ASE Instructor Training Conference: Filling the Farley Gap

Larry Tuttle, Brian LaCroix, Jake Sorenson, and Jaime Angell join moderator Chris Messer to tackle the technician pipeline gap at ASE's ITC.
July 29, 2026
Add Us On Google

Key Highlights

Quotes from the speakers included:

 

Larry Tuttle, Service Director, Don McGill Toyota
"We're not mechanics anymore. We're technicians—electronic engineers, software experts. You can earn a six-figure salary, and you don't have to go to school for four years."

 

Brian LaCroix, Automotive Technology Instructor, Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School
"It's the programs that make them feel like they're part of the industry—a clear path, hands-on experience. You can see the difference with the kids who get that before graduation."

 

Jake Sorenson, Shop Manager, McNeil's Auto Care
"We can keep complaining, or we can do something. Eighty percent of our technicians came through our apprenticeship program, and they're the most loyal employees that we have."

 

Jaime Angell, Senior Director of Apprenticeships and Transitional Programs, Caliber Collision
"I started out washing cars. I now run the apprenticeship program and the quality control department for the largest auto collision repair operator in the world. Share your story—they'll listen."

The automotive technician shortage isn't going away on its own—so what will actually move the needle? In this panel from the ASE Instructor Training Conference (Frisco, Texas, July 20-23, 2026), four industry leaders dig into real-world strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining the next generation of techs.

Moderated by Chris Messer, Executive VP of Transportation at EndeavorB2B, the discussion covers why students leave technical programs, how to build stronger bridges between schools and shops, the messaging gap around technician careers, and how employers can create the kind of growth culture that keeps young techs in the industry for the long haul.

Panelists:

Topics include student retention, apprenticeship models, EV and ADAS training gaps, career-path messaging, and how schools and employers can work together to close the technician pipeline gap.

Complete coverage of the entire ASE event can be found here.