Meet TechForce, SEMA’s ‘Techs Rock’ collision semi-finalists

The Collision, Restoration, and Welding semi-finalists for the TechForce and SEMA 2025 Techs Rock Awards both say repairing vehicles has been a dream of theirs since they were small children. 

William Morrison, a student at Michigan’s Northwood University, was awarded the semi-finalist spot for the future tech category for collision. Jose Caballero-Vallejo, currently working at Team Toyota in Pennsylvania, was awarded the working tech category for collision. 

TechForce and SEMA announced their two finalists during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Finalist Mia Jackson, an employee of Hinkley Yachts in Maryland, is working in the marine services industry, while Sabrina Marrero, a student at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in New Jersey, is preparing for a career in aviation maintenance. 

The 12 semi-finalists were selected by national judges and then voted on nationally to determine the two finalists. 

Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation, previously said in a press release that the competition is a way for the trade industries to show support to young technicians as the nation faces a shortage. 

RJ de Vera, SEMA VP of marketing, previously added in a release, “Part of the future of the automotive aftermarket depends on the dedication and passion of today’s technical students. It’s an honor to celebrate these emerging technicians through our collaboration with the Techs Rock Awards and inspire them to continue moving the industry forward.” 

Each semi-finalist received $3,000 in prizes and the two finalists won a $15,000 prize package.

Morrison said his journey in collision started when he was about 8 years old. His father was an adjuster, and he would ride along with him. 

“I was always fascinated by the repair process at a young age, and I knew that it was a dream of mine to become a technician one day,” Morrison said. 

Morrison’s first day working in a body shop was on his first day of high school, he said. 

“My Dad would pick me up from school and drop me off in the shop, and I would start turning wrenches, fixing dents, and just never looked back,” he said. 

Morrison is currently enrolled in college for an automotive aftermarket management degree. A professor nominated him for the Techs Rock Award. 

Being a semi-finalist has connected Morrison to others in the industry, he said. The process has also helped him learn how to promote himself. 

“It’s a great way to practice selling yourself because you have to do that a lot as a technician,” Morrison said. 

Morrison said he would like to work for a supplier, such as a paint or abrasive company, upon graduation. He’s also interested in starting his own tool company one day. 

Caballero-Vallejo said he also loved cars from a young age, and that turned into a passion for collision repair. 

“It was such a fascination that I could turn something that was nothing into something,” Caballero-Vallejo said. 

He also enjoyed helping other people since he was young. 

Caballero-Vallejo received the program’s highest GPA while attending Thaddeus Stevens College, a Techforce press release says. During that time, he served as a peer tutor, helping freshmen master collision repair techniques. 

“Known for his humility and work ethic, he routinely stayed late to assist classmates and took on leadership roles within the program,” the release says. 

While currently working at a dealership, he hopes to teach one day, he said. 

“Being able to share what I love doing with someone who is learning really makes me happy,” said Caballero-Vallejo. 

He added that it has been an “awesome opportunity” to be involved in the Techs Rock Awards. 

Caballero-Vallejo’s parents were ecstatic that he was competing at a national level. 

He said others in the industry also seem to be taking him more seriously, knowing that he placed in the contest. 

“I would like to say thank you so much to TechForce for giving me the opportunity to be in the competition,” he said.

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Featured image: Jose Caballero-Vallejo (left) and William Morrison are this year’s Collision, Restoration, and Welding semi-finalists in the TechForce and SEMA 2025 Techs Rock Awards.