New independent nonprofit will invest in education, training, mentorship and opportunities for the next generation of collision repair professionals
Chicago—Champion It Forward, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, aims to strengthen the collision repair workforce pipeline by expanding career pathways, advancing mentorship opportunities and providing financial support for aspiring collision repair technicians.
Currently, the collision repair industry faces a workforce gap of more than 55% in unfilled auto body repair technician roles, with demand for nearly 100,000 technicians projected over the next five years, according to the latest industry data.
Champion It Forward is already receiving financial backing. In September, Crash Champions raised $300,000 at its annual Champions Classic charity golf outing to support the organization. The Champion It Forward Board of Directors has additional executive leadership support from industry leaders such as LKQ and 3M.
This early support and funding provide the nonprofit with a foundation as it begins developing programs designed to expand access to the collision repair profession in the form of paid apprenticeships, educational support, and tool grants.
Among its early priorities, the organization will work to support programs and initiatives that:
- Build stronger awareness of the collision repair industry and the skilled trades as viable, rewarding careers.
- Reduce financial barriers to technical training, certifications and paid apprenticeships through scholarship opportunities.
- Bring automotive insurance carriers, suppliers and educators together to invest in the next generation of collision repair technicians.
The organization’s formation comes as collision repair employers across the country continue to focus on recruiting and developing skilled technicians and building more consistent pathways into the profession.
To learn more about Champion It Forward, support its mission or explore opportunities to become involved, visit ChampionItForward.org.
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