CRC Industries Expands Trade Scholarship Program at SEMA

The company showcased a custom 1977 Chevrolet C10 truck in Las Vegas to support technical education and future scholarships.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Scholarships

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage 1970s pickup truck, celebrating technical education and skilled trades. — CRC Industries is expanding its Build for the Future scholarship program by auctioning custom vehicle projects to fund technical education in the skilled trades. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should companies invest more in vocational training programs to address the shortage of skilled trades workers?

CRC Industries is furthering its Build for the Future initiative by partnering with the TechForce Foundation to support careers in skilled trades. The company highlighted its efforts during the SEMA 2026 event in Las Vegas, which included the display of a high-performance custom truck.

Why it matters

The program aims to build awareness for careers in skilled trades while increasing access to technical education for students. By converting custom vehicle projects into funding, the initiative directly supports individuals entering the workforce.

CRC Industries awarded 40 scholarships of $2,500 each, totaling $100,000 in funding for 2026. The custom 1977 Chevrolet C10 build features a 555-cubic-inch Edelbrock/Musi carbureted big-block engine paired with an 8-71 supercharger.

The players

CRC Industries

This company specializes in the manufacture of chemicals for maintenance and repair professionals in the automotive and industrial sectors.

TechForce Foundation

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting and promoting careers in the automotive and diesel technician industries.

Barrett-Jackson

This major auction company is world-renowned for hosting large-scale events featuring collectible and custom automobiles.

The details

CRC Industries generates funding for these technical scholarships by collaborating with automotive personalities to build and eventually sell custom vehicles at public auction. The latest project, a custom 1977 Chevrolet C10, serves as the centerpiece for raising future educational capital.

CRC Industries awarded $100,000 in scholarships throughout 2026.
The initiative was showcased in Las Vegas at SEMA 2026 in October 2026.
The 1977 Chevrolet C10 is scheduled for auction at Barrett-Jackson in January 2027.

Culture Shift

The project follows a well-established pattern of using high-profile vehicle sales at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction to drive significant charitable contributions. This demonstrates a growing industry trend of linking high-end automotive restoration with the recruitment of next-generation technicians.

Students and aspiring technicians in the Las Vegas area can leverage these scholarship opportunities to offset the costs of hands-on technical training. The program provides a practical pathway for those looking to enter the skilled trades workforce with reduced financial barriers.

The takeaway

Supporting skilled trades through creative charity projects helps bridge the gap between technical hobbyists and professional careers. Readers interested in entering this field should research available industry-sponsored grants and training foundations.

What happens next

The 1977 Chevrolet C10 custom truck is scheduled to be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January 2027, with proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund.