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.

The motivation behind these trucking classes is twofold: to expand career prospects for high schoolers and to bolster the professional driving sector. While the American Trucking Associations projects a need for 1.2 million drivers over the next decade, some industry insiders debate the existence of a true driver shortage.

For individuals like David Kastiro, 21, attending Patterson High School’s truck driving class in California proved to be a life-changing decision. Originally aspiring to become a cardiologist, Kastiro’s plans shifted due to financial hardships brought on by the pandemic. Returning to California from Texas, he obtained his CDL, providing stability for himself and his family.

Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, aims to inspire more high schoolers to consider professional driving careers. Collaborating with schools nationwide, her organization has facilitated the implementation of CDL programs in approximately 50 schools across 15 states, with a vision to elevate trucking as a premier career choice.

“This generation, they want a job that is more than just making a dollar and helping people make money,” she said. “They want something that makes an impact on the community and they know being a professional driver is an essential job, and if we don’t have drivers, we don’t have medicine, we don’t have food in restaurants or grocery stores.”

Ricardo Jimenez, 22, enrolled in Patterson’s truck driving class on a friend’s recommendation, eventually founding his own trucking company while pursuing higher education. His story reflects the growing appeal of trucking among students seeking alternative career paths.

“It’s such an undervalued and under-looked-at career,” he said.

Educators like Charlie Dansie at Connell High School in Washington recognize the changing perceptions of post-secondary education, emphasizing the value of trade professions like trucking. Offering hands-on CDL training, Dansie’s classes prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce after graduation.

Similarly, Parke Heritage High School in Indiana introduced trucking classes to equip students with practical skills for life beyond high school. Principal Bruce Patton acknowledges that not all students pursue traditional college paths, making vocational programs like trucking an essential component of their educational offerings.

As these initiatives gain traction, they not only address the industry’s workforce needs but also empower students with valuable skills and career opportunities in trucking.

Source: Freightwaves

The post High School Students are Enrolling in Truck Driving Training Classes appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.