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Collision Repair Education Foundation

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Our Goals

A Critical Shortage

Every year, more than 21,500 collision repair technicians leave the industry, a trend that has increased steadily since 1995. An additional 31,000 technicians leave their current employers for another job within the industry. The average age of collision repair technicians is 38.7, compared with 35.5 in 1995, and more than a quarter of the existing workforce plan to either retire or change jobs in the next 12 months.

These numbers add up to a critical shortage for the collision industry. Even with 80,000 young people enrolled in collision repair classes, there will not be enough qualified graduates to meet growing labor demands. Collision repair training programs graduate only 10 to 15% of their students, which means that only 10,000 of those currently enrolled will achieve a certificate, associate degree, or other formal designation. This year alone, over half of the collision industry hiring needs will be unmet, leaving managers to hire first-time workers with minimal or no training.

Attracting and Supporting the Best Students

For young men and women deciding their lives’ direction, the Collision Repair Education Foundation builds awareness of collision industry career opportunities within local schools and communities. Our goal is to offer scholarships, grants and additional educational support that will inspire young people to pursue career options in the collision industry. Our scholarships and grants also remove financial barriers to education; promote opportunities for a diverse workforce; and reward dedication, achievement and passion for their trade.

Collaborating with Local Communities to Provide the Best Training

While we are a nationwide industry, we recognize that our business partners draw talent from local communities. Therefore, our goal is to ensure that there is a top-tier collision school in every market in America. These programs have the newest tools, equipment, and supplies to enhance the educational experience, giving students the necessary skills and experience with current repair technology taught in a realistic, practical environment. Collision repair businesses are then able to hire them as well-trained, productive, and efficient employees from day one on the job.

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Latest Posts

  • Three Collision School Programs Receive $5,000 Benchmark Grants Funded by Caliber Collision through CREF March 7, 2023
  • Operative Talent: A Mission to Engage Students in Collision Careers March 7, 2023
  • Chief Automotive’s $75,000 In-Kind Donation Benefits Collision Schools Through CREF February 28, 2023
  • CREF Introduces 2023 Executive Committee February 28, 2023
  • CREF Opens Applications for 2023 Benchmark Grants February 13, 2023

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About the Foundation


The Collision Repair Education Foundation is a national nonprofit and tax-exempt student organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code, Section (501)(c)(3).

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ADDRESS:
Collision Repair Education Foundation
5125 Trillium Blvd.
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

PHONE: 888.722.3787
Email: info@ed-foundation.org

Recent Posts

  • Three Collision School Programs Receive $5,000 Benchmark Grants Funded by Caliber Collision through CREF
  • Operative Talent: A Mission to Engage Students in Collision Careers
  • Chief Automotive’s $75,000 In-Kind Donation Benefits Collision Schools Through CREF
  • CREF Introduces 2023 Executive Committee
  • CREF Opens Applications for 2023 Benchmark Grants
  • LKQ’s Ongoing Support of Collision Schools Through CREF Makes a Huge Impact on the Industry’s Future
  • CREF Invites Collision Industry to Spring 2023 High School & College Transportation Student Career Fairs

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