Contact:	Bob Redding (202) 543-1440
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin 97.33 April 15, 1997

Aftermarket Urges NSSB To Recognize Existing
Automotive Technician Training Standards

Washington, D.C., April 15, 1997-- In a letter to the National Skill Standards Board (NSSB), member associations of the independent motor vehicle aftermarket urged the panel to give due consideration to existing automotive technician training standards in criteria adopted to affirm national skill standards. The letter was addressed to Board Chairman James R. Houghton.

NSSB is composed of 28 members representing business, labor, education, government, community and civil rights organizations. Created by Congress, the board's charge is to: Identify broad clusters in which skill standards will be developed; promote the establishment of voluntary partnerships to develop skill standards; research, coordinate and disseminate information on the development of skill standards; endorse skill standards that are created by voluntary partnerships and; develop a national framework to support skill standards.

"We believe that it is imperative that the national standards already in place for automobile, collision repair and refinish and medium/heavy truck technician training programs be recognized by the board, and that such standards enjoy the same consideration as those standards that may come into existence under proposed or pending NSSB criteria," the letter stated in part.

"In our industries, many repair technicians are served by automotive training programs that have been evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certifies automobile, collision repair and refinish, medium/heavy truck and alternative fuels technician training programs. An ASE certification designates these programs as having met strict national standards as developed by the automotive industry. ASE certification of training programs is beneficial for schools because the standards drive programs to provide quality instruction and improve programs so that graduates are meeting the needs of their employers and the motoring public."

The aftermarket group offered to work with the board, in cooperation with ASE and NATEF, to ensure the success of the skill standards initiative and to address the challenges of workforce development.

The letter was signed by the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA), the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Automotive Service Industry Association (ASIA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving more than 12,000 businesses and approximately 55,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA advances the professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services.