Feb. 12, 2014—3M announced will unroll an expansion of its “Hire our Heroes” campaign, the company announced Tuesday.
The initiative is aimed to help returning military veterans settle into the automotive industry workplace.
Through its 2013 campaign, 3M Automotive Aftermarket donated $250,000 to programs that help returning military veterans, and honored some 25 veterans who are currently working in auto body repair shops along with their repair shop owners at the November NASCAR race in Texas.
The expanded 2014 program will again include a goal of $250,000 in grants and support for collision repair training delivered through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. And this year, the Education Foundation and 3M are creating a job-matching service to connect graduates of the collision repair programs with auto body shops looking for skilled, qualified employees.
“The message of ‘Hire Our Heroes’ was directed to shop owners and managers, so it felt right to recognize those veterans working in our industry and the owners who employ them,” said Dale Ross, U.S. marketing operations manager for 3M Automotive Aftermarket division. “The $250,000 donation was made possible due to the support from our many distributors and collision shop customers through their purchases of 3M products, and we thank them for helping make this program a success in 2013.”
Grants are available for qualifying returning veterans and family members. Grants may be used for tuition, school fees, tools, textbooks and equipment at qualifying technical schools.
To apply, visit the Education Foundation’s website. For more information on the campaign, contact Ted Guck at 3M Automotive Aftermarket via email.
