The WATDA Foundation is dedicated to addressing Wisconsin's critical shortage of automotive, collision, and diesel technicians by investing in education, career development, and workforce support. Through scholarships, grants, and partnerships, the Foundation supports students pursuing technical careers in the transportation industry. 

• ASE Wisconsin

• Charter Founders

• Contact the Foundation

• Ford Scholarship

• Foundation Board of Directors

• Major Contributors

• Nitro-X Summer Camp

• Scholarship Information

• Question & Answers

• SkillsUSA

• Summer Institute

• WATDA Transportation Career Showcase

Supply & Demand Report

The statewide technician talent shortage is real. Wisconsin dealerships, like dealerships across the United States, are facing historic technician shortages in automotive, collision, and diesel positions. Fewer students are pursuing a technician career, and dealerships are reporting increasingly shallow application pools for most positions

In this report, you will find data and trends for the industry specific to Wisconsin. The data comes from several sources. Analysis of this data can enhance our understanding of the current dilemma but will also shed light on potential demands in the near and distant future.

On the Cover: Standing in front of her Ford Excursion is Bethany.
She is a WATDA Foundation scholarship recipient, technical college graduate, and is proudly employed at a Wisconsin dealership.

Click image for full report

Philanthropic and Career Support

• We have awarded over 2,000 scholarships and sponsorships to students pursuing a technical career in a retail automobile or truck business. Along with Snap-on, we have invested over $7.5 million in young people's careers.
• Continuing education grants awarded to four students preparing to become Vocational Education Teachers in automotive technology.
• Just over $248,000 challenge grants have been made to non-profit organizations throughout Wisconsin. Leadership in the certification and implementation of AYES (Automotive Youth Educational Systems) in thirteen sites throughout southern and central Wisconsin.
• Our Career Awareness series reaches some 10,000 middle and high school students annually.
• We provide program coordination of Skills USA Wisconsin competition in automotive and diesel finals.

Education

• Information sent to 1,000 high school counselors concerning opportunities in the industry each year.
• An average of 125 scholarship requests are processed by us annually.
• Scholarship interviews are conducted at 12 to 15 sites each year.
• The Team Wisconsin Teacher’s Institutes serve 60% to 70% of the state’s certified transportation technical education teachers each year.
• We are active in the Wisconsin Workforce Development "School-to-work" initiative for automotive technician youth apprenticeships.
• Our curriculum development programs have saved participating schools over $250,000 in classroom training aid costs during the past five years.

contact the foundation

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Help us train your technicians of tomorrow!

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