foundation, helping to fund 40 scholarships for those pursuing a career in skilled trades and in need of financial support. Scholarship recipients will also receive additional resources and career development opportunities, the company said.
“WD-40 Brand has a long history of championing skilled trades and new generations of trade professionals through products, education, scholarships and other resources,” said Erin Bala, senior director of brand experience, engagement and innovation at WD-40 Company. “Now, more than ever, America needs young people to enter the skilled trades and we are honored to support TechForce and Advance in their mission to support students in their education and careers as professional technicians.”
TechForce aims to develop tomorrow’s workforce of qualified technicians by increasing awareness and enthusiasm for the skilled trades, providing resources to help access quality education for those with financial need and connecting future techs and industry members through mentorship and career development opportunities, the organization said.
“We’re currently facing a shocking labor shortage in the skilled trades, with nearly five jobs for every new tech school graduate, making it critical to help aspiring trade professionals overcome financial barriers,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce, CEO. “The scholarship program creates a powerful opportunity to allow men and women to pursue a stable and rewarding career in the trades that have built our communities for centuries, while reducing the financial burden.”
“Advance is proud to partner with WD-40 Brand and TechForce on this valuable scholarship opportunity,” said Chris Blanchette, Advance’s vice president, strategic store operations and chairman of TechForce’s board of directors. “I started my professional career as an automotive technician, and am incredibly thankful that TechForce, Advance and great partners like WD-40 Brand share a passion for attracting, educating and retaining men and women in the rewarding careers available in the automotive industry. Together, we look forward to solving for a critical need while launching the careers of aspiring technicians across the U.S.”
