ASE widens technician pipeline push
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is expanding its support for the technician pipeline on two fronts, announcing a tool donation partnership to equip high school programs and a new collaboration to connect shops with schools.
Autel U.S. and the ASE Education Foundation launched a program to donate 100 MaxiTPMS TS900 diagnostic and service tablet kits to high school automotive programs nationwide, an investment valued at $100,000. The initiative debuts under Autel Inspires, part of the company’s Autel Cares philanthropy, and will be administered by the Foundation to steer tools to programs with the greatest need. Instructors and program administrators can apply at https://bit.ly/ASE-Autel-2026.
“Today’s automotive students are tomorrow’s essential technicians,” said Chloe Hung, CEO of Autel U.S. “Through our partnership with the ASE Education Foundation, we’re ensuring young people across the country have access to the technology and tools that power modern service bays. The Autel Cares initiative is about giving back to the industry that shaped us, and Autel Inspires is one of the most meaningful ways we can do that.”
“We thank Autel for the very generous donation of these award-winning diagnostic tablets,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “The Foundation is dedicated to finding solutions to the service technician shortage and having committed industry partners like Autel makes a huge difference. These TS900 tablets will give students hands-on experience with current technology, helping them build confidence and competence as they prepare for careers in automotive service.”
The TS900 combines diagnostics with comprehensive TPMS service capabilities and ships with eight programmable Autel 1‑Sensor TPMS sensors. It has received both a Motor Top 20 Product Award and a PTEN People’s Choice Award.
Separately, ASE Connects, the workforce initiative led by ASE in partnership with WrenchWay, announced a collaboration with Worldpac intended to help shops, dealerships and OEMs build stronger local ties with education programs. Worldpac will promote ASE Connects to customers and offer a discounted membership rate, broadening access to tools, data and resources that improve engagement with schools and support technician recruitment and retention.
“Strong partnerships between industry and education are essential to solving the technician shortage,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “By partnering with Worldpac, we are expanding the reach of ASE Connects and providing more shops with the opportunity to meaningfully support schools and students while strengthening their own workforce pipelines.”
“Worldpac plays an important role in the aftermarket and their commitment to supporting the future of the industry makes them an ideal partner,” said Jay Goninen, co‑founder and president of WrenchWay. “By working together, we’re making it easier for shops and dealerships to engage with schools, support students and take a more proactive role in developing the next generation of technicians.”
ASE Connects is designed to be a single, trusted source for school‑to‑industry connections, reducing outreach friction, keeping contacts current and giving businesses a clear path to get involved. Memberships provide access to real‑time insights on technician pay, benefits and labour rates, and resources to elevate leadership and employee management practices aimed at long‑term retention. More information is available at https://wrenchway.com/partners/worldpac/.
Taken together, the tablet donation and the ASE Connects-Worldpac collaboration extend ASE’s push to address the technician shortage from classroom to service bay, pairing modern tools and training with a platform that helps employers and schools build lasting talent pipelines.
Image credit: Depositphotos.com
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