Executive Director Insights: WMABA Awards Tools and Grants to Up and Coming Technicians

by Jordan Hendler, WMABA Executive Director

Finding and keeping top-tier talent in today’s collision repair environment is still an important battle.

We talk a lot about the heavy weight of the daily grind—navigating desk reviews, fighting for repair integrity, and managing the endless operational push and pull. But if we step back and look at the future of our industry, the single biggest challenge on the horizon isn’t just dealing with the issues inside our shop walls today—it is ensuring we have qualified, passionate professionals to take the wheel tomorrow.

That is precisely why initiatives like the WMABA Jerry Dalton Memorial Education Fund’s 2026 Tool Grants, awarding tools and grants to up-and-coming technicians through the education funds are so vital. Giving these students their first real set of professional tools or alleviating the financial barrier of entry was so exciting, and they are so appreciative it’s emotional! It isn’t just a nice gesture; it is an active investment in the future of collision repair. It shows them this industry wants them and has opportunities for them!

Writing a check or handing over a tool grant is only the starting line. If we as an industry want to solve the workforce shortage and elevate our trade, local shop owners and managers must get involved with area collision tech trade schools, and high school and community college programs. They need us to be engaged.

With a 58% attrition year over year as a staggering statistic, complaining about the lack of qualified technicians is just a trap. The reality is simple: if you are not actively engaging with local educational programs, you are missing your best opportunity to shape the caliber of talent entering the workforce – and your own shop. High school and college instructors are working hard to prepare these students. They desperately need the real-world perspective that only active, professional repairers can provide.

There are several direct ways you can step up and make a difference, beyond your support of WMABA’s initiatives:

•  Serve on an Advisory Council.Technical schools rely on advisory boards to keep their curriculum aligned with current industry standards. By sitting at that table, you

ensure students are learning modern real-world repair methods, rather than outdated theories.

•  Become a Mentor. Mentorship bridges the intimidating gap between the classroom and the shop floor. Taking a student into your team gives them a realistic view of the career path ahead, instills professional pride, and builds the kind of strong, supportive culture that drives long-term retention.

•  Open Your Shop for Field Trips and Internships. Let students see what a professional collision center looks like. Show them an environment that values safety, proper tooling, ongoing training, and business integrity.

When you get involved with local tech programs, you aren’t just helping students—you are protecting the future of our trade. You are demonstrating to these up-and-coming technicians that collision repair is not just a job, but a highly skilled, respected, and rewarding profession.

WMABA is doing its part by putting real resources directly into the hands of the next generation, as demonstrated right here! Now it’s your turn to step up. Put down the fire extinguisher, pick up the map, and make time to visit your local vocational school. Get involved, mentor a student, and help build the future of our industry from the ground up!

Congratulations to WMABA’s 2026 Tool Grant Award Recipients!

One of WMABA’s biggest passions is seeing to it that the next generation of aspiring technicians receives the encouragement and resources necessary to get their footing in the collision repair industry.

WMABA leaders gathered at Northern Virginia Community College in late July to make a formal presentation of tools and grants to five worthy students who have shown commitment and dedication to the craft of collision repair. WMABA raises funds from annual events to support the Jerry Dalton Memorial Fund which makes these grants possible.

First place winner Arif Ali received a Milwaukee Packout and a set of tools and additional items. Second place winner Alex Magana took home a Milwaukee Packout and set of tools. Third place winners Hector Ruiz-Coronado, Mohammed Asif Afganmal and Bashir Agha each received a $1,500 Harbor Freight Gift Card.

Want more? Check out the September 2026 issue of Hammer & Dolly!