Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) Receives Official Registration From the U.S. Department of Labor to Become Part Of the National Apprenticeship Program

For the first time, a new AYES apprenticeship classification, the Automotive Technician Specialist, has become part of the National Apprenticeship Program

EAST LANSING, Mich., Jan. 13, 2003; The Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES), sponsored by the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association, has received official registration from the U.S. Department of Labor to be part of the National Apprenticeship Program. A new apprenticeship classification, called Automotive Technician Specialist, has been created. Glenn M. Bivins, Michigan's state director for the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Apprenticeship and Employment and Training Administration, made presentation of the certificate of registration to Michael Savoie, MADA president. AYES is a partnership among participating automotive manufacturers, participating automotive dealers and selected high schools and vocational schools. Its purpose is to encourage high school students to pursue a career in retail automotive service and prepare for entry-level positions or advanced studies in automotive technology. The Michigan program is a two-year program conducted in conjunction with the School-to-Registered Apprenticeship Program (STRA) for junior and senior high school students. Classroom instruction is conducted at ASE-certified high schools and vocational schools and internships are performed during the summer months at sponsoring dealerships. The AYES program was an initiative started in 1995 by one of the leading automotive manufacturers and now the program has 12 different participating automotive companies. More than 300 AYES schools in 44 states have dealer organizations that sponsor AYES programs. Participating dealers receive tax credits for the wages and training materials required to train students. Graduates of the two-year program receive Automotive Technician Specialist Certification when they graduate from high school. Larry Parker, programs development director for MADA says, "In the state of Michigan, we now have 40 students currently enrolled in the AYES Program. MADA has recently re-issued our grant in support of the program and, together with Robert Meehan, our AYES manager, we are aggressively working with dealers to expand their participation and continue to emphasize the need for educating future automotive technicians." AYES Board Chairman, John Petas, adds, "Under the leadership of the MADA, the Automotive Technical Specialist Apprentice, through the AYES program will be certified in four ASE industry competencies including: brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and electronic systems and engine performance. Following completion of these industry competencies and hands-on dealer experience, participants will be encouraged to continue on a post-secondary Master Automotive Technical Specialist career path to achieve an ASE master certification. The combination of these new apprenticeship offerings will create an Automotive Technician Career path that will serve as the baseline for AYES-sponsored National Guidelines under the office of Apprenticeship." The Michigan Automobile Dealers Association, MADA, headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan represents over 800 Associate and Full Member franchised new vehicle dealers in Michigan. Michael Savoie, of Mike Savoie Chevrolet and Acura of Troy is the current MADA president. Services provided include: legislative representation and governmental relations, licensing & bond services, group insurance, legal and labor counsel, dealer assistance and industry relations, management education, organization of dealer meetings, as well as a number of weekly and monthly information bulletins and pertinent publications from the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) and other related sources.