Opportunities for Women in Automotive Industry - Interview With Tony Molla

Tony Molla was vice president of communications for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in Leesburg, VA. With over 35 years experience in the automotive service industry, Tony has held positions at all levels, including technician, service, parts store manager, sales of new cars and automotive technical editor writing service manuals Chilton Book Company. He is the author of more than a dozen technical and car care manual. Prior to joining ASE in January, 2000, Tony spent nine years as director of the Motor Age editors and automotive body repair news (ABRN ).

Ask Patty: Can you tell us something about your job and your position in the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE )?

Tony: I am responsible for all company internal and external communication in the ASE. This includes things such as press releases, industry presentations, trade shows and our website content. I also manage our consumer outreach efforts, which include free articles sent to consumer publications such as newspapers and magazines across the country. I also manage our outreach programs which include our sponsoring several područja.Najveći our participation in the NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series, where we sponsor Ted Musgrave's No. 9 Team ASE / Germain Racing Toyota Tundra. We are also less sponsorship with Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, the presence of air shows across the country, and the sponsorship of three Professional Bull Riders in the PBR series. We also have a grassroots racing program called Team ASE, which includes our ASE certified professionals who race their cars. I'm also the publisher of ASE Tech News, our corporate publication that goes to more than 500,000 subscribers, which consists mainly of ASE certified professionals and our industry supporters.

Ask Patty: What it means to be ASE certified

Tony: ASE certification works like any other professional certification. Auto and truck professionals must take and pass the industry test developed skills in one or more areas of expertise to become certified. There are eight tests for auto series, for example. If the individual passes all tests in a row, achieved Master Technician status. Being ASE certification means that the demonstrated knowledge necessary to be proficient in certain tasks, plus have at least two years practical experience of repair. ASE also shows parts of the professionals, the services of consultants, machinists, alternate fuels technicians, technicians, Transit Bus, truck and collision technicians. It is important to note that ASE certification is a voluntary program, so that individuals who have achieved it also showed the pride and professionalism that goes above and beyond the norm. These are individuals who want to work on your car.

Ask Patty: Why are you promoting automotive careers for women? More women should be in the automotive field?

Tony: ASE continued to promote the value of automotive careers for both men and women, but the demand for women in particular has increased in recent years. This increase in demand has a number of reasons, not least of which is a growing shortage of qualified technical personnel available, but women have proven to be particularly effective in the role of a consultant. As more and more women assume the role of primary caregiver family car, it is increasingly important for improving the communication process at the Service Desk - and it is proven that the female service consultants are highly effective in this role. It is also important to note that traditionally, women have made about one percent of the technician workforce, as well. In fact, there are a few shops out there that only female staff.

Ask Patty: Can you tell us about your program of talks in schools? How are education and inspiring young women to consider careers in the automobile?
Tony: I participated as a speaker in several Career Day events across the country each year. It's really more a question called back instead of a formal program ASE. That said, I consider my time in front of young people some of the most important work we do. I speak with children from primary to secondary school level and still make it a point to spotlight opportunities for women in the industry. Some of the best automotive diagnosticians I have met are women, and opportunities for women with a good technical background in the automotive industry is outstanding. These presentations I also mention the use of a brochure developed by ASE, which outline some of opporutnities in the industry for both male and female candidates.

Ask Patty: Are women aware of the opportunities available to them in the automotive industry?
Tony: Actually, I am constantly surprised at how little women and men are aware of the wealth of opportunities available. We are in the industry work hard to make, and guidance counselors and parents informed about what a great career choice may be, but it is clear we have some work yet to do to get the message out further.

Ask Patty: What other kinds of jobs are available in a car that is not a service or a mechanic for the job?
Tony: The possibilities are almost limitless. What is interesting in a technical background can open doors down the road in a way most never even imagine. I have started as an auto technician and worked part time while I went to college. When I graduated, I discovered the earning potential is much better in the service bay. In fact, it's usually my technical background, with a degree in journalism, which led to my current position. Along the way, I have been in positions of writing manuals and services as Editorial Director of two national trade magazine for auto and collision shops. But I'm just one example. There are opportunities in the automotive industry in sales, marketing, engineering, design, manufacturing, human resources, advertising, the list goes on and on. If you think about it, the car industry is much more than just selling and fixing cars.

Ask Patty: What are some resources for women who are interested in starting a career in the automotive industry

Tony: Maybe the best source is your local technical training program in any high school or junior college level. Getting involved in the automotive program can provide a deeper insight into the possibilities. There are several initiatives in the automotive industry for the employment of young people in the business. You can learn more by contacting the University Equipment, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, or some of the technical university dedicated to the Universal Technical Institute or Wyo. Tech, just to name a few. Also you can contact us here at ASE with any questions. We will gladly help in any way we can.

Thanks for a great interview with Tony!