Michigan student wins grand prize in FutureTechs Rock Awards

May 12, 2021
TechForce Foundation’s program honors students with promising future in transportation industry

Zander Worm, a high school senior from Hancock, Michigan, has won the grand prize for TechForce Foundation’s 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards. The award honors the student technician community and recognizes those who have a promising future and will shape the transportation industry.

“I have been committed to the automotive industry as a whole my entire life,” said Worm. “I’ve been repairing or modifying my personal [1977] Corvette for the past three years and have been able to relate everything I learn with that to autotech and vice versa… I love everything automotive and I’m determined to lead our industry into the future.”

As the grand prize winner, Worm will receive a $1,000 TechForce Foundation scholarship and additional prizes valued over $1,500 from TechForce sponsors, including additional training and prizes from Advance Auto Parts, a Smart Parts Washer from CRC Industries, a gift card from AutoZone and an iPad Air from Ford Motor Company.

The FutureTech Rock Awards include winners in 10 industry categories who were chosen from more than 400 technician students by industry experts. From there, the 10 winners are subject to People’s Choice voting, which is how the grand prize winner is selected.

Worm was selected as the motorsports category winner for his profound interest and curiosity in vehicles.

“He regularly asks more information than the course requires, and spends time helping his classmates understand the material,” Worm’s instructors said.

A two-time regional SkillsUSA winner, Zander is determined to one day lead Chevrolet’s Corvette team.

For the complete list of 2021 finalists, click here.

About the Author

Amanda Silliker

Amanda Silliker is the former editorial director of the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media. She oversaw five brands  — Motor Age, PTEN, Professional Distributor, ABRNand Aftermarket Business World. Prior to her tenure with Endeavor, she had over a decade in B2B publishing at Thomson Reuters, ranging from writing and editing content for print and web to managing awards programs and speaking at conferences and industry events. Connect with her on LinkedIn

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