ATMC Announces 2026 Training Benchmarks Survey Results
The ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC) has released the results of its 2026 Training Benchmarks survey which provides valuable insights into technician training needs, industry trends and workforce development priorities across the automotive, truck and collision repair sectors. This year’s survey generated a significant increase in participation, with responses up by approximately 65 percent compared to 2025, reflecting stronger engagement from technicians, instructors and industry stakeholders nationwide.
The expanded response pool reinforces the survey’s role as a key benchmark for understanding how training delivery, accessibility and content needs continue to evolve. Findings from the 2026 survey show that technicians remain focused on practical, career-relevant education, with electrical/electronic systems, hybrid/EV systems, ADAS and advanced engine performance ranking among the most requested training topics. The survey also highlights ongoing challenges in training accessibility, including unavailable course topics, quality concerns, scheduling conflicts and training costs.
A major takeaway from the 2026 data is the continued demand for instructor-led learning environments that prioritize hands-on application. Technicians indicated a strong preference for instructor-led classroom sessions paired with workshop lab time, demonstrating that practical experience remains critical for skills development and confidence building in increasingly complex vehicle systems.
“Year after year, this survey helps us better understand what technicians truly need to succeed
in today’s rapidly changing automotive landscape,” said Matt Shepanek, president of ATMC. “The growth in participation this year is a strong signal that our industry is invested in shaping better training opportunities and that technicians continue to value instructor-led education with meaningful hands-on workshop experience that directly translates to real-world repair environments.”
For more information or to view a copy of the ATMC survey results, click here.