Around age 12 or 13, many kids begin exploring ideas about what they might want to do when they grow up. At this stage, they’re starting to notice their interests, recognize their strengths, and think more independently. While they’re not expected to make big decisions yet, it’s a good time to start having open conversations …
How to Talk to Your Teen About a Career in the Skilled Trades Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (May 2, 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to welcome Josh Cox, National Vice President of Sales for WESCO Group, to its Board of Trustees. “We are honored to welcome Josh Cox to our Board,” shares Brenda Hogen, Chair of CREF’s Board of Trustees. “His extensive experience and …
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 24, 2025) – Educating students in collision repair requires instructors to cover a variety of topics to ensure students acquire the entry-level skills needed to obtain employment after graduation, but obtaining the necessary supplies, tools and equipment to provide instruction on everything from welding and bodywork to refinishing necessitates a financial …
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 9, 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to announce and introduce its newly appointed Executive Committee, which consists of seven industry professionals who are dedicated to supporting the future of the industry through engagement with collision schools and students. CREF’s 2025 Executive Committee includes: “As the Chair …
CREF Introduces 2025 Executive Committee and Thanks Departing Members for Service Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 9, 2025) – Looking for an opportunity to support a great cause AND have a little fun doing it? The search is over! The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to announce that its 23rd Annual Golf Fundraiser, co-hosted by PPG Automotive Refinish, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July …
Tee Off to Support Collision Repair Schools and Students at CREF’s 2025 Golf Fundraiser! Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 10, 2025) – There’s nothing like a collision repair industry event for bringing folks together…and when they can collaborate to support a good cause, the feeling of comradery and positivity is enhanced even more. And that’s exactly what happened at Sherwin-Williams Performance Coating Group’s 2025 Sales Meeting, held in February at …
Activating Our Untapped Capacity to Drive Change To say that most young people today have an aptitude and passion for technology is an understatement! So much so, in fact, that they are not willing to consider a lifelong career in which technology doesn’t play an integral role. Through no fault of their own, many students …
Working Together in Technical Education to Close the Skills Gap Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (February 25, 2025) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to welcome Frank Pickering, Vice President, Physical Damage for GEICO, to its Board of Trustees. “We are honored to welcome Frank Pickering to our Board,” shares Brenda Hogen, Chair of CREF’s Board of Trustees. “His extensive experience and dedication to …
CREF Welcomes Frank Pickering to Board of Trustees Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (February 20 2025) – Is your shop looking for qualified technicians to make sure your workflow moves along smoothly? Or are you a collision student ready to enter the field but unsure where you’ll find your fit? Whether your seeking employees or job opportunities, it’s time to kick your search into high …
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (February 11, 2025) – Everything the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) does for collision repair educational programs, schools and students is geared toward making as much of an impact as possible. Why? Because “impactful” means impressive, exciting, meaningful…It’s all about making a difference, and CREF certainly made a difference in 2024! “The …
2024 in Retrospect: CREF Celebrates Another Impactful Year Read More »
