Quest Automotive Products, a global manufacturer of automotive paints, finishes and repair products, made product donations for educational use valued at $593,962 in 2014, the company has announced.

The donations were made to the Collision Repair Education Foundation to help bolster the automotive repair industry, which is confronting a critical shortage of collision repair technicians due to insufficient funding for technical education programs and an aging workforce. The paints and abrasives Quest donated were distributed to high school and post-secondary collision school programs.

“To state that the collision industry is in high demand for quality, entry-level staff is an understatement,” said Brandon Eckenrode, Collision Repair Education Foundation director of development. “High school and college collision school instructors need current tools, equipment and supplies to prepare students. Quest’s involvement will have a significant impact on these programs.”

The Quest donations will allow students to practice collision repair and refinishing skills that prepare them for entry-level employment as repair technicians. Only 10 to 15 percent of collision repair trainees graduate their programs, partially due to insufficient funding and training.

“If we can help even one student get a job in the industry, our goal was achieved,” said David Brunori, president, Quest Automotive Products. “We know that the cost of these training resources adds up. We’re very thankful that automotive repair is a healthy industry and we can help future professionals obtain the education they need to succeed in their chosen profession.”