The shortage of skilled technicians has been an ongoing discussion in the collision repair industry. Judging by the response to recent and upcoming Collision Repair Education Foundation career fairs, perhaps there’s a glimmer of hope for the industry.
The Collision Repair Education Foundation said more than 1,000 students have registered for its next three Spring Career Fairs in San Diego, Houston and Dallas.
The first career fair took place March 9 at ProSpot International’s facility in Carlsbad, Calif. The event was held conjunction with the I-CAR Volunteer and Instructor Conference taking place March 10-12 in La Jolla, Calif.
“This is the second year for our Spring Career Fair schedule, and students are responding in record numbers,” said Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode. “The career fairs are key components of the foundation’s mission to support collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. Also, this year we are working closely with ASE, having them invite their collision and automotive school program contacts to the events, which in some markets is nearly doubling last year’s attendance numbers.”
Employers at collision repair facilities, insurance companies and suppliers will have the opportunity during the career fair to take employment applications and interview potential new employees who have participated in collision repair and automotive mechanical repair training programs.
Here’s the foundation’s Spring Career Fair schedule:
- March 9 – San Diego
- March 22 – Houston
- March 23 – Dallas
- April 15 – Phoenix
- April 19 – Pittsburgh
- April 21 – St. Louis
- May 2 – Chicago
- May 3 – Madison, Wis.
- May 8 – Denver
- May 17 – Nashville
Collision repair facilities, insurance companies and suppliers interested in participating in these events should contact Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at (847) 463-5244. The foundation will announce the fall 2017 career fair locations and dates this summer.
