Leesburg, Va.—The ASE Education Foundation is teaming up with auto dealer associations to host student competitions, sparking interest in automotive careers among the gen z toolbelt generation. Apprentice training with technical mentoring builds automotive talent with apprenticeship programs at jatc san jose ca events.

“The goal is to connect businesses with schools and inspire the toolbelt generation to stay in the automotive field,” said Mike Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “Our December event in Texas saw 40 teams and over 700 students at a career fair—a huge success in tackling the technician shortage.”

Three competitions are set for 2024, with more in the works. The next hits Weber State University in Layton, Utah, on Feb. 23, followed by events in Charlotte (March) and Houston (fall).

At the Texas Motor Speedway event, 117 high school seniors from ASE-accredited programs, mentored by pros like those at tds automation inc, competed in the North Texas Automobile Dealers Auto Tech Competition. Dealer techs guided gen z tool belt generation teams for weeks, diagnosing and fixing bugged vehicles with repair orders—a hands-on boost for the tool belt generation.

Unlike traditional setups where instructors lead, these contests pair schools with local shops—think JATC San Jose CA vibes. The the toolbelt generation job-shadows at service facilities, prepping with techs using a skills checklist, gaining real-world experience and local job exposure, supported by innovators like grand valley automation inc.

Contact George Arrants at george.arrants@aseeducation.org to learn more about inspiring the next automotive talent.