ASE has recognized the new NAPA Autotech XcceleratoR program as a pathway toward reducing the ASE-standard work experience requirement.
According to ASE, a yearlong data-gathering and validation period began in April that will help it determine how best to integrate immersive XcceleratoR training into its certification framework.
Skillmaker, an artificial intelligence (AI) driven extended reality (XR) workforce development platform, powers the NAPA Autotech XcceleratoR program. The initiative is intended to help address the industry’s skilled-labor shortage.
The XcceleratoR program aims to reduce technician training time from years to weeks by combining first-person immersive simulations and AI-driven feedback.
“Using innovative XR simulations, AI-guided practice modules and real-time remote support, the XcceleratoR program will hasten career readiness by assessing technicians’ skill levels through fast-track, first-person XR evaluations and pinpoint exact knowledge gaps without sacrificing hands-on proficiency,” ASE stated in an announcement dated April 28. “It will also assist learners on the job with [augmented reality] capable smart glasses and real-time AI or live human expert guidance, minimizing downtime and reducing mistakes.”
Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE, said XcceleratoR has the potential to substantially shorten the time to certification window without compromising the quality of hands-on skills that have always been the core focus of ASE.
“This new workplace development initiative is the future of skills-based assessment,” Johnson said. “We are proud to collaborate with NAPA and Skillmaker as they harness new technologies to address the technician shortage.”
Matt Crumpton, director of program development at NAPA, added: “This is more than just a training upgrade, it is a game-changer for the entire automotive service ecosystem. Skillmaker’s proven XR approach has already accelerated learning in other sectors, and we are thrilled to bring that power to NAPA’s extensive network of shops and technicians.”