The automotive technician shortage is not going away on its own. Closing the gap will require more than attracting additional students to technical programs. Schools, employers and industry organizations also must give aspiring technicians clearer reasons to enter the profession — and stronger support once they arrive.

Four industry leaders explored practical strategies for recruiting, training and retaining the next generation of automotive technicians during “Filling the Farley Gap: Addressing the Technician Pipeline,” a panel discussion held at the 2026 ASE Instructor Training Conference  in Frisco, Texas.

Moderated by Chris Messer, executive vice president of Transportation at EndeavorB2B, the discussion covers why students leave technical programs, how to build stronger bridges between schools and shops, the messaging gap around technician careers and how employers can create the kind of growth culture that keeps young techs in the industry for the long haul.

Panelists included:

• Larry Tuttle, Service Director, Don McGill Toyota
• Brian LaCroix, Automotive Technology Instructor, Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School
• Jake Sorenson, Shop Manager, McNeil's Auto Care
• Jaime Angell, Senior Director of Apprenticeships and Transitional Programs, Caliber Collision

Topics include student retention, apprenticeship models, EV and ADAS training gaps, career-path messaging and how schools and employers can work together to close the technician pipeline gap.

The panel was part of VehicleServicePros.com’s complete coverage of the ASE Instructor Training Conference, held July 20-23. Additional reporting and videos examine apprenticeship development, SkillsUSA partnerships, emerging training tools such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, continuing education, ASE certification and the experiences of technicians who have moved into teaching.

Complete ASE Instructor Training Conference coverage is available at VehicleServicePros.com.