Building a Skilled Workforce: The impact of ASE program accreditation

Auto, truck, and collision repair shops need more qualified entry-level technicians. High school and college programs exist to meet this need, but too often their training hasn't kept up with changing automotive technology and isn't aligned with local employer needs. Too many are "hobby shops" that don't give students the training and skills they need to pursue these fulfilling careers.

The Solution

Training Program Accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation closes the gap between education and industry, using industry-developed national standards to ensure training programs have the resources for student success and are guided by an Advisory Committee of local employers.

The Result

Schools can provide the training needed to graduate and place well-qualified entry-level technicians. More students can start a good-paying career in automotive service and stick with it long term. Employers create a talent pipeline for their businesses and gain positive exposure for supporting local schools.

How Everyone Benefits

• Schools are required to create industry advisory committees composed of local business owners and managers. The committees meet at least twice a year to provide support and guidance to the school on program improvements and help align training to local needs.
  
  
• Employers, in turn, can engage students in work-based learning, including job shadowing, internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships. This allows the business and student an extended "test drive" to see if there is a good fit for full-time employment.
  
  
• ASE standards are determined by the industry and evolve as vehicle and service
  technology changes, ensuring that schools stay current and training remains relevant. Program accreditation ensures the program meets national standards while still being customized to the needs of local businesses.
  
  
• Repair shops can hire with confidence from a local pool of qualified job applicants who are better prepared and are more likely to stay with them long term.
  
  
• Vehicles are better maintained, resulting in safer roads. Vehicle owners get their cars serviced quickly and correctly, increasing your business's customer service.

Meet Dwayne Myers

Dwayne Myers is president and CEO of Dynamic Automotive with multiple locations in the Frederick, Maryland area. He is an ASE World Class Technician with certifications in multiple areas and currently serves as chair of the ASE Education Foundation Board of Directors. He is a first-hand witness to the value of ASE program accreditation and the power of industry-education partnerships.

Dwayne started his career in the repair industry as a tank mechanic in the U.S. Army. After he left the service, Dwayne went to work for a trucking company. At night, he went to school for automotive technology, and his electronics teacher connected him with eventual partners Jose Bueso and Lee Forman. They were opening up a repair shop called Dynamic Automotive right down the street. When Dwayne finished school, he went to work there part-time while still at the truck shop. When they opened their second shop, Myers joined full-time. He eventually went on to lead that store and eventually bought into the company as an owner. Today, Wayne is the CEO of the company, and his main duty is to develop the team.

Dwayne quickly realized that his local school's automotive program was key to building his team. Partnering with Frederick County Public Schools, our local ASE-accredited school system has made the biggest difference for us. Myers remarked, "Next month, Dynamic turns 30 and has grown to eight locations. Over half of our team members came from our local career and technology center. By being a partner that helps the school be better, we get the opportunity to get in front of the students so they have an idea what we and the industry have to offer."

Dwayne quickly realized that his local school's automotive program was key to building his team. “Frederick County Public Schools, our local ASE-accredited school system, has made the biggest difference for us. Over half of our team members came from our local career and technology center. By being a partner that helps the school be better, we get the opportunity to get in front of the students so they have an idea what we and the industry have to offer,” Myers said.