The 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division announced that Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 3M Chevrolet SS, is joining forces with the company to offer a special 3M Hire Our Heroes “thank you” to all of the active duty military members and veterans for the Fourth of July.
For the third year, the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division will support the 3M Hire Our Heroes program to provide tool grants and assistance through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. Since 2013, the 3M Hire Our Heroes program has donated more than $500,000 to programs that have helped nearly 160 returning military veterans prepare for a career in collision repair.
“I’m honored to join the 3M Automotive Aftermarket team in saluting our country’s military members as part of the 3M Hire Our Heroes program,” said Gordon. “As a four-time NASCAR champion, I know the value of a well-trained team. And no one is more committed to quality, professionalism, leadership and skilled performance than our military men and women. We’re proud to see those men and women now entering the workforce at collision shops around the country. Thank you to all who have served our country. We salute you for your service.”
Recently, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division and the Collision Repair Education Foundation announced the 43 winners of this year’s 3M Hire Our Heroes awards. The winners include 35 students who are currently studying collision repair and have served or are currently serving in the military. Each winning student had the opportunity to select $3,000 worth of tools to help them in their education and for employment after graduation.
“Our nation’s military veterans deserve every opportunity to get a great start in our industry,” said Dale Ross, U.S. marketing operations manager at 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “We are happy to continue to give back to those who have served in our military through the 3M Hire Our Heroes program, and wish them all great success in their future careers.”
In addition, eight collision students who have immediate family members who served or are serving in the military were selected as scholarship winners. Each student received a scholarship between $1,000 and $2,500 to help with their education costs.
The Collision Repair Education Foundation is looking to help connect these students with industry businesses that would be interested in meeting and potentially hiring them. Businesses interested in hiring one of the winning students can send their business information, including location, to the Foundation at [email protected]. The organization will then help introduce both parties for potential employment opportunities.
“The future of our industry starts with these students,” said Mark Algie, business development manager, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “Our job is to not only provide the leading-edge training they need to succeed, but to also make sure that the latest tools, repair materials and standard operating procedures are available to them.”
The 3M Hire Our Heroes grants are available for qualifying returning veterans and family members. Grants can be used for tuition, school fees, tools, textbooks and equipment at qualifying technical schools. For additional information and to apply, visit www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.
For more information on the 3M Hire Our Heroes campaign, contact Ted Guck, 3M Automotive Aftermarket, at [email protected] or visit www.3mcollision.com/hire.
