The technician shortage continues to impact the automotive, diesel, and collision industries nationwide. And if the industry wants to solve it, shops and schools can’t operate in silos—they need to work together.
The good news? Many shops already want to be part of the solution. According to the 2026 Voice of Technician Report, one in three respondents said that when shops don’t connect with local schools, it’s not due to a lack of interest—it’s because they simply don’t have the time. In fact, 55% said that having a clear list of needs from schools would make it easier to get involved.
Shops want to help—they just need a simpler way to do it.
That’s exactly what School Assist provides. As part of ASE Connects, School Assist gives schools an easy way to share their needs and allows shops to step in and support the next generation of technicians—without added complexity.
And at Lyman High School in Longwood, FL, that simple connection turned into something much bigger.
Sharing Classroom Needs with Every Local Shop—In Minutes
David Moye, Automotive Instructor at Lyman High School, joined ASE Connects at the perfect time. It was the beginning of the school year and instructors were preparing by filling out their annual Back-to-School forms on School Assist to make it very clear what sort of support and resources they could use from local shops and dealerships—from tools and equipment to classroom support.
Instead of wasting time reaching out to local shops individually, David was able to share what he was looking for with every participating shop in his area within minutes.
An Unexpected Delivery, An Unforgettable Lesson
An advocate for the Lyman’s auto program came across David’s list of requests on ASE Connects and brought it to the attention of a local dealership who was excited and willing to help.
The dealership purchased a range of supplies on their list—from everyday items like hand cleaner and towels to tools like tire pressure gauges and volt meters. Supplies and tools like these are what keep auto programs running efficiently.
But what made the moment truly memorable was how the dealership delivered the supplies. They arrived in style, delivering everything in the coolest truck!
“They arrived in a Model A Ford pickup truck, and drove it right into the shop,” David shared. “The kids were all over it. Then, I started explaining the technology on it and how different it is from the cars we have today.”
Every part of the experience—from the tools to the delivery—became a hands-on learning opportunity that students won’t forget.
A Snap-on Tool Surprise That Made It Even Better
Not long after the donation, Lyman High School received even more good news. By completing the Back-to-School form, the program was entered into a $5,000 Snap-on Tool giveaway, competing with thousands of schools nationwide.
Out of all those schools, Lyman High School was randomly chosen as the winner!
“When the truck dropped off the Snap-on Tools, it was like Christmas for them [students],” David said. “They were excited, unboxing everything together.”
Thanks to Snap-on’s generous donation in partnership with ASE Connects, students now have access to professional-grade tools that will support their learning every day. It was another experience that energized the program—reinforcing that the industry is invested in their success and willing to show up in meaningful ways.
Why Partnerships Between Shops & Schools Matter
The impact of this experience went far beyond the tools and supplies.
With the right resources in place, students can spend more time practicing, move through projects more efficiently, and build confidence in their skills. But just as important are the connections they make along the way. Interactions with local shops and dealerships give students a clearer, more tangible understanding of what a future in the industry actually looks like.
And, according to David, those connections need to happen early.
“Half of my students graduate before they even turn 18. So, if shops wait until students turn 18 to hire them, there’s a very short time period to get them in,” David explained. “The sooner dealerships can make that connection with students, the better it’s going to be.”
When shops engage sooner, students don’t just feel prepared—they feel motivated, confident, and excited about stepping into the workforce.
Help Build the Next Generation of Technicians in Your Community
Lyman High School’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when schools and industry work together. What started as a list of needs quickly turned into real support, meaningful experiences, and lasting impact for students.
And it didn’t require extra time, cold outreach, or complicated coordination—it just required the right connection.
That’s what ASE Connects makes possible.
Join ASE Connects today to help build the future technician workforce:
