Dave Johnson, president and CEO of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will headline the 2025 ASE Instructor Training Conference, July 21-24 in St. Louis, Missouri. The ASE Instructor Training Conference will serve as a platform for Johnson to discuss ASE’s strategic vision and the future of vehicle service education.
The ASE Instructor Training Conference remains the premier national training event for auto, truck and collision instructors, and will offer over 20 hours of technical update training across multiple tracks.
Keynote Will Outline ASE’s Strategic Plan and Educator Role
Since assuming leadership of ASE in January 2024, Johnson has led the organization through initiatives designed to modernize automotive education. At the conference, he will address ASE’s long-term strategy and how educators play a pivotal role in its success. Johnson will also explore the growing demands on vehicle service instruction and how education technology will assist instructors moving forward.
Joining Johnson on stage will be Robin Cowie, an education tech visionary, who will demonstrate examples of integrated classroom technologies.
New Student Initiatives and Certification Pathways Featured
Johnson will share recent survey results from students and outline strategies used to boost enrollment in ASE-accredited programs. He will also detail the growth in ASE entry-level tests taken by students and explain the new G1 equivalency initiative. Through this program, students can earn a professional G1 certification by passing eight ASE entry-level tests—without added cost.
Johnson will also provide updates on the ASE Education Foundation’s partnership with WrenchWay and its “School Assist” program, which helps schools connect with industry resources.
ASE Education Foundation Highlights Johnson’s Impact
“Since arriving at ASE, Dave has been at the helm of developing innovative solutions to address the technician shortage and increase the number of ASE accredited educational programs,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “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.”
To learn more or register for the ASE Instructor Training Conference, click here.
