The technician shortage continues to impact the automotive and diesel industries nationwide. According to the 2026 Voice of Technician Report, 38% of technicians expect to leave the profession within the next five years, either due to retirement or career change. While recruiting efforts are important, the long-term solution won’t come from another job posting.

It begins in the classroom.

If the industry wants more students entering automotive and diesel careers, schools and shops must work together to create meaningful, real-world exposure. When those connections happen intentionally, they do more than support workforce development—they change how students see their future.

One recent example in Louisiana shows exactly how powerful that can be.

Sharing a Common Goal

At Covington High School, Christopher Lewis, Automotive Instructor, has always aimed to teach more than just the basics. His goal is to help students understand the full picture of today’s vehicles—from traditional mechanical systems to emerging technologies—covering everything from front bumper to back.

At the same time, Paretti Jaguar Land Rover New Orleans was thinking about its own future. As General Manager Mike Mykeloff put it, the need for technicians isn’t years away—it’s already here.

“Right now, just for my store, I need two or three more technicians, and in three years I’m going to need two or three more,” Mike explained. “You’ve got to start thinking about the future now.”

The school and the dealership wanted the same thing: to inspire students and build a stronger pipeline of future technicians.

They just needed a way to connect.

How School Assist Brought Them Together

Through School Assist—part of ASE Connects—Instructor Lewis posted a request for a guest speaker who could give students firsthand insight into the industry. Mike saw the request and what followed was simple: A few messages, a date set, and a plan made.

“It just helped to pull it all together,” said Mike. “We started corresponding on School Assist, nailed down the date, and then we exchanged numbers, and I was like, ‘Let’s get this done.’”

For Instructor Lewis, the platform removed barriers.

“What I like about School Assist is that it is open to everybody, and shows different dealerships and shops that, ‘Hey, this is who I am,’” said Instructor Lewis.

The connection likely wouldn’t have happened otherwise. But because the platform made it easy—and free for schools—a partnership formed in just a few clicks.

A Visit With a Lasting Impact

When Mike visited Covington High School, students were introduced to more than just a dealership name.

He spoke about the Jaguar Land Rover brand, the evolution from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, and the changing skill sets required in modern service departments. He also gave students a broader view of dealership career paths—showing that opportunities extend beyond turning wrenches to roles in diagnostics, parts, service management, and leadership.

“Students who were interested were really involved and asking a lot of questions,” Instructor Lewis shared.

Paretti Jaguar Land Rover New Orleans also provided gift cards to help students begin building their tool collections—an early investment in their careers and a tangible reminder that the industry sees their potential.

For Mike, it wasn’t just about one visit—it’s about the bigger picture. As a general manager, his schedule is full, but he knows investing time in students is essential.

“In six, even two years, some of these kids that I talked to might be in our profession,” Mike explains. “Everyone in the car business should reinvest locally and get people excited about our profession.”

Building an Ongoing Partnership

The visit created more than just a memorable experience for the students—it sparked a growing relationship between Paretti Jaguar Land Rover New Orleans and Covington High School. The dealership is now assisting the school further in modernizing their shop so that future student learning opportunities can be even more impactful.

It’s a relationship, not a one-time event. And that’s exactly the kind of collaboration that is needed to address the technician shortage at its root.

Growing the Future of the Industry—Together

School Assist is designed to make these connections easy, intentional, and impactful. When schools and shops work together, everyone wins. Students get more exposure to the industry. Shops build future pipelines, and communities benefit from stronger local partnerships.

Sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to show up.

Through partnerships like the one between Covington High School and Paretti Jaguar Land Rover New Orleans, the automotive industry can help students see what’s possible—and ultimately grow the skilled workforce that will drive the industry forward.

Get involved with ASE Connects, and make a difference in growing the technicians of tomorrow: