Hoffman Estates, Ill. (December 9, 2022) –
The shortage of qualified talent in the automotive and collision industries isn’t exactly classified information, but rather than withdraw into the trenches and accept defeat, dozens of industry leaders have partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), BASF and KTL Restorations to highlight the wonderful career opportunities available within this field through Operative Talent!
The first vehicle being restored through this initiative is “Talent,” a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, that will be raffled off at SEMA 2023, and as the new year approaches, Operative Talent partners are engaging in a little friendly competition to see who can sell the most raffle tickets between now and the end of 2022. KTL Restorations, Ringbrothers, Classic Car Studio, Cato’s Custom Upholstery, Auto Metal Direct (AMD) and KC HiLiTes are all competing and encouraging the industry – and those outside the industry! – to help them emerge victorious amongst their allies.
Simply go to OperativeTalent.com, click the banner at the top to purchase raffle tickets, and enter the code associated with your favorite competitor (provided below) during the checkout process!
- KTL: KTL
- Ringbrothers: RINGS
- Classic Car Studio: CCS
- Cato’s Custom Uphostery: CATO
- AMD: AMD
- KC HiLiTes: KCH
Your contributions will help arm Operative Talent partners in their efforts to demonstrate exactly what amazing opportunities await students who pursue a collision and automotive repair career! Funds raised through raffle sales and sponsorships will be used to promote the industry to the general public through public service announcements and a public-facing website.
Students between the ages of 16-23 can also get involved by applying to participate in the rebuild for some fun, hands-on experience. Opportunities for students exist through the dozens of Operative Talent partners across the country. For a complete list of current partners, to purchase raffle tickets, apply as a student or simply learn more about this unique endeavor, visit OperativeTalent.com.
Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.
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The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.