Automotive Youth Educational Systems: AYES

The California New Car Dealers Association launched Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) in early 1999. AYES is a partnership among participating automotive manufacturers, participating dealers, and selected high schools/tech prep schools. It's designed to encourage young people to consider satisfying careers in retail automotive service, and prepare them for entry-level career positions or advanced studies in automotive technology.

AYES students receive the best possible training. The high school program must be NATEF certified and the skills taught are based on ASE standards. Moreover, academics are an equally important part of the AYES training. Thus, AYES graduates have all of the necessary skills to achieve long-term success in the automotive service field. And because the AYES program is dealer-driven, it provides a steady flow of entry-level technicians to the participating dealerships.

Our industry is facing a shortage of qualified technicians—a growing problem that will increase over the next few years. Conservative estimates are that California will have 3,000 technician positions to fill each year—a number that is increasingly exceeding the number of qualified applicants. Most of the turnover in the technician field occurs within the first two years of employment, and the lack of quality training is a major factor. This is where AYES comes in.

We currently have 23 schools and 182 dealerships participating in California with more on the way. If you would like more information on getting involved with AYES please contact the California AYES Director in your area or go to www.ayes.org.