The Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) announced the successful launch of its 2024 Tool Grant initiative, aimed at addressing the technician shortage within the collision industry.
The CCA Trade School Committee orchestrated a skeet shoot event open to vendors, members, non-members and enthusiasts, to generate funds for the tool grants. Despite an initial postponement due to inclement weather, the rescheduled event proved to be a resounding success, and the CCA raised $17,000 dedicated to fueling the program.
The CCA Tool Grant is specifically designed to assist individuals dedicated to pursuing a career in the collision repair industry. The program envisions providing support annually to numerous entry-level technicians across the Carolinas, with a goal to witness their professional growth and integration into the industry's future.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024, applications for the grants will be distributed to high school and college collision repair programs in the Carolinas. The submission deadline is Jan. 31, and the recipients will be announced by April 1. Each successful applicant will receive a $2,000 voucher, along with access to approved tool lists tailored to their job requirements, ensuring their preparedness as they embark on their careers.
The CCA's Tool Grant initiative aims to foster closer ties between trade school students, co-op opportunities and CCA-affiliated apprenticeships.
Winners of the 2024 CCA Tool Grant will be announced on www.carolinascollisionassociation.com.
