Collision repair is a STEM career that brings together science, technology, engineering and hands-on skills. Explore how modern vehicle technology is creating exciting opportunities for the next generation.
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 2026) – At SkillsUSA Nationals, the glamour is in the gold, silver and bronze, yet the actual medal ceremony lasts only a few minutes. The real story begins long before the winners take the stage – it develops in the early mornings, the busted knuckles, the practice runs, the mentors who …
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 25, 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is now accepting applications from qualified professionals interested in serving on its Board of Trustees. Industry leaders representing collision repair businesses, OEMs, insurance carriers, related industry services and collision repair education are encouraged to apply by September 24 for the opportunity to …
CREF Announces Open Call for 2026 Board of Trustees Candidates Read More »
Back to school season looks a little different when your classroom includes vehicles, tools, welding equipment, paint booths and repair technology. For some students, this fall will be the first time they step onto a collision repair shop floor. Others are coming back with a year or more of training behind them, ready to build …
Back to School Guide for Collision Repair Students Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) 24th Annual Golf Fundraiser brought collision industry professionals together for a day of networking, camaraderie and giving back to the next generation of collision repairers. Co-hosted by PPG Automotive Finishes, the July 21 event was held at Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge, …
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to welcome Amanda Valmonte, Business Development Manager for PPG Automotive Refinish, to its Board of Trustees. “We are honored to welcome Amanda Valmonte to our Board,” shares Brenda Hogen, Chair of CREF’s Board of Trustees. “Her extensive experience and dedication to …
CREF Welcomes Amanda Valmonte to Board of Trustees Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 2026) – For years, a common misconception has lingered around automotive trade schools: the belief that a collision repair career begins and ends on the shop floor. That’s far from reality; today’s collision repair industry reaches far beyond the repair bay, creating opportunities in product development, technical training, research, OEM programs, …
If you have ever considered becoming a mechanic, you may be surprised to learn there is another skilled automotive trade that many people overlook. Auto body technicians play a very different role in the automotive industry. Their work is technical, hands-on, highly specialized, and essential to returning vehicles safely to the road after a collision. …
The Difference Between an Auto Body Technician and a Mechanic Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 2026) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) continues to invest in the next generation of collision repair professionals through its annual Student Scholarship program. In 2026, CREF distributed over $195,000 in scholarships to 102 students pursuing careers in the collision industry. Additionally, for the third consecutive year, the Women’s Industry …
Building Futures: Industry Support Fuels Student Success Through 2026 CREF Scholarships Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (July 2026) – Collision repair is often associated with precision measurements, repair procedures and technical expertise. But ask anyone who’s ever laid out a custom graphic, blended a flawless color match or transformed a damaged panel into something beautiful, and they’ll explain that restoring a vehicle is just as much an art …
