How do Automotive OEMs find Technicians as the industry grows exponentially?

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The TechForce Foundation has revealed a significant partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund and Ford dealers in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix. Together, they're committing $1 million in scholarships to support students aiming to become automotive technicians. This generous contribution is the largest in TechForce's history, boosting their scholarship fund for aspiring mobility technicians to $2.3 million in 2023.

The automotive sector has consistently grappled with a technician shortage, with TechForce Foundation noting that while there's a yearly demand for 258,000 new technicians, only 48,000 graduate from relevant programs. With projected growth in technician roles, especially in states like Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois, the need for new talent is pressing. Who is TechForce?

https://techforce.org/

How can newer OEMs with much more limited cashflow to conduct this kind of program?

?Newer Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with limited cash flow can still support educational and training initiatives without committing vast sums of money. Here are some strategies they can consider:

1. Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships with local schools, colleges, or training institutions. By sharing resources, both parties can benefit. The OEM can provide hands-on training or internships, while the institution can offer theoretical knowledge.
2. Mentorship Programs: Instead of monetary scholarships offer mentorship programs where seasoned professionals guide and train aspiring technicians. This provides invaluable real-world experience without a significant financial outlay.
3. Tool and Equipment Donations: If upgrading equipment or tools, consider donating the older, yet still functional, items to training institutions. This can help students train on actual industry-standard equipment.
4. Host Workshops: Organize workshops or open days at the manufacturing facility. This can give students a firsthand look at the industry, inspire them, and provide practical knowledge.
5. Sponsorship: Instead of full scholarships, consider partial sponsorships or sponsor-specific items like books, tools, or uniforms. Every bit helps and can make a difference in a student's journey.
6. Online Training Modules: Develop online courses or webinars. Digital platforms can reach a wider audience at a fraction of the cost of traditional classroom training.
7. Apprenticeship Programs: Offer short-term apprenticeships or internships. This provides students with experience and can serve as a recruitment tool for the OEM.
8. Crowdfunding and Grants: Explore crowdfunding platforms or apply for educational grants. Engage the community and stakeholders in the vision and mission of nurturing the next generation of technicians.
9. Engage Alumni: If any previous students or trainees have succeeded in the industry, engage them to give back, either through mentorship, workshops, or financial contributions.
10. Collaborate with Other OEMs: Consider joining forces with other small OEMs to create a joint scholarship or training program. Pooling resources can lead to a more impactful program.

By leveraging these strategies, newer OEMs can make meaningful contributions to education and training in the industry, even with limited financial resources.

?Think "Outside the Box" to find success!?

?Here are some "outside the box" alternatives for newer OEMs to support educational and training initiatives:

1. Skill Competitions: Organize regional or national skill competitions with nominal entry fees. The collected amount can be used as a scholarship for the winners. Such events can also serve as a recruitment platform and raise brand awareness.
2. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Use VR or AR to create virtual training modules. While there's an initial investment, once set up, these can be scaled and distributed widely at a low cost.
3. Barter System: Offer your products or services in exchange for training services from educational institutions. For instance, provide vehicles or equipment to a technical school in return for free training slots for deserving students.
4. Community Workshops: Engage the local community by offering basic car maintenance or repair workshops. Charge a minimal fee and use the proceeds for scholarships.
5. Sponsor Challenges: Encourage innovation by sponsoring design or innovation challenges. This can be in collaboration with platforms like Hackathons or Maker Faires.
6. Leverage Social Media: Create educational content on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Monetize the content and use the proceeds to fund scholarships or training programs.
7. Collaborative Research Projects: Partner with universities for research projects. Offer your facilities and expertise in exchange for student involvement and training.
8. Loyalty Programs: If you have a customer base, consider introducing a loyalty program where a small portion of each sale goes into a scholarship fund.
9. Pop-Up Training Centers: Use unused spaces or facilities to set up temporary training centers or workshops. This can be done in collaboration with local communities or institutions.
10. Mobile Training Units: Convert buses or trucks into mobile training units equipped with tools and equipment. These can visit schools, colleges, or community centers, offering hands-on training.
11. Engage with Influencers: Collaborate with automotive influencers or bloggers. They can create awareness about the industry's needs and potentially raise funds or resources for training.
12. DIY Kits: Create and sell DIY automotive kits. These kits can help enthusiasts or students learn basic automotive skills. Profits can be channeled into training programs.
13. Public-Private Partnerships: Engage with local governments to see if there are opportunities for public-private partnerships in training and education.

By thinking creatively and leveraging available resources, newer OEMs can find unique ways to support and promote education in the automotive sector.