A new partnership equips the Acceler8 classroom with German-engineered Wera tools and gives graduates their first professional tool set as at-risk youth begin careers in the automotive industry. The first graduate to receive a kit has already been hired by Caliber Collision.
Los Angeles (October 29, 2026). Accelerate Education Group (Acceler8) – the independent, nonprofit automotive education program supported by the Los Angeles Police Protective League that supports at-risk youth – will announce a multi-year partnership with Wera Tools at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 3-6, 2026. As part of the agreement, the premium hand tool manufacturer will be Acceler8’s Official Hand Tool Partner and has equipped the classroom with three fully stocked rolling tool cabinets for use by the teachers and students. Additionally, every Los Angeles graduate who secures a career in the automotive industry where tools are required will receive a professional-grade Wera tool set to prepare them to enter the workforce.
Studies have shown that one of the biggest barriers to being hired is often having a quality tool set for the job. For young people entering a trade, technicians are typically expected to bring their own tools to work, and building a professional kit can take years. Which is why each Acceler8 graduate who requires tools for their first job will receive a Wera tool set comprising professional-grade ratchets, sockets, and screwdrivers, packed in a Wera tool bag and ready for their first day on the job.
"We’re so excited to team up with Wera Tools. Their motto, Be A Tool Rebel, fits our automotive program and the students perfectly!” said Charles Woodruff, CEO & Board President of Acceler8 Education Group. “We teach our students about the newest technology and engineering in the automotive space, so it’s great to welcome Wera with its next-level quality and design. We’re so thankful for Wera's support in supplying our classroom, workshops, and the students with their very first tool kit as they enter the workforce."
“At Wera, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build something meaningful with their hands. Our partnership with the Acceler8 Education Program is about investing in the next generation of Tool Rebels, removing barriers to opportunity, and giving young people the confidence and equipment they need to build successful careers. We’re proud to support the incredible work Acceler8 is doing and excited to play a small part in helping these students shape their futures,” said Jamie Parkhill, Managing Director for Wera Tools North America.
Built around an ASE-certified curriculum, the 16-week Acceler8 Basic Mechanic Course teaches young adults aged 18-24 foundational skills for entry-level credentials and a direct path to professional automotive careers. In addition to its quarterly four-week workshops, the initiative launched a Pre-Apprenticeship Program in 2026, registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Located at its dedicated facility in Downtown Los Angeles, Acceler8 provides hands-on instruction to at-risk youth.
Wera joins a growing roster of partners supporting Acceler8, including Armor Guys, BendPak, Borla Performance Exhausts, Coats, ENEOS Motor Oil, Formula DRIFT, Hyundai, Petersen Automotive Museum, Shopmonkey, Yokohama Tire and The ID Agency. It also receives support from State of California Community Reinvestment Grants and Los Angeles County Care First Community Investment.
PARTICIPATE, DONATE
As a nonprofit organization, Acceler8 relies on community donations and sponsorships. Every dollar raised goes directly to the program, helping students at risk of being lost to crime and gang culture to gain the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to enter the automotive industry, reach their full potential and advance to meaningful employment. In addition to gratefully received donations, Acceler8 welcomes qualified volunteers who can mentor students or share their experience and expertise.
Follow Acceler8 on Instagram and YouTube to discover more about the program, students and community activities. Visit acceler8education.org to enroll a student, volunteer, or donate.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Acceler8 videos showing students receiving their Wera Tools are available here:
ACL8 receiving Wera Tools: youtu.be/GZry6z5KbzM
The first student receiving his Wera Tools: youtu.be/KudErTkS9j4
Additional photography is available here: dropbox.com/scl/fo/tutrmnf4l2een985zx92h/AKZrr3FQBbI5rhoNLQZKnFQ?rlkey=rs2xzzt6hrh2jl6e3kcpvqr7a&st=e2puj83n&dl=0
PHOTO CAPTION
Acceler8 graduate Elias Perez-Vega shows off his new Wera Tools at the Acceler8 training facility in Downtown Los Angeles. Elias is the first student to receive a Wera kit after he was recently hired by Caliber Collision
ABOUT WERA TOOLS
Founded in 1936 and headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany, Wera designs and manufactures premium hand tools including screwdrivers, ratchets, sockets, wrenches, and torque tools for professional users worldwide. Known for its "Be A Tool Rebel" spirit, Wera is recognized for innovative, ergonomic designs that challenge the status quo. To learn more, follow Wera Tools on Instagram.
ABOUT ACCELERATE EDUCATION GROUP
Accelerate Education Group (Acceler8) is an independent non-profit organization supported by the Los Angeles Police Protective League. It is committed to providing substantive alternatives to crime and substance abuse that will change lives and help build future leaders in Los Angeles County. It does this by providing a curriculum designed to help enhance knowledge within the automotive field, as well as mentoring, life skills, job skills, and hands-on experience. Please visit acceler8education.org to learn more about the Acceler8 program, enroll a student, volunteer for the program, or donate.
