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A New Era for Automotive Workforce Development
The automotive industry faces significant challenges, one of the most pressing being the technician shortage. To address this concern, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recently announced the launch of ASE Connects, aimed at fortifying the technician workforce pipeline through collaboration between shops, dealerships, and educational institutions.
Connecting Schools and Industry: A Unified Approach
ASE Connects aims to streamline communication and collaboration between schools and the automotive industry. Currently, over 3,200 high schools and post-secondary programs participate. ASE’s vision is to expand this number, ensuring that every technical training program across the country is connected with industry leaders.
This initiative builds upon ASE's existing School Assist solution, which enhances direct communication between automotive businesses and educational institutions. It reduces barriers to effective partnerships, enabling enhanced support for students entering the technician workforce.
Impact on Technician Careers: Future Data Insights
Another key feature of ASE Connects is the introduction of the Industry Data Exchange, which will aggregate critical workforce data—such as pay, benefits, and labor rates. This aggregated data, rarely shared publicly before, will provide valuable insights to help shops make informed hiring and compensation decisions.
Shops can filter this data to benchmark compensation based on location, shop type, and other criteria, ensuring they are competitive in attracting the next generation of automotive technicians. Given the projected need for nearly 1 million new entry-level technicians over the next five years, having access to this data is crucial for the industry’s sustainability.
Building A Stronger Future for Automotive Jobs
ASE’s president, Dave Johnson, emphasized that this initiative supplements existing efforts to tackle the technician shortage rather than replace them. By pooling resources and data across sectors, ASE Connects aims to unify the efforts of independent repair shops, dealerships, fleets, and educational institutions.
In addition to supporting existing technician training opportunities, the initiative is poised to provide measurable value back to participating businesses, enhancing their recruitment and retention strategies.
Launch and Participation: How to Get Involved
ASE Connects will officially launch in January 2026, with an introductory webinar scheduled for January 15, 2026. This webinar will provide valuable information on how shops and schools can join the platform and leverage its resources for mutual benefit.
Membership for schools is free, while businesses only need to pay a nominal annual fee. This fee supports the initiative's broader aim—strengthening technician programs and enhancing the data landscape for schools and shops alike.
The Importance of Collaboration in the Automotive Industry
The ASE Connects initiative marks a significant shift towards collaboration in the automotive sector, acknowledging that working in silos hinders progress. By leveraging ASE’s established leadership and WrenchWay’s technological capabilities, the program sets the stage for enhanced technician career trajectories and industry growth.
The data gathered through this platform will not only help repair shops make informed decisions but will also inspire confidence in prospective technicians looking to enter a thriving and dynamic field that continues to evolve.
Ready to Shape the Future of the Automotive Workforce?
As the automotive industry prepares for ASE Connects, now is the time for shops and schools to consider their roles in strengthening the future of technician careers. Engaging with this initiative can provide vital connections and insights into the evolving needs of the workforce.
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