ASE Connects, a workforce initiative led by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, in partnership with WrenchWay, is collaborating with Worldpac to help dealerships, OEMs and after-market shops connect with education programs and support technician recruitment.

“Strong partnerships between industry and education are essential to solving the technician shortage,” said ASE President and CEO Dave Johnson. “By partnering with Worldpac, we are expanding the reach of ASE Connects and providing more shops with opportunities to support schools and students while strengthening their workforce pipelines.”

The automotive industry continues to face a technician shortage driven by an aging workforce and declining enrollment in career and technical education programs. ASE Connects aims to address those challenges by helping schools and industry partners connect and collaborate at the local level.

Platform Expands Industry-Education Connections

Through the partnership, Worldpac will promote ASE Connects to its customers and raise awareness of the platform’s tools, data and resources. ASE Connects memberships allow shops, dealerships and OEMs to build relationships with schools, access insights on technician pay, benefits and labor rates, and support workforce development and retention efforts.

“Worldpac plays an important role in the after-market, and their commitment to supporting the future workforce makes them an ideal partner,” said WrenchWay co-founder and President of Jay Goninen. “By working together, we’re making it easier for shops and dealerships to engage with schools and support the next generation of technicians.”

Membership fees support the platform’s technology, tools and ongoing development. Worldpac customers are eligible for discounted ASE Connects membership through the partnership. To learn more, visit its website.