With the increasing demand for technicians, reinforcing the talent pipeline is more critical than ever. We spoke with Kristen Conte, technician training strategy and operations manager for Ford and member of the ASE Education Foundation Board of Directors, about the value of ASE accreditation and what OEMs are doing to support the next generation of technicians.
How does an ASE credential affect how a dealer views an applicant?
Conte: Anybody applying to our shops or dealerships who comes in with any type of true credential where they've had to show competency is always elevated in a dealer's mind. That individual has put in the time and effort to not only learn that material but also present that competency. They've shown that they prioritize this industry, their skill, and their trade by pursuing that certification or credential.
Anyone who comes in with an ASE credential would definitely be prioritized from a hiring standpoint because we understand how important this industry is to that person. They come into our space at a more elevated level than maybe a general entry applicant might, which means they start at a better wage and are able to complete more complex repairs. ASE is so highly regarded, and so many of our technicians that come through our training centers and that we're hiring have ASE credentials. Continuing that relationship with ASE is super important because we're then able to get technicians off to the right start at the right pace.
What role do OEMs play in shifting the public perception of working in the industry and showing students and parents the reality of modern technical careers?
Conte: One of the best places we can start as an OE is working with our instructors who teach our ACE curriculum. For Ford specifically, our ACE curriculum is rolled out at high schools and community colleges. We need to help those instructors frame to students and young people that this is more of an advanced career than what it might have been considered in the past. It's really important to share the message that this is for someone who can think mechanically but also analyze and synthesize the complex things they encounter. Starting with those instructors at different vocational schools, high schools, and community colleges across the nation is key.
The other thing, too, is helping parents understand that the industry has changed and the type of job that exists now for auto technicians is very different than what it used to be. Influencing those parents can help these students understand that this is a viable path with a great career in front of them. It really requires deep analytical thinking and creativity, but we do have to get that message out, and starting with those different areas is key.
What are some ways Ford is working to support the next generation of technicians?
Conte: The Ford TRAC program, which stands for Technician Ready Accelerated Certification, is a new program that's going to be available at community colleges starting this August. We're launching the pilot program at Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery, Alabama. The greatest thing about this program is that it has been designed around a "learn while you earn" mentality. It is a certificate-based program that takes approximately one academic year to get through. You leave the program with a certificate from the school and six Ford certifications in automotive service. Participating individuals are going to be in the classroom three days out of the week learning all of the baseline, foundational knowledge they need to be able to begin repairs on vehicles. Then, they have several days in which they will work in a shop with a dealer to apprentice, get their feet wet, and practice what they're learning while being paid for that time as well.
It's a great program, and we're trying to get it out into communities that are underrepresented and face socioeconomic challenges. Almost 100% of the students attending this program will be eligible for Pell Grants, which will supplement the program itself. Many students will leave this with zero debt and zero out-of-pocket costs because of their eligibility for that financial aid.
We have the ASSET program, which is a foundational two-year associate degree program that has been in place for over 40 years. The employment rate of students in a dealership after completing the Ford ASSET program is over 98% because it uses the same kind of setup we're doing with Ford TRAC—they are in class and then working at a dealership, alternating to practice those skills, get hands-on experience, and build a relationship with the dealer.
We also partnered with Bloomberg Philanthropies to develop a program where we have collectively put together $5 million to promote vocational education at Detroit Public Schools. We have gone into these schools and are outfitting their facilities with more up-to-date equipment, making sure all the instructors have access to our curriculum and the resources they need to bring more students into these programs.
How does OEM investment benefit the independent aftermarket and the industry as a whole?
Conte: Investing in programs like ASE, continuing that collaboration across the board, and locking arms on what this means for us as an industry is really the key. The goal is still the same for all of us: to get people back on the roads as fast as we can. The more that we invest, collaborate, and work toward gearing up our technician pool—making sure they are credentialed, up-to-date on their certifications, and have the knowledge they need to work on these complex systems—the better. It's something that we owe to our customer base.
