At the 3M Skills Development Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, students recently put their automotive repair skills to the test during the SkillsUSA Minnesota Automotive Refinish and Collision Repair competition. The hands-on event recreated the fast-paced environment of a professional body shop, giving students valuable experience while highlighting the growing demand for skilled collision repair professionals.
Competitors worked through real-world repair challenges, including sanding and smoothing body filler on damaged vehicle panels. A large digital countdown clock tracked each task, simulating the deadlines and pressure technicians experience in a busy collision repair facility.
For competitor Yezebel Stepp, the challenge helped create what she described as a “flow state.”
“The timer gets you thinking,” said Yezebel, a Dakota County Technical College student who also works at a body shop in Eagan, Minnesota. “It’s stressful, but a good stressful. I like working under pressure and a deadline.”
The competition gave students more than an opportunity to demonstrate technical ability. It introduced them to professional expectations, career opportunities and the potential for long-term success in the skilled trades. Winners from the event will advance to compete among more than 6,000 SkillsUSA champions from across the country at the national championships in Atlanta in June.
Yezebel encourages younger students to consider careers in the trades.
“I’d tell kids to look into the trades,” she said. “I see myself in it for a long time.”
Addressing the Collision Repair Workforce Challenge
The automotive collision repair industry is facing a growing shortage of qualified technicians. Industry estimates indicate that North America could need approximately 100,000 additional collision repair workers by 2030. With the average technician age now exceeding 45, employers and educators are focusing on attracting and training the next generation of skilled professionals.
“A contest brings attention to the trade,” said Dan Wittek, director of global application engineering for 3M’s automotive aftermarket division. “It lets us talk about the need for workers and show young people they can have a good career and support a family.”
Through its “Together, we give” campaign, 3M employees contribute their time and expertise to support programs like SkillsUSA, with a goal of providing more than 160,000 volunteer hours in 2026.
Creating Pathways to Skilled Trade Careers
3M partners with SkillsUSA to provide students with opportunities to develop technical skills, participate in leadership programs and experience industry-focused competitions. These initiatives help students understand career pathways and prepare for success in automotive repair and other technical fields.
“SkillsUSA is a great organization,” said Elise Hagfors, application engineer in 3M’s automotive aftermarket division. “They focus on students and make sure they have a path to move forward.”
For more than 120 years, 3M has focused on innovation and developing solutions that improve lives. Supporting education, technical training and skilled trade development continues to be part of the company’s commitment to communities and future generations.
Through partnerships with schools and workforce organizations, 3M encourages students and families to explore opportunities in STEM, manufacturing and skilled trade careers.
Supporting Workforce Development Across Industries
The workforce challenges in collision repair reflect a larger issue affecting manufacturing and technical industries. The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that the sector could face up to 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, reinforcing the need for stronger career education, technical training and workforce development programs.
By investing in hands-on learning, emerging technologies and community partnerships, 3M is working to help prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, automotive repair and other high-demand skilled trades.
FAQ: 3M and SkillsUSA Automotive Repair Competition
1. What is the 3M and SkillsUSA automotive repair competition?
The 3M and SkillsUSA automotive repair competition is a hands-on event where students demonstrate their abilities in automotive refinishing, collision repair and autobody repair. The competition helps participants develop technical skills while exploring career opportunities in the skilled trades.
2. How does 3M support future collision repair technicians?
3M supports future technicians through technical education, hands-on training, industry partnerships and career development programs. Events at the 3M Skills Development Center provide students with practical experience and insight into professional collision repair environments.
3. Why are collision repair technicians in demand?
The collision repair industry is experiencing a shortage of trained professionals due to workforce aging and increasing demand for skilled labor. Industry estimates suggest North America may require approximately 100,000 additional collision repair workers by 2030.
4. What is causing the shortage of autobody repair professionals?
The shortage is driven by several factors, including an aging workforce, the need for advanced technical skills and the challenge of attracting younger workers into skilled trade careers.
5. How are 3M and SkillsUSA helping address the workforce gap?
3M and SkillsUSA support workforce development through student competitions, technical training, leadership opportunities and career pathway programs that connect students with skilled trade careers.
6. What careers can students pursue after collision repair training?
Students can pursue careers as collision repair technicians, automotive refinishing specialists, autobody technicians, repair estimators, manufacturing technicians and other technical roles within the automotive and skilled trades industries.
7. What happens after students win the SkillsUSA Minnesota competition?
Top competitors advance to the SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, where they compete against other skilled students from across the United States in automotive refinish and collision repair categories.
8. How does 3M support workforce development beyond collision repair?
3M supports broader workforce development through education initiatives, STEM programs, technical training, manufacturing partnerships and community efforts designed to prepare students for future careers.