For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: May 9, 2018
Sosa earns $5,000 national scholarship
Fennimore -Only four students in the nation were awarded the 2018 PPG Foundation Scholarship from the Collision Repair Education Foundation and Southwest Tech student Angel Sosa was one of them. Sosa was surprised with the $5,000 grant award during class on May 2 by Greg Wubben, auto collision repair and refinish technician instructor at Southwest Tech. “This scholarship grant will make a difference in my life because I can finish paying my tuition,” said Sosa. “I can also start to buy tools to use after I graduate when I go to work in someone’s shop. It will also help me to feel less stressed and I won’t have to worry about having enough time to work to pay my school bills.”
Sosa will graduate Saturday, May 19 and will enter the workforce after completing the auto collision repair and refinish technician program. “Southwest Tech prepared me really well for this career,” said Sosa. “I learned enough to go and work in a body shop after graduation. It is a really good program. I really like the way it is taught. I feel prepared and exited to go to work after my graduation.”
With his career prospects, Sosa also plans to financially assist his parents. Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Sosa now resides in Galena, Illinois. “I was interested in cars since I was little,” said Sosa. “My dad was a mechanic, so I was always around cars, but I also enjoy art and painting so I choose auto collision because I can do my two favorite things; work on cars and also paint them.
This scholarship and many like it help Southwest Tech students continue their education and stay focused on their career goals. “Most of the time these scholarships have a big impact on our students,” said Wubben.
With Angel and others entering the auto collision repair workforce later this month, they should expect a welcoming job climate, according to Wubben. “I have been here 17 years and I have been in the industry over 30 years and the job demand right now is probably the greatest I have ever seen it,” said Wubben. “Students who want a job are able to place pretty quickly. Some students may want to come back for another class next year and they aren’t ready for a job. Often times they have their pick of jobs, sometimes two or three shops will want them and that’s nationwide.”
The mission of the Collision Repair Education Foundation is to, “Support collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities.”