Axalta sponsored a transportation career fair at West-MEC in Phoenix to bring high school auto collision, auto tech and diesel students to meet with employers.

Axalta’s ongoing collaboration with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is driving real-world opportunities for collision repair students, as highlighted by its recent sponsorship of a transportation career fair that brought nearly 200 high school students face-to-face with employers at West-MEC in Phoenix, AZ.

The event, hosted earlier this school year, drew auto collision, auto tech and diesel students from local technical schools to meet with employers seeking their skills. These interactions not only sparked interest and engagement but have also led to tangible outcomes, such as job shadowing and anticipated employment offers.

“Career fairs are critical in the wider scheme of our support for CREF,” said , business director, distribution and industry relations, North America at Axalta. “It is so important to help young people understand the variety of options they’ll have by pursuing a career in the collision repair industry.”

Bell, a former vo-tech student himself, emphasized the impact of industry professionals connecting with students directly. “Having started as a vo-tech student myself, I have a true understanding of where this industry can take you. It offers so many great career paths; the opportunities are truly endless,” he added.

Local instructors witnessed that impact firsthand.

“Students were very excited to get the one-on-one time with the companies,” said West-MEC collision instructor . “Some students will receive employment offers through the connections they made.”

Beyond networking, Axalta and CREF also contributed to fostering student pride by providing branded technician shirts to each attendee.

“Wearing a uniform helps to foster a feeling of team and of unity,” Bell said. “CREF research has even shown that it can help to improve the students’ motivation and that uniforms are linked to an increased graduation rate.”

Axalta’s involvement with CREF extends beyond career fairs. In 2024 alone, the company contributed $30,000 to CREF, including funds for equipment, scholarships and support for collision programs across the country. These resources allow schools to maintain updated tools, offer hands-on learning, and reduce barriers for entry into the industry.

Melian, whose program has benefitted from such support for more than two decades, said, “It is a huge boost to our program to receive new tools and equipment through the generosity of CREF and the donors who give back to so many programs across the country.”

Since joining the CREF Board of Trustees in 2022, Bell has continued to advocate for greater industry involvement.

“CREF is the vital lynchpin between industry and young people,” he said. “It is through them we can educate, nurture and develop the next generation of talent to keep our industry at the cutting edge.”

Bell encourages more companies to contribute, whether through donations, mentorship or participation in local career events.

“I want [students] to realize it is not just a job but truly a career,” he said.

For more information on how to support CREF’s mission or contribute, visit the website.