In Minnesota, a high school automotive instructor and a post-secondary collision instructor— just 30-minutes apart—had never crossed paths. That changed when School Assist by WrenchWay & ASE brought them together. What began as a simple online connection quickly turned into an engaging, hands-on classroom visit that energized students exploring collision careers.
This collaboration highlights the unique power of schools supporting other schools. It demonstrates how a digital platform can bridge the gap between secondary and post-secondary programs, turning a simple request into a meaningful learning experience for the next generation of technicians.
Guest Speaker Needed + Willing Instructor = A Perfect Match on School Assist
When Dan Burton, Instructor at 916 Career & Technical Center, needed a specific guest speaker for his class, he didn’t rely on his old rolodex. Instead, he posted a request on School Assist—a free tool by WrenchWay and ASE that helps schools and shops connect, get resources, and work together to grow the next generation of technicians.
Jessica Weaver, an instructor at Dakota County Technical College, was browsing the platform for opportunities to support fellow educators. When she saw Burton’s request for someone to speak about women in collision, she immediately thought, “I fit the bill for his request.”
Within moments, the two were connected—something that might never have happened through traditional networking.
“[School Assist] is an opportunity to network with people you otherwise wouldn’t have met. It’s people putting themselves out there for opportunity. I have a quote with my students, ‘If you don’t ask, the answer is already no.’ So School Assist is an opportunity to ask.” Jessica Weaver, Auto Body Collision Technology Instructor, Dakota County Technical College
Burton agrees, adding, “It’s an easier way to connect with the industry partners and find what you might need for your class—or ways you could give back!”
A Lasting Visit That Resonated with Students
Once connected through School Assist, Weaver presented to two class blocks at 916 Career & Technical Center. Her visit included a presentation and a hands-on dent repair demonstration, allowing students to participate and try the techniques themselves.
Students connected deeply with Weaver’s story, asking thoughtful questions about her experience as a woman in the collision industry. Her perspective resonated, inspiring students and giving them a tangible example of what a career in the field could look like.
Burton described Weaver as a great speaker, noting that it isn’t always easy to keep students’ attention. Yet, she kept even the most hands-on learners fully engaged for the entire class.
Overall, the visit not only highlighted female representation in the collision industry but also left a lasting impression on students, sparking curiosity, excitement, and confidence about pursuing careers in collision repair.
Advice for Industry Professionals Speaking to High School Students
Following her successful visit, Weaver has insights for industry professionals looking to engage high school students. Speaking to teens and keeping their attention can feel intimidating, but she encourages instructors and technicians to focus on making the experience fun, relatable, and sprinkled with humor.
Interactive tools, hands-on activities, and even swag or giveaways can be especially effective. Keeping the session conversational and including hands-on demonstrations helps the material come alive, leaving a lasting impression when students get to practice what they just learned.
The Power of Schools Helping Schools Starts on School Assist
This story highlights the incredible impact when schools help other schools. A simple connection—made possible through School Assist—turned into a meaningful experience that inspired students, highlighted women in the industry, and strengthened local educational partnerships.
Helping schools and giving back doesn’t have to be costly. Sometimes, all it takes is your time and willingness to share your experience.
“Look at other requests [on School Assist] to see how you can help, and then maybe you’ll get more back in the long run too. I think we all have to give to receive,” encourages Weaver.
School Assist makes it easy for schools to connect with other schools and even local shops to help grow their programs. Whether it’s a guest presentation, hands-on demo, old equipment donation, or simply sharing your story, your involvement can ignite curiosity, confidence, and passion in students—and help grow the future workforce of the auto, diesel, and collision industry.
