The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Tuesday announced the launch of ASE Connects, a new initiative to bring shops, dealerships and schools together to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing issues.

ASE Connects is a nationwide partnership with WrenchWay.

“There are many groups out there doing great work to help with issues like the technician shortage. ASE Connects is meant to supplement, not replace those efforts. Certain aspects simply work better when all parties involved are on one platform rather than individual silos for automotive, diesel or dealer versus independent,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “ASE is uniquely positioned to lead this effort. We proudly serve the automotive, diesel and collision repair industries and work with businesses of every type, from independent repair shops and dealerships to fleets, manufacturers and schools. ASE Connects brings all these groups together to strengthen the workforce pipeline for the entire industry.”

Connecting industry with schools and gathering useful data are two areas where a centralized approach makes the biggest difference. These two priorities form the foundation of ASE Connects’ initial rollout:

Connecting Industry with Schools

ASE Connects will build upon the existing School Assist solution to streamline how shops, dealerships and schools work together. Today, more than 3,200 high schools and post-secondary programs are already participating, and ASE’s long-term goal is to bring on every school in the country. Members gain easy access to updated instructor contacts, school support requests and direct communication channels to offer help and connect with students. These tools reduce the barriers that often limit effective school–industry collaboration.

Providing Useful Industry Data

ASE Connects will also introduce the Industry Data Exchange, a new effort that builds upon the Voice of Technician report, technician pay data and ASE’s school data. The Exchange will provide a comprehensive view of workforce trends across the automotive, diesel and collision industries by gathering data rarely shared publicly, including pay, benefits and labor rates.

Shops will be able to look at numbers on a national level as well as filter based on location, shop type and more. ASE’s independence ensures data stays anonymous yet useful for each participating entity.

ASE Connects memberships are free for schools, while businesses pay a small annual fee. This fee not only supports the broader industry mission, strengthening technician programs, improving data accuracy and building a healthier workforce pipeline, but also delivers clear, measurable value back to each participating shop.

ASE will continue partnering with WrenchWay to leverage its technology and online platform tooperate the network.

“We are excited to take this next step with ASE,” said Mark Wilson, co-founder and CEO of WrenchWay. “WrenchWay’s mission has always been to promote and improve technician careers. By combining ASE’s industry leadership with our technology, we are able to focus even more on that mission and make a bigger impact together.”

ASE Connects will be introduced during a webinar taking place on Jan. 15 at 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT. Click here to register to attend.