Tacoma, Wash.-Five scholarships for the Automotive Training Expo (ATE) on March 12-14 at the Doubletree Hotel in SeaTac are available to shops or technicians who need assistance in attending, said Jeff Lovell, AAM, president and executive director of ASA Washington.
The scholarships are made available by ITEC (Industry Technicians Education Coalition) and cover the full cost of attending the three-day training venue.
Applications for the scholarships must be received by Feb. 17. Access to the scholarship forms is available on the ATE Web site (www.atetrainingexpo.com) or by calling ASA Washington, the show producer, at 253-473-6970.
Applicants can be automotive students, automotive technology instructors, shop owners, managers, technicians, or others directly related to the industry. A committee will review scholarship applications to determine viability and need.
“More than 40 technical and management training seminars for owners, managers, service advisers, and technicians in collision and mechanical repair, tire shop, and specialty service businesses will be offered at ATE,” Lovell said. “We have assembled some of the top trainers in North America who will offer diverse courses at ATE that are timely to service and repair in today’s marketplace.”
Lovell said classes at ATE range from hybrid drivability to service adviser skills, alignment service to team building, including I-CAR and AMI-approved courses.
“We have special rates for members of our sponsoring trade associations as well as special discounts based on the number of employees sent from one shop,” Lovell said.
For a base price of $399 per person, Lovell said attendees can attend as many classes as desired at ATE over three days. That price includes registration, class materials, buffet breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday with keynote speakers, lunches on Friday and Saturday, and entry to the ATE trade exhibits on Friday and Saturday evenings where extensive hors d’oeuvres are served along with a no-host bar.
Lovell also said there are special hotel rates at the Doubletree for attendees.
Called the West Coast’s Largest Automotive Training & Expo event, ATE draws attendees from throughout the Western states and western Canada, Lovell said.
More than 50 exhibitors will be on hand at ATE to display the latest in automotive parts, equipment, tools, remanufactured products, and specialized services for the trade, Lovell said.
The trade show operates Friday and Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. Most classes conclude at 4:30 p.m. on both those days.
ATE is sponsored by ASA Washington, the Northwest Tire Dealers Association, and Washington Automotive Wholesalers Association. The official media sponsor is Parts & People.
