(NAPSA)—The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the auto industry will need 35,000 new technicians every year through 2010. Vehicle dealerships across the country are scrambling to find qualified automotive technicians— even with salaries of $30,000$70,000 or more depending on the market and the technician’s level of training. So motorists will not have a wrenching experience, GM Goodwrenchis establishing $200,000 scholarship fund to provide tuition assistance to AYES high school students who choose to continue their automotive technical education by attending GM ASEPcolleges. The scholarship is a result of the #29 Goodwrench Expertise Challenge promotion being fulfilled by Kevin Harvick’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race win at Phoenix on Nov. 12, 2006. AYES, or Automotive Youth Educational systems is a partnership among 14 auto manufacturers, along with automotive dealers and 400 selected high schools to encourage quality students with good mechanical aptitude to pursue careers in the fields of automotive service technology. In addition to the scholarship, GM Goodwrench and Chevrolet awarded 29 lucky Expertise Challenge grand-prize winners with an all-new 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche and a $1,000 GM vehicle maintenancecertificate from Goodwrench. Kevin Harvick completed the #29 Goodwrench Expertise Challenge promotion—establishing a $200,000 scholarship fund for future automotive technicians. “The Expertise Challenge has been a unique way for race fans to participate in the on-track success of the GM Goodwrench team,” said Jim Moloney, general director of marketing for GMSPO. “Kevin and the GM Goodwrench crew have done an outstanding job this season, and we’re excited that their success has not only enabled us to award all-new 2007 Chevy Avalanches to 29 lucky fans, but has allowed us to support the training of young people for positions as automotive technicians.” To learn more, visit www. ayes.org or www.goodwrench.com.
