The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) announced a commitment of $40,000 from Driven Brands to support the Education Foundation’s upcoming collision career fairs around the country that connect high school and college collision students with potential employment opportunities. Driven Brands will participate in the second annual Cars, Careers & Celebrities Expo on September 16th at the Chicagoland Speedway, which attracts collision and automotive students from the Midwest and beyond. In addition to the Chicago event, Driven Brands will be participating in the Education Foundation’s fall career fairs taking place in Minneapolis, Boston, Atlanta and Columbus. Driven Brands will also have access to the hundreds of collision students’ resumes that will be collected by the Education Foundation.
“We’re excited to partner with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to bring high school and college students closer to a satisfying, lifelong career,” said Jose Costa, group president of Driven Brands’ Paint and Collision division. “By partnering with CREF, we’re able to connect with aspiring technicians, relay the benefits of work in the paint and collision industry, and share the many success stories of our franchisees.”
Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode added, “I would like to thank Driven Brands for joining the Collision Repair Education Foundation in our efforts to not only support high school and college collision school programs but also connect their students with employment and career opportunities. Through their support we will be able to continue and enhance our efforts in ensuring that graduate students are ready for entry-level employment within the industry. Through their participation in our events, Driven Brands can showcase their opportunities around the country. We thank them for their support.”
The Collision Repair Education Foundation’s collision career fairs are open to all industry members. Sponsorship funds raised through these career fairs assist the organization’s efforts in ensuring that collision school programs provide the needed tools, equipment, and supplies to graduate qualified, skilled entry-level employees.
Industry members interested in participating in the career fairs and meeting with high school and college collision students can contact Eckenrode at [email protected] or (847) 463-5244 for sponsorship and participation information.
