Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Rubber News
  • European Rubber Journal
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • Current Issue
  • BEST PLACES TO WORK
  • News
    • HUMANITARIAN
    • TIRE MAKERS
    • COMMERCIAL TIRE
    • GOVERNMENT & LAW
    • MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
    • OBITUARIES
    • OPINION
    • MID YEAR REPORT
    • SERVICE ZONE
  • ADAS
  • Data
    • DATA STORE
  • Custom
    • SPONSORED CONTENT
  • Resources
    • Events
    • DIRECTORY
    • CLASSIFIEDS
    • SHOP FLOOR
    • AWARDS
    • ASK THE EXPERT
    • LIVESTREAMS
    • WEBINARS
    • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
    • RUBBER NEWS EVENTS
    • BALANCING
    • DEMOUNTING
    • SAFETY
    • TIRE REPAIR
    • TPMS
    • TRAINING
    • VEHICLE LIFTING
    • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Best Places to Work
  • ADVERTISE
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Service Zone
November 21, 2017 01:00 AM

'Changing Gears' documentary aims to encourage aspiring auto techs

Tire Business Staff
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Porsche enthusiast Magnus Walker, right, discusses his love of cars with three aspiring auto techs in the "Changing Gears" documentary.

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — "Changing Gears," a new documentary meant to expose young people to the transportation industry and its promising career paths, will begin broadcasting on public television in various markets this month.

    The film is part of Roadtrip Nation's career exploration documentary series.

    "Changing Gears" follows three aspiring automotive and diesel technicians on a 1,000-mile road trip as they interview industry legends and get a glimpse into the ins and outs of the automotive and diesel technician trade.

    The project is sponsored by the Universal Technical Institute (UTI), TechForce Foundation and KQED.

    "This film truly busts the myths and misperceptions that can steer students away from technical education and transportation technician jobs, and has the power to shift how millions of students, parents and educators think about this rewarding, high-tech career," said Kim McWaters, UTI president and CEO.

    "UTI is intently focused on building our student population to meet the industry's growing demand for trained technicians and 'Changing Gears' supports this work."

    During the documentary, the road-trippers meet automotive and diesel industry leaders who've made it big by following their passion, including: Roger Penske, founder and chairman of the Penske Corp.; Sarah "Bogi" Lateiner, UTI graduate and host of the Velocity television series "All Girls Garage"; and Dennis McCarthy, picture car coordinator for the "Fast & Furious" movie franchise. Their conversations shed light on the most positive aspects of the transportation industry, according to the sponsors.

    "At Roadtrip Nation, our goal is to empower people to define their own roads in life," said Mike Marriner, co-founder of Roadtrip Nation. "This film showcases real stories of leaders and change-makers who have carved their own pathways as technicians, while also highlighting technological advances in the industry, challenging stereotypical notions and stigmas of the trade, and looking at career opportunities in the field."

    The pace of technological change, coupled with the technician shortage already facing transportation employers, has led to fear that the number of students entering training programs will be insufficient to meet the future demand of this growing industry, according to the sponsors.

    The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently tripled its estimate for the number of new automotive, diesel and collision repair technicians needed in the coming decade. About 1.2 million new technicians will be needed nationwide by 2026 to meet industry needs, according to the BLS.

    "All of us at TechForce Foundation are proud to be a part of this project," said Jennifer Maher, TechForce executive director. "Our goal is to help students get the resources they need to pursue their dreams, and this film offers compelling examples of what's possible for technicians with a good education and industry-aligned skills."

    To watch the film or to find air times for public television broadcasts, visit changinggearsfilm.com.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Do you have an opinion about this story? Do you have some thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? Tire Business would love to hear from you. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Tire Discounters grows to 14 Atlanta-area outlets
    2
    Mild weather leaves many winter tires unsold
    3
    Dodge picks Mickey Thompson for 'Last Call' Demon muscle car
    4
    More winter tires may flaunt ice-grip symbol
    5
    Hankook halts production at fire-damaged Korean tire plant
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Newsletter Center

    Staying current is easy with Tire Business delivered straight to your inbox.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Subscribe to Tire Business

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • RSS

    Our Mission

    Tire Business is an award-winning publication dedicated to providing the latest news, data and insights into the tire and automotive service industries.

    Reader Services
    • Staff
    • About Us
    • Site Map
    • Industry Sites
    • Order Reprints
    • Customer Service: 877-320-1716
    Partner Sites
    • Rubber News
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Automotive News
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Media Guide
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Classified Rates
    • Digital Edition
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • BEST PLACES TO WORK
    • News
      • HUMANITARIAN
      • TIRE MAKERS
      • COMMERCIAL TIRE
      • GOVERNMENT & LAW
      • MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
      • OBITUARIES
      • OPINION
      • MID YEAR REPORT
      • SERVICE ZONE
    • ADAS
    • Data
      • DATA STORE
    • Custom
      • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • Resources
      • Events
        • ASK THE EXPERT
        • LIVESTREAMS
        • WEBINARS
        • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
        • RUBBER NEWS EVENTS
      • DIRECTORY
      • CLASSIFIEDS
      • SHOP FLOOR
        • BALANCING
        • DEMOUNTING
        • SAFETY
        • TIRE REPAIR
        • TPMS
        • TRAINING
        • VEHICLE LIFTING
        • WHEEL TORQUE
      • AWARDS
        • Best Places to Work
    • ADVERTISE
    • DIGITAL EDITION