What is Gearhead Academy?
The Gearhead Academy was created to address the growing shortage of skilled technicians in the automotive industry.
Dealerships and workshops nationwide are facing a severe lack of workers, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a shortage of 2.3 million skilled workers by 2025 and 4.3 million by 2030.
This shortage is compounded as high-performance brands like Porsche struggle to find new technicians.
The Gearhead Academy aims to expose students to high-end vehicles and prepare them for the demands of the industry.
We strive to elevate automotive students to a level of expertise that positions them at the forefront of the automotive world.
Our goal is to ensure the Gearhead passion stays alive for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the project when you finish?
Our 2025 Porsche restoration project will be hosted by the Porsche Experience at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta. (Estimated date is May 12th.)
Afterward, the car will be displayed at the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.
Finally, the car will be auctioned, where the funds will go back to Gearhead Academy to finance next year's project.
Can I donate my services instead of money?
Absolutely. If you have a means of supporting the club with your own skilled labor, and you can contribute, we'd be happy to have you and spread the word. We've already had contributions of local businesses restoring electrical components, replacing convertible soft tops, and more.
Use the "contact me" button at the top or bottom of the page to inquire.
What is the long term goal?
To set a precedent on how to get students involved in niche corners of the automotive market - exotic cars, classics, and even motorsports.
The Gearhead Academy would have one annual project to reflect a unique challenge for that particular group.
Our Current Partners
Dr. Lance Barry
Commissioner GNPEC

Dr. Lance Barry
Commissioner GNPEC
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Mike Giammarco
VP of Peachstate PCA

Mike Giammarco
VP of Peachstate PCA
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Sam Mahdavi
TV Host of "Sam's Garage"

Sam Mahdavi
TV Host of "Sam's Garage"
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Jon Hobbs PhD
IP Solutions | Patent Experts

Jon Hobbs PhD
IP Solutions | Patent Experts
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Bruce Patton
Savoy automobile museum

Bruce Patton
Savoy automobile museum
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Travis Bernhardt
Porsche Atlanta Permiter

Travis Bernhardt
Porsche Atlanta Permiter
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Toyo Tires
Bartow County

Toyo Tires
Bartow County
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SHR Sleepy Hollow Rebuilder
Jasper, GA

SHR Sleepy Hollow Rebuilder
Jasper, GA
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Jake Raby
Flat Six Innovations

Jake Raby
Flat Six Innovations
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Keiran O'Brian
Gran Turismo East

Keiran O'Brian
Gran Turismo East
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Howard Wright
European Classics LLC

Howard Wright
European Classics LLC
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Joshua Johnson
Lake Point Sports

Joshua Johnson
Lake Point Sports
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Derrick Smith
Smith Paint & Restoration

Derrick Smith
Smith Paint & Restoration
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Austin May
Styles Automotive
Austin May
Styles Automotive
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Skyler Scates
SS Paint Correction
Skyler Scates
SS Paint Correction
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Mike Thies
Vehicle Appraiser

Mike Thies
Vehicle Appraiser
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Adam Merlin
Merlin Auto Group

Adam Merlin
Merlin Auto Group
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Sam Khalek
RTP Customs

Sam Khalek
RTP Customs
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Provided by

Chattahoochee Technical College
Public Technical College
Chattahoochee Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) to award technical certificates of credit, diplomas, and associate degrees.

Bartow County College And Career
Academy (BCCCA)
Named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement.
The mission is to provide educational opportunities to high school students and ensure a viable 21st Century workforce.