TROY, MI — Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) announced the completion of phase one of its reorganization following their Board of Directors meeting May 26, 2009.
“As we automakers continue to strive to meet public demand for increasingly sophisticated and efficient vehicles, it is critical that we attract and develop talented young people to the field of automotive service, and we believe that AYES is the solution to our ongoing need,” said Jim Press, Chairman of AYES. “This reorganization better positions AYES to meet existing market realities and set a new course for the future.”
The AYES Board of Directors approved transferring management of AYES to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which gives ASE operational responsibility. ASE and AYES have a long history of partnership and cooperation to provide qualified entry-level technicians to the industry. In fact, AYES requires participating schools to achieve ASE program certification through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) evaluation system.
“We see a natural synergy between the missions of ASE and AYES,” said Tim Zilke, ASE President & CEO. “Through the AYES program and the proven AYES Model, we will continue to deliver the caliber of post-secondary student and entry-level technician that the service industry demands.”
As part of the reorganization, Chuck Roberts was named Executive Director of AYES, effective immediately, and Susan Doherty will continue as Director of Field Operations. Roberts was formerly the Executive Director, Industry Relations for ASE and has extensive dealership experience, along with experience as an automotive instructor.
“I am very excited to continue the AYES mission that began 14 years ago,” said Roberts. “My early experience as an automotive technician laid the foundation for my career development—first to dealership management, then to teaching—which ultimately led me to ASE to work on certification testing. I welcome the opportunity to assist young people in achieving their goals in our industry.”
“The strategic alliance of AYES and ASE just makes sense,” said Doherty. “Attracting promising students, providing them with specialized training, and creating internship and mentoring experiences are the core of the AYES model. The additional opportunities that a closer relationship with ASE bring to AYES graduates provides continuity through their career and will strengthen the AYES mission.”
AYES is a partnership among participating automotive manufacturers, the National Automobile Dealers Association, Automotive Trade Association Executives, State Departments of Education and Labor, local dealerships and select high schools across the country. AYES’ goal is to encourage quality students with a good mechanical aptitude to pursue careers in the fields of automotive technology and prepare them for entry-level positions in dealerships. For more information, visit www.ayes.org.
Incorporated on June 12, 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was established as a non-profit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. Today, nearly 400,000 ASE- certified professionals work in dealerships, independent shops, service stations, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, machine shops, schools and colleges throughout the country.
For more information about ASE, visit the Web site at www.ase.com.
