Since its founding in 1972 ASE has developed a unique relationship with their partners in the automotive service industry. In fact, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is widely recognized as the standard certification credential for technicians working in the auto, truck, and collision segments. Since 1986. The Auto Care Association has formed a special relationship with Team ASE by partnering to sponsored a special award recognizing ASE-Certified professionals who meet the standards to be recognized as World Class Technician.

The Auto Care Association and ASE work together to honor those who have achieved ASE Certification in 22 Specialty areas encompassing Master Auto, Master Truck, Master Collision, L1 and L2 credentials. More than 2500 technicians have earned World Class status since the partnership was established 39 years ago. In this episode, we talk with Bill Hanvey, the President & CEO of the Auto Care Association about their role in the automotive aftermarket, sponsorship of the World Class Technician program, and the many ways the membership and staff of the Auto Care Association is working to help train and develop today and tomorrow’s automotive professionals.

Hear all about it as we talk with Bill about:

· His road to becoming President & CEO of the Auto Care Association.

· The members and mission of the Auto Care Association.

· The Auto Care/ASE partnership for the World Class Technician recognition.

· How the membership of the Auto Care Association supports CTE education and the ASE Education Foundation.

· The support and training available for CTE instructors nationwide at AAPEX.

· The scholarships available through the Auto Care Association and its members.

· Bill’s advice for those thinking about a career in the automotive industry.

· Learn more about the Auto Care Association World Class Technician recognition on the website at www.autocare.org.

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Each year, the ASE Education Foundation honors one CTE Instructor who typically goes above and beyond his or her job description to make a difference. Candidates for the ASE Education Foundation Outstanding Instructor of the Year award must be nominated by an administrator such as a principal, program director, dean, department chair or CTE director. In this episode, we talk with Brian Manley, Pathway Lead in Automotive Technology at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC), a high school in Centennial, Colorado, who was selected as the 2024 honoree.

The award honors the memory of Byrl Shoemaker. Dr. Shoemaker was the state director of vocational and adult education at the Ohio Department of Education from 1962 to 1982. He was a major contributor to education, including the development of the system of career technical education programs in Ohio and the development of the two-year post high school technician education centers that have grown into the system of community colleges across Ohio. Dr. Shoemaker was also instrumental in the development of VICA (now SkillsUSA) in Ohio as well as nationally and the development of NATEF (now ASE Education Foundation) accreditation, ensuring entry-level automotive repair training programs meet standards set by the automotive service industry at the national level. This lifetime achievement award recognizes extraordinary educators whose dedication to technical education mirrors Dr. Shoemaker's unwavering passion.

Hear all about it as we talk with Brian about:

· His road to becoming the 2024 ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year.

· How he found his niche and a talent for vehicle repair.

· How ASE Certification has boosted his self-esteem.

· Why teaching Automotive Technology and Track & Field are his passions.

· Coming full circle by being honored with this award.

· His CTE program at Cherry Creek and the opportunities if offers his students.

· Brian’s advice for those thinking of a career in the automotive industry.

· What his personal research has shown about what employers are looking for in an entry-level technician.

· Why teamwork is important and valuable.

· The trends that surprised him in his research with shop owners.

· The realities of getting into automotive service and repair.

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

The Team ASE family reflects the broad automotive industry involvement in addressing what is often regarded as the largest challenge facing automotive service and repair—the shortage of qualified entry-level automotive technicians. The ASE Education Foundation is working to ensure that CTE programs have the necessary standards to keep up with rapidly-advancing automotive technology, but it’s the support and involvement of the Team ASE industry partners that make things happen.

One of the most important supporters of Team ASE are the industry associations who work in partnership with the ASE Education Foundation to ensure we have the qualified technical talent needed to fill the technician jobs now and in the future. Some, like the North Texas Automobile Dealers, extend this commitment to include several initiatives ranging from participating with career events to providing technician competitions across the nation. In this episode, we’ll explore some of these ideas in more detail as we talk with Bill Chester, Workforce Development Manager at the North Texas Auto Dealers.

Hear all about it as we talk with Bill about:

· His background in the industry with Mercedes Benz.

· Career Day at the North Texas Auto Expo

· How the North Texas Auto Dealers (NTXDA) works with local CTE programs.

· Encouraging their members to participate in local Advisory Committees to connect with students.

· Making connections for students and industry.

· Advocating for ASE accreditation for CTE programs and ASE Certification for instructors.

· The NTXAD five-week Fast Track program for graduates.

· How they developed the Fast Track curriculum through research and working with their members.

· The NTXAD annual Technician Competition at Texas Motor Speedway.

· How NTXAD members are directly involved in helping to prepare students for jobs in the automotive industry.

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com