Under investigation in this study was the effect of ASE certification of automotive technician training programs and other selected factors on ASE test outcome and job placement rate. This research ponders whether the time and money invested in certifying technician training programs is returning desired improvements in this automobile manufacturer's dealer service staff. The study focussed on technicians employed at Chrysler dealerships around the United States. The 2 samples totalling 387 males between the ages of 22 and 30 were drawn from 1,007 graduates of automotive technician training programs. Technicians that completed a formal training program beyond the high school level certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) were compared to others whose training was not certified by ASE. Comparisons were made on the basis of ASE Automobile Technician Test scores and on the length of time from training program completion to employment. This research sought to identify the significance of association between three main predictors - the status of training program ASE certification, work experience and year of training program completion - and the most desirable levels of ASE test outcome (at or above 90% on the ASE test) and job placement rate (immediately following completion of training). The logistic regression procedure in SAS was used to analyze categorical data in testing the statistical hypotheses. Resulting odds ratios provided indications of significant associations between ASE program certification, technician experience and year of program completion and each of the dependent variables, ASE test outcome and job placement rate. The findings indicated that ASE automotive training program certification status was a significant predictor of ASE test outcome and of job placement rate. Recommendations for further study suggest a look at how technician skill levels affect implementation of the Clean Air Act or dependency on foreign sources of fuel, how training program certification impacts desirable results in industries other than automotive, and how realignment of resources might enhance the performance of training programs already certified.

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D. Tech. People Management and Development. / The main aim of this study was to develop a strategy to link the informal and formal motor mechanic artisan communities in terms of qualifications. The current formal sector training initiatives for motor mechanics do not provide for or acknowledge the non-formal learning of the informal sector practising motor mechanic artisan. This research supports three main arguments: firstly, the informal sector serves as a reservoir of individuals who are practising the motor mechanic trade; secondly, the need was identified to integrate these informal practising individuals with the formal sector in terms of qualifications; and thirdly, the large motor industries have the authority to propose processes to assist in the integration of the informal and formal artisan training. The study was conducted among 16 experts representing the motor mechanic training environment. The findings indicate that the two sectors could be linked through dedicated recognition of the prior learning system backed by a process of gap training. The findings also highlighted the importance of having modules of employable skills to enhance informal practising artisans’ employability status. Finally, this study identified specific constraints that contribute to the shortage of skilled motor mechanics in general. This research confirmed that a strategy could be developed to successfully link the informal and formal motor mechanic artisan communities.