Tom’s Truck Center Fuels Technician Training With $300,000 Donation

Tom’s Truck Center, a leader in commercial truck sales and service, is stepping up to address the critical need for trained automotive technicians, a challenge that automotive dealerships across California – and throughout the U.S. – are grappling with.

On GivingTuesday, the global day of generosity observed annually after Thanksgiving, the dealership demonstrated its commitment by donating $300,000 to the California New Car Dealers Assn. (CNCDA) Foundation. The gift aims to bolster programs that inspire and prepare students for rewarding careers in automotive service.

“The automotive world is changing fast, and the need for skilled technicians is greater than ever,” says KC Heidler, president and CEO of Tom’s Truck Center. “We encourage everyone to donate and invest in the future of our industry. Together, we can create pathways for young people to enter stable, well-paying careers as automotive service professionals.”

The CNCDA Foundation will use the funds to expand initiatives that attract and train future technicians, addressing a growing labor shortage in California’s auto industry.

“This donation from Tom’s Truck Center will allow the CNCDA Foundation to expand services for students interested in becoming automotive technicians,” says Kim McPhaul, CNCDA Foundation president. “We hope others will join the spirit of GivingTuesday and follow Tom’s lead. Contributions will help us implement mentorships, paid apprenticeships, vehicle donations and enhance online training resources in 2025.”

With 27 million drivers in California and a growing fleet of electric, hydrogen-powered and self-driving vehicles, the demand for skilled technicians is skyrocketing. More than 4,300 automotive technician positions are currently unfilled statewide. These roles offer not only stability but also the potential for lucrative earnings, with experienced technicians earning upwards of $150,000 annually.

The CNCDA Foundation, established in 1994, has already awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to aspiring technicians.