AYES and Benefits to Partners:

 

The partnership between AYES/ASE continues to evolve and goals and expectations for the coming year have been identified.  AYES and ASE have long worked together and their missions are similar, concentrating on establishing and supporting the career development paths of automotive technicians.  They will focus on training and development of students following the AYES school-to-work model and developing and fostering existing partnerships that support the ASE/AYES mission at the local, state, and national levels.  PAA Foundation has signed a letter of understanding with AYES to continue to support and nurture the AYES model in Pennsylvania.  The benefits of the partnership include recognizable names and solid reputations:  ASE is the largest independent credentialing organization in the world and a model for other credentialing organizations; AYES is a nationally recognized model of workforce development and has established relationships with schools, manufacturers and dealers. 

 

The value of PAAF/AYES to schools and instructors includes:

  • Curriculum based on NATEF standards
  • “Train the Trainer” classes and materials
  • Mentor and intern training
  • Access to OEM online service information
  • Access to OEM technical training – online and in the classroom
  • Professional development opportunities for instructors and administrators
  • PAAF monthly “Service Updates”
  • PAAF quarterly “School Updates”

 

PAAF commitment:

  • Actively promote AYES to dealers to encourage engagement in program
  • Continue to dedicate staff resources to support AYES and Apprenticeship
  • Strengthen and complement the AYES program with PAAF apprenticeship and scholarship programs
  • Continue to sponsor the AYES conference
  • Attend OAC meetings
  • Assist schools with end-of-program testing
  • Conduct  annual automotive technology competitions

 

AYES and Benefits to Students

 

PAAF signed a letter of understanding with AYES, which defines the roles and responsibilities between AYES and PAAF.  The letter of understanding also reinforces the PAAF commitment to the AYES model, mission, and brand.  There have been many changes this past year along with the period of uncertainty we experienced with the economic downturn. However, it appears that the worst is now behind us and, as we move forward from those difficult times, the need for well-trained and highly skilled technicians has, and will continue to grow.  PAAF and AYES recognize those opportunities ahead and will work together with all partners to guarantee the success of the students.

 

The AYES model offers many benefits to the schools and industry but it is important to remember the vital advantages and benefits the students receive. Students must be fully armed with the tools and skills necessary to bolster their success in today’s challenging world and economy.  It is incumbent upon all partners to ensure that students are not only prepared to meet the demands and pressures of the professional world, but also have been challenged enough to succeed within that realm.  PAAF and AYES offer many invaluable benefits to students who wish to pursue a career in automotive technology, including:

 

  • A strong curriculum that is based on NATEF standards
  • Paid internships in dealerships
  • Mentoring by experienced technicians
  • Access to post-secondary educational opportunities
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Apprenticeship opportunities

 

Through the use of these many assets, students will strengthen their employability skills, gain self esteem, and acquire real-world work experience.  These skills and attributes will prove to be not only useful but essential in the future success of the students. 

 

 

 

PAAF Scholarships

 

The focus of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association Foundation is to fund and provide education and training for individuals to develop the skills necessary to work in the new retail motor vehicle industry in Pennsylvania.  The Foundation will continue to support this mission by awarding scholarships in 2010 to young people who have an interest in careers in the new retail automotive industry.

 

It is never too late to identify potential applicants and to encourage students to apply for the scholarships.  Scholarships serve as a reward to students who exude stellar educational and technical ability.  PAAF is excited about the 2009/2010 scholastic year, and we look forward to many outstanding scholarship candidates.

 

The PAAF Automotive Technology scholarship applications will be available beginning January 1, 2010 online at www.PAA-Foundation.org.  Please visit our website for further details regarding the opportunities available to students.

 

 

 

Apprenticeship Programs

The Pennsylvania Automotive Association Foundation and the Pennsylvania Truck Dealers (PTD), through the cooperation of member dealers throughout the state, sponsor the Automotive and Heavy Duty Truck Technician Registered Apprenticeship Programs. PAAF also developed the Automotive Maintenance Specialist Apprenticeship Program.  The standards for the apprenticeship programs are regulated and approved by the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Council, the United States Committee on Apprenticeships, and the Pennsylvania Automotive Association Foundation.

 

Students who successfully complete either the Maintenance Specialist Apprenticeship or the Technician Apprenticeship programs will obtain training and education that provides an opportunity for lifelong job security in their chosen field of automotive or heavy-duty truck technology.

 

The Apprentice Programs serve as an important means to gain educational and employment opportunities.  A successful apprentice is the result of the solid educational foundation provided by his or her school and a positive training experience in the dealership.  The apprenticeship program also provides an important transition from secondary and post-secondary schools.  The post-secondary schools are also better able to determine whether there are any curriculum needs from secondary schools.  Please visit the PAAF website at www.PAA-foundation.org for additional information.

 

 

Automotive Competition

Can you believe it is time to start thinking about the next Automotive Competition?   The PAAF Automotive Competition will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.  

 

The written exam for students will be held at Johnson College on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 and at HACC on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.  An invitation to schools will be mailed in early October for this event, so please mark your calendars now!