Leesburg, Virginia – April 28, 2020 – As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S.-based National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) will extend the length of professional credentials set to expire in the middle of 2020.
The decision was explained in a note from ASE chair Bobby Bassett.
“Now more than ever, our transportation infrastructure needs skilled individuals with professional credentials to keep the supply chain and motoring public going. It is for that reason that ASE has automatically extended all ASE certifications expiring on June 30, 2020 to a new date of December 31, 2020.”
In his note, Bassett, who also serves as the North American national training manager for Gates Corporation, says that the collision industry’s labour shortage is a significant challenge to be addressed by the industry.
“With ongoing advancements in technology, we must look ahead and work to address a significant challenge that we face as an industry–a shortage of professional technicians and educators that have the knowledge and skills to service the vehicles of today and tomorrow,” Bassett wrote, adding that: “Today, ASE is more relevant than ever before, and our mission more critical, as the industry seeks to attract more talented professionals and ensure they are proficient in new technologies.”
Established in 1972, the ASE serves as a non-profit, independent third-party organization that assesses and provides credentials to members of the U.S. automotive aftermarket professions.
There are approximately 250,000 ASE Certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the United States.
For more information about ASE, visit ase.com.
