The ASE Education Foundation is actively calling on automotive industry professionals to volunteer as mentors in an effort to combat the ongoing shortage of qualified automotive service technicians. Mentorships are a critical tool in bridging the skills gap by giving students hands-on experience and industry connections.
“The ASE Education Foundation always welcomes industry members who want to help us address the technician shortage by working with local high school and college programs and mentoring students interested in careers in our industry,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation.
Mentors from local businesses provide essential real-world training, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings. These mentors work alongside schools and instructors, offering both guidance and feedback to students while helping place them in entry-level positions within the automotive and transportation industries.
Scott Brown, co-owner of Connie and Dick’s Auto Service Center in Claremont, CA, shared the impact of his mentoring program in a recent ASE podcast titled “Sharing the Knowledge.”
“Over the past several years, I have been participating with schools in the area and also hiring some of the students to work part-time in my shop,” Brown explained. “Although they are still in school, these young men and women are getting real-world experience and advanced training, which will only help them as they pursue full-time work after graduation.”
Mentors facilitate internships and apprenticeships, while also playing a vital role in long-term career development, helping students stay current with industry trends and technologies. They also ensure mutually rewarding experiences for both students and employers through ongoing communication and feedback.
Industry members interested in becoming mentors are encouraged to contact their local ASE field manager, who serves as a liaison between students, schools, and ASE industry partners. A full list of ASE field managers and the areas they serve is available on the ASE Education Foundation’s website.
