The RPM Foundation (RPM), a Chicago-based not-for-profit dedicated to preserving and growing the automotive restoration industry, has announced that it will hold “SHOP HOP Chicago 2016,” a three-day job-fair-on-wheels, Dec. 10, 11 and 17. Participating students, parents and teachers will learn about potential summer internship opportunities and get first-hand accounts from master craftsmen at seven leading auto restoration shops in the Chicago area.
The SHOP HOP caravan will visit Klairmont Kollections, Collectors’ Car Garage, Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage, Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle, Sport & Specialty Restoration & Vintage Racing, Custom Cars Unlimited and Schwartz Performance. Students will tour the facilities at each location and learn about the specific services that each shop offers.
“The SHOP HOP program has exceeded our expectations and the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said RPM President Diane Fitzgerald. “Because car restoration skills are passed down by hands-on training from master craftsmen, it’s important for the collector car industry to attract young adults that are looking to turn their passion into rewarding careers. The restoration market is rapidly growing with $1.53 billion in restoration retail sales according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association.”
Since being founded in 2005, RPM has provided nearly $3 million in grants, apprenticeships and internships in automotive and marine restoration programs. It is a member entity of America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), a not-for-profit corporation with the mission of securing America’s automotive heritage and transferring the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain the collector car industry for future generations.
“SHOP HOP Chicago is just one way that the RPM Foundation is supporting the future of America’s collector car industry,” said AAT President and CEO David Madeira. “It’s very rewarding to be able to pass the torch to future generations while providing opportunities – and jobs – which is a worthy cause that we are all dedicated to.”
For more information on the RPM Foundation, visit rpm.foundation or call 855-537-4579.
