Dave Johnson, president and CEO of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 ASE Instructor Training Conference, taking place July 21–24 in St. Louis, MO.
Johnson, who assumed leadership of ASE in January 2024, will outline the organization’s strategic vision and emphasize the role educators play in shaping the future of automotive service training. Key topics will include the evolving demands of vehicle service education, the growth of integrated technology in instructional settings, and ASE initiatives designed to address the ongoing technician shortage.
“Dave’s keynote speech will give the instructors an overview of how ASE and the ASE Education Foundation are helping schools and instructors prepare the next generation for careers as automotive service professionals,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation.
During his presentation, Johnson will introduce the G1 equivalency initiative, which allows students in ASE-accredited programs to earn a professional G1 certification at no additional cost by passing eight ASE entry-level automobile tests. He will also present survey data and growth tactics that have increased student participation in ASE-accredited programs and boosted the number of ASE entry-level tests taken.
Additionally, Johnson will be joined by education technology expert Robin Cowie, who will showcase integrated technology tools that can assist instructors in the classroom.
Attendees will also receive updates on the ASE Education Foundation’s collaboration with WrenchWay and its “School Assist” program, aimed at strengthening school-to-workforce pipelines.
The ASE Instructor Training Conference is the leading national event for automotive educators, offering more than 20 hours of technical training across specialized tracks in auto, medium/heavy truck, and collision repair instruction.
For more information and registration details, visit the ASE Education Foundation’s website.
