As an association, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is constantly working to aid in the education of new technicians in order to address a common problem in the industry – a lack of new employees. This is why, for over a decade, they have been awarding scholarships to technical school students who are enthusiastic about employment in the automotive repair field. The scholarship, aptly named the Russ Robson AASP/NJ Memorial Sponsorship, in honor of the late past association president who was so consistently dedicated to training and education, was awarded to an industrious and conscientious student and repair shop employee from South Jersey at their 2015 Annual Meeting on October 28 at the Gran Centurions Ballroom in Clark, NJ.
The monetary endowment for continued automotive education was awarded to Michael Boffo of Elmer’s Auto Body, Inc. in Ephraim, NJ.
“From the first day of hire, Mike has been a hard working team member,” says Elmer’s Auto Body, Inc. General Manager Donald Cox in Boffo’s nomination letter. “He had such a desire to enter our industry that he has worked during the day and put himself through Camden County Vocational Technical School at night for Collision Repair.”
Cox noted Boffo’s work ethic, passion, positive attitude and continued growth as some of the reasons why he submitted the new technician for consideration. It is no wonder why AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell was so elated to award the scholarship to such a worthy candidate.
“Russ Robson was always so passionate and dedicated to growing our industry in any way possible,” McDowell expressed. “It’s nice to see the same love for the automotive repair field reflected in such a young technician. We are pleased to be able to help him continue his education. I’m sure Russ would be happy as well.”
Pre-registration for the NORTHEAST® 2016 Automotive Services Show, held this year from March 18-20 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, is NOW OPEN at ibk.nyc/registration/nea/nea2016/. To find out more about the show, please visit aaspnjnortheast.com.