New initiative aims to link industry with schools, workforce data
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) states that an initiative it will launch with WrenchWay in January will provide easy and direct communication between the repair industry and schools.
ASE Connects will be available nationwide, building on the existing School Assist, according to an ASE press release. ASE says more than 3,200 high schools and post-secondary programs are already participating in School Assist. WrenchWay’s School Assist was launched in 2024 as an online tool to help schools with technician programs connect with local shops and dealerships.
“ASE’s long-term goal is to bring on every school in the country,” the release states. “Members gain easy access to updated instructor contacts, school support requests, and direct communication channels to offer help and connect with students. These tools reduce the barriers that often limit effective school-industry collaboration.”
ASE Connects will also introduce the “Industry Data Exchange,” a new effort that builds upon the “Voice of Technician” report, technician pay data, and ASE’s school data. ASE says it will provide a comprehensive view of workforce trends across the collision, automotive, and diesel industries by gathering and sharing data that is rarely made public, including pay, benefits, and labor rates.
Shops will be able to view the data on a national level or filter results based on location, shop type, and more. ASE says its independence ensures data will remain anonymous while still being useful.
“There are many groups out there doing great work to help with issues like the technician shortage,” said Dave Johnson, ASE president and CEO, in the release. “ASE Connects is meant to supplement, not replace those efforts. Certain aspects simply work better when all parties involved are on one platform rather than individual silos… or dealer versus independent.
“ASE is uniquely positioned to lead this effort. We proudly serve the automotive, diesel, and collision repair industries and work with businesses of every type, from independent repair shops and dealerships to fleets, manufacturers, and schools. ASE Connects brings all these groups together to strengthen the workforce pipeline for the entire industry.”
ASE Connects membership is free for schools, and available to businesses for an annual fee.
ASE will continue working with WrenchWay to leverage its technology and online platform to operate the network, the release states.
“We are excited to take this next step with ASE,” said Mark Wilson, WrenchWay co-founder and CEO, in the release. “WrenchWay’s mission has always been to promote and improve technician careers. By combining ASE’s industry leadership with our technology, we are able to focus even more on that mission and make a bigger impact together.”
ASE Connects will be introduced during a webinar on Jan. 15 at 12 p.m. ET. Click here to register to attend.
Images
Featured image: File photo of the November 2024 “Career Crawl” event held by Abra Princeton in New Jersey with Princeton Public Schools teachers. (Provided by Abra Princeton/Driven Brands)