(NewsUSA) - The need for skilled technicians in the workforce continues to rise, but many people are unaware of the degree of financial success and personal satisfaction that skilled technicians find in their careers.     

TechForce Foundation,® a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has launched its annual “Because I’m a Tech” campaign in time to align with Labor Day.     

The “Because I’m a Tech” campaign is showcased on the TechForce website and social media, and features a diverse group of individuals sharing their stories of successful and secure skilled technician careers. “Because I’m a Tech” includes technicians’ testimonials across industry sectors, from auto, diesel and collision repair to aviation, restoration, marine, welding and motorsports. The personal stories from these technicians highlight the fulfilling lifestyles afforded by a range of tech careers.     

The “Because I’m a Tech” campaign also encourages those whose interest is sparked by a skilled technician career to join TechForce, the first and only social network designed and gamified for tech students and professional technicians. The network helps aspiring technicians connect with each other, trade schools, industry and employers, and encourages participants to earn points in contests and games. Students and educators from two schools NASCAR Tech and EVIT have already earned over a million points each.     

The free platform fuels participants’ interest and passion while supporting their career journey, and features not only games and prizes, but also information about technician industry events and scholarships, as well as opportunities for training, internships and jobs. Participants can learn more and sign up for TechForce at techforce.org/tech.     

“As part of TechForce’s workforce development initiative to Power the Technician WorkforceTM, ‘Because I’m a Tech’ showcases the attractive lifestyle and secure economic potential of this profession. These careers are no longer ‘blue collar,’ but ‘new collar,’ high-tech and in high demand,” says TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher. “Thousands of technician students, working techs and educators are already taking full advantage of the fun and free resources available in the TechForce career network because it offers what they need to turbo-charge their futures.”     

A range of well-known companies have joined the campaign to showcase stories of their successful employees and their passions for the skilled technician profession. Participating companies include Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Pennzoil, Penske Truck Leasing and WD-40 Company. Other advocates for careers in the skilled technician field include TechForce Celebrity Ambassadors Bogi Lateiner, Julia Landauer and The Humble Mechanic.     

Participants earn points and prizes by accessing training, games, events and more. So far in 2022, TechForce participants have been hosted at major racing events and exclusive VIP experiences, received hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants and earned prizes including tools, training and gift cards from TechForce partners.     

Notably, a successful skilled technician career is not limited by age, gender or ethnicity. In fact, more than 30 percent of active participants in TechForce are women, a demographic much needed in the profession. Women only account for 3 percent of working technicians. To further encourage women with interests in skilled technician careers, the TechForce website includes a weekly feature, #womentechs-rock, that showcases women in successful skilled technician jobs, who share their stories in short video interviews.     

For more information, visit  TechForce.org/Tech, and follow TechForce on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.