World Class Wednesday: From Navy Seabee to World Class Technician

Earning the title of Automotive Service Excellence World-Class Technician is no small accomplishment. To be recognized as World Class, these individuals have obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas: A1-A8 (automotive), T1-T8 (medium/heavy truck), B2-B5 (collision repair), and L1-L2 (advanced).

Not only is achieving certification in these areas impressive, but becoming World Class is no small feat. As of 2025, only 2,000 technicians have achieved World Class status.

In this Q&A, Motor Age sat down with Jerry Kepich — an ASE World Class technician at Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland — to learn more about his journey in the automotive industry and how gaining World Class status has helped advance his career.

Motor Age: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your experience in the automotive industry.

Kepich: I have spent over 40 years in automotive repair, specializing in medium/heavy trucks and equipment, and have worked on everything from medium/heavy trucks to construction equipment. I achieved ASE World Class status at the age of 57.

Motor Age: What's the most memorable repair you've ever completed?

Kepich: In the year 2004, I had the opportunity to serve as a Navy Reserve Seabee. Here, I was involved in training Iraqi teenagers in basic mechanical skills. This experience taught me that the most meaningful repairs and technical solutions are not necessarily the ones involving the largest or most complex equipment, but rather those that carry a deeper significance through their purpose and the connections built along the way.

It became clear that the impact of a repair often lies in the way it empowers individuals, fosters understanding, and creates a sense of accomplishment and hope. During this time, I learned that the true value of our work extends beyond the technical aspects; it resides in the human relationships formed, the trust established, and the positive influence we have on the lives of those we serve.

These lessons underscored the importance of compassion, patience, and cultural sensitivity, reminding me that sometimes, the most profound and lasting change comes from small, thoughtful actions that resonate on a personal level.

Motor Age: What is one thing we can't guess from your certifications?

Kepich: My diverse background uniquely positioned me to bring a valuable, real-world perspective to the pursuit of ASE World Class Technician status. I have insights that certifications alone cannot capture. My experience in both military service and education distinguish me through demonstrated skills in practical application, improvisation, and leadership.

My background not only highlights my technical prowess but also underlines my leadership, adaptability, and commitment—qualities that elevate me well beyond credentials alone.

My military background has ingrained a deep understanding of the importance of operational readiness and reliability—an essential aspect of mission success. This discipline fosters a level of thoroughness and dependability that surpasses ordinary service standards.

Achieving ASE World Class Technician status is a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence, reflecting the same dedication I've exemplified throughout my career.

Motor Age: What automotive technology trend are you most excited about/ most concerned about? 

Kepich: A cool but also nerve-wracking trend in the car industry right now is the advanced driver assisted systems. Basically, these cars use a lot of AI and software to handle everything—from driving to entertainment, which could lead to some really innovative and safer rides.

But at the same time, all this heavy reliance on software raises some serious cybersecurity concerns. All the current ADAS systems need the driver to stay fully engaged and in control the whole time. It's important for drivers to know what these systems can and can't do because they can sometimes fail, depending on the situation.

Overall, ADAS has been shown to help cut down on accidents and injuries by reducing mistakes made by drivers.

Motor Age: How has ASE certification helped advance your career? 

Kepich: A lot of employers — especially for specialized jobs — prefer or even require ASE-certified technicians. Having this certification helped me out when I applied for a job. It’s a nationally recognized badge of skill and expertise.

When customers see that a technician is ASE-certified, they know that person has met tough industry standards for knowledge and experience. Since the automotive world is always evolving with new tech and complicated systems, ASE-certified pros need to retest every five years to keep their certification. This keeps them up to date with the latest trends and repair methods.

The recertification process also encourages technicians to keep learning and improving, which makes them more skilled and efficient, which is especially important as new automotive tech — like electric vehicles — keeps coming out.