Career Paths in Collision Repair: Brandon Eckenrode on School Programs and Entrepreneurial Dreams

In this episode Brandon Eckenrode from the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) dives into reopening collision school programs, the importance of industry support, and changing perceptions of vocational education. Learn about SkillsUSA, scholarships, and the growing role of females in the trade.

00:00 Car repair industry faces staffing shortage, affecting customers.

05:16 CREF supports collision repair programs, donates new vehicles.

09:27 Support for students and schools through grants.

10:41 Visit website for local collision school programs.

16:15 Students have entrepreneurial spirit, aspire to paint.

19:18 Early family connection sparks interest, networking opportunities.

22:00 Older cars easier to work on, safety concern.

23:54 Promoting awareness of career opportunities for students.

28:44 Industry support revives shuttered collision school programs.

32:05 Conference gathers thousands of school counselors nationwide.

35:01 Female students excel in technical trade competitions.

40:23 Promote industry awareness through fundraiser for outreach.

41:57 Schools on break, industry meetings in Denver.

44:50 Highlighting the importance of blue collar workers.

Brandon Eckenrode is an astute observer and commentator on crucial industry trends, specifically within the automotive repair sector. He identifies a significant issue poised to impact daily transportation – a notable shortage of skilled professionals in the field. With many experienced technicians approaching retirement and fewer individuals entering the trade, Brandon has highlighted the escalating problem of prolonged vehicle repair times. He stresses the critical need for addressing this gap to prevent extended delays that can hinder individuals' daily commutes and overall mobility. Brandon's insights emphasize the urgency of revitalizing the workforce to ensure efficient and timely automotive services in the future.

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**Sequence of Topics Covered in the Episode:**

1. **Reopening Shuttered Collision School Programs**

- Rallying local industry support

- Demonstrating program need to administration

- Navigating red tape

- Investments in tools, equipment, and supplies

2. **Changing Perception of Vocational Education**

- Collaboration with American School Counselor Association

- Providing up-to-date career path information

- Resources for guidance counselors: career path banners, collisioncareers.com

3. **SkillsUSA Competition**

- Description as technical trade Olympics

- Competitions in collision repair, refinishing, and estimating

- Participation of best students at high school and post-secondary levels

4. **Increasing Female Participation**

- Emphasis on attention to detail and work ethic

- Opportunities and support for female students

- Collaboration with organizations like Women's Industry Network

5. **Opportunities and Support for Students**

- Scholarships and tool grants to remove barriers

- Various career paths in the automotive industry

- Highlighting entrepreneurial spirit among students

6. **Industry Engagement and Events**

- Presence at SEMA show

- Announcements of school grants

- Networking with industry partners, instructors, and students

7. **Family Connections and Early Exposure**

- Influence of family connections in sparking interest

- Holding career fair events at auto show floors

8. **Impact of Mentorship**

- The role of mentorship in the automotive industry

- Diminishing interest in classic car restoration and maintenance

9. **Skilled Trades Gap in Automotive Industry**

- Impact on car repairs and transportation

- Nationwide issue of a lack of skilled workers

- Delays in car repairs due to shortage of technicians

10. **Collision Repair Education Foundation's Efforts**

- Providing funding, materials, and equipment to programs

- Awards and support statistics since 2009

- Preparing for upcoming school year and events like SEMA

11. **Pushback and Challenges**

- Pushback from parents and school administration

- Efforts in educating parents and students about opportunities

- Changing perceptions of technical trade programs

12. **Budget Constraints and School Support**

- Challenges of working with limited resources

- Statistics on school budget constraints

- Foundation's efforts to support schools and instructors

13. **Newer Car Technologies**

- Focus on safety with electric and hybrid vehicles

- Attracting students interested in computer science and technology

14. **Efforts to Increase Female Participation**

- Female refinishing student competing at World Skills in France

- Collaboration with Women's Industry Network

15. **Operative Talent Initiative**

- Rebuilding a 69 Camaro for a public outreach campaign

- Display and raffle announcement at SEMA

16. **Significance of Industry Engagement**

- Importance of industry support for schools

- Apprenticeship programs and hands-on learning models

- Potential earnings in the industry

17. **Foundation's Social Media and Outreach**

- Following CREF on social media

- Facilitating introductions and support conversations

18. **Record Scholarships and Tool Grants**

- $235,000 awarded in scholarships and tool grants

- Support for schools and instructors via grant opportunities and funding for recruitment efforts

Collision repair education, vocational education, automotive industry careers, SkillsUSA competition, collision school programs, industry support, technical trades, high school education, post-secondary education, school counselors, American School Counselor Association, collisioncareers.com, female students in trades, scholarships and tool grants, SEMA show, auto body repair, family connections in trades, mentorship in automotive industry, classic car restoration, skilled labor shortage, Collision Repair Education Foundation, industry partnerships, budget constraints in education, technical education funding, industry events, automotive technology, hybrid and electric vehicles, parent and school administration perceptions, technician apprenticeship programs, entry-level wages in automotive.