The session, titled “How the New FMCSA Exemption and TMC Streamline Technician Training Requirements for Inspections,” is designed to help techs, fleet managers, and maintenance leads understand how the rule will speed up technician certification while keeping safety front and center.

According to ASE, “The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) earlier this year granted American Trucking Associations (ATA) and its Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) a five-year exemption that will cut the time new technicians need to spend preparing to enter the workforce while maintaining high standards for safety and competency.”

What This Means for Techs

In simple terms, this exemption gives trained techs a faster path to qualify for key inspection and repair work. Instead of completing a full year of experience or training, technicians can now qualify with 540 hours of instruction if that training follows TMC’s recommended practices (RPs).

This rule change, originally requested by ATA back in 2020, helps both new and seasoned techs move up more quickly while ensuring the same level of safety and skill the FMCSA requires.

Webinar Details and Who’s Speaking

Robert Braswell from TMC will break down exactly how the new exemption applies to motor carriers, intermodal equipment providers, and individuals. He’ll also explain how self-certification works for those who complete RP-based training programs.

According to the FMCSA, this new approach “would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulatory requirements.”

Anyone who joins the live session will receive a certificate of attendance for professional development. ASE notes it may take up to a week for certificates to arrive by email.

Even if you can’t make the live event, it’s still worth registering. Attendees will get a follow-up email with access to the recorded version once it’s available.

Why It Matters for the Shop and the Road

This new rule could help fleets and repair shops get qualified techs up to speed faster without cutting corners. For drivers, it means more skilled hands keeping rigs safe and compliant, which keeps everyone rolling smoothly.

To register for the free ASE webinar, visit the official ASE Education Foundation webinar registration page.

Source: The Trucker

The post ASE Offers Free Webinar to Help Truck Techs Understand New FMCSA Exemption appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The foundation is actively seeking members from the automotive service industry to volunteer as mentors. The aim is to bridge the gap in workforce availability by engaging with high school and college students who show interest in automotive careers.

Mike Coley, President of the ASE Education Foundation, stated, “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.” He added that ASE field managers are available in every state, urging interested individuals to reach out to them for opportunities within their communities.

Mentorship is crucial for creating apprenticeships and internships that offer students invaluable on-the-job experience. Beyond facilitating these learning opportunities, mentors also provide guidance and serve as a resource for schools and instructors. They assist in student placement into entry-level positions within the transportation sector, playing an essential role in students’ career progression.

Mentors engage in continuous communication and provide feedback to ensure a rewarding experience for both students and employers. They also offer professional development and support, aiding students in forming key industry connections and keeping them informed about cutting-edge trends and technologies.

Scott Brown, co-owner of Connie and Dick’s Auto Service Center in Claremont, California, has implemented a successful mentor program by collaborating with local educational institutions. On the ASE Team Podcast “Sharing the Knowledge,” Brown details his efforts to integrate students from nearby high schools and colleges into his business. “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 noted. “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.”

Those who wish to become mentors can contact their ASE field manager. These field managers act as intermediaries between students, educators, and industry partners affiliated with the ASE Foundation. You can find a complete list of field managers and their respective regions on the ASE Education Foundation website at ASE Education Foundation Managers.

Source: The Trucker

The post ASE Education Foundation Promotes Mentorship in the Automotive Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.