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 Jonathan Donnell — an ASE World Class technician at Mevert Automotive in Steeleville, Illinois — 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.
Donnell: I’ve spent over 15 years in automotive repair, specializing in electric diagnostics, and have worked on everything from Kia to Kenworth. I achieved ASE World Class status at age 32 in 2024.
Motor Age: What's the most memorable repair you've ever completed?
Donnell: A few years ago, our local fire department’s primary rescue truck went down with a blown head gasket. It wasn’t the most extravagant or high-profile repair, but it mattered because this truck was their lifeline. Despite it being a heavily upfitted and complex vehicle, we were able to diagnose the issue, make the repairs, and get it back in service quickly. Being able to serve the people who serve our community was a privilege, and minimizing their downtime meant they could keep doing what they do best, protecting our community.
Motor Age: Tell us one thing about you that we can't guess from your certifications.
Donnell: One thing you can’t tell from my certifications is the belief I hold about our industry. While we often hear about the technician shortage and the struggle to find experienced techs, I believe we should focus on hiring people with a solid foundation of basic knowledge and giving them the training, support, and opportunities to grow. There’s a huge pool of potential technicians out there who simply need a chance, and investing in them can help build the skilled workforce our industry truly needs.
Motor Age: What automotive technology trend are you most excited about/ most concerned about?
Donnell: I’m most excited about the advancements we see with each new model. The technology, the complexity, and the incredible capabilities of these machines. It’s amazing to watch how far things have come and how quickly innovation keeps moving.
At the same time, I worry that as vehicles become more complex, it may be harder for young people to freely explore, experiment, and get their hands dirty. For many of us technicians, that early hands-on curiosity is exactly what sparked our passion and launched our careers in this industry. I would hate to see that spark get harder to find for the next generation.
Motor Age: How has ASE certification helped advance your career?
Donnell: Earning my ASE certification has shown both my company and our customers that I have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to diagnose and repair vehicles with precision. This gives them confidence and peace of mind on the road.
Additionally, this achievement has led to significant pay increases over the years and opened the door for me to mentor younger technicians, helping them build their own careers and prepare for the future of our industry.
About the Author
Emily Kline
Emily Kline is a Special Projects Editor for FenderBender and ABRN. She has worked in the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media for over 2 years, learning about vehicle repair and the automotive industry as a whole. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona. As a writer, she enjoys her fair share of reading and has no shame using the long Minnesota winters as an excuse to stay indoors and cozy up with a good book.