The ASE Education Foundation released its 2021 Automotive Career Survey results, sharing key findings from current and former automotive students. The survey was conducted to learn how many automotive students went on to careers in the automotive service industry.
Key findings:
Students who attended programs accredited by ASE were more likely to feel well-prepared for their careers and go on to earn ASE credentials and enter the industry.
Students ranked Automobile Service highest as the type of automotive job likely to pursue. Medium/heavy truck service ranked second highest.
65 percent of total students said they are very happy with their automotive career decision.
29 percent indicated they were somewhat happy.
51 percent of total students said an ASE certification is extremely important to advancement in the automotive service.
Students who engaged in work-based learning (internships, apprenticeships, co-ops, etc.) while still in school were more likely to join and remain in the automotive service industry. Notably, students from ASE-accredited programs were more likely to participate in work-based learning than those from non-accredited programs.
55 percent of total graduates working in the automotive service said they are very happy with their career decision.
30 percent indicated they were somewhat happy.
35 percent of total graduates in the auto industry said an ASE certification is extremely important to advancing in the automotive service.
29 percent said it was somewhat important.
Graduates who worked as a service professional for a short period of time or chose to pursue a career path in another field did so for a variety of reasons, including lack of skills, lost interest, or inability to find a job.
“The survey results reinforce the steps employers can take to help improve job retention and help ensure that students are more qualified when entering the work force,” said Mike Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “First, they can get involved with local schools, making sure they are ASE-accredited and providing students with the foundation for a solid career. Second, they can go beyond speaking and job-shadowing, and start a work-based learning program where students are hired to do meaningful work in their businesses while they are still learning. This combination of activities has powerful impact on the ability of employers to identify and retain skilled employees.”
