Auto Care Education (ACE) Award
ACE Award - Auto Care Education Award (formerly the Head of the Class Award)
The Auto Care Education (ACE) Award honors outstanding commitment to workforce development and professional advancement within the automotive aftermarket industry.
Presented annually, the award recognizes organizations that view education, training, and supporting career growth as strategic investments—both in their people and in the long-term success of the industry.
Up to three awards will be given, based on company size:
- Small: 0 - 500 Employees
- Mid-size: 501 – 4,999 Employees
- Large: 5,000+ Employees
The Auto Care Association promotes the winning companies as examples of what leading companies are doing, outlining their successful programs, and sharing the return on investment each company experiences.
How recipients are recognized:
- Special commemorative award and ACE Award logo for website;
- Featured in press releases and aftermarket media;
- Recognition during new Auto Care Connect Awards Ceremony this May in Atlanta to an audience of nearly 1,000 executives
- Highlighted on Auto Care social media channels to tens of thousands of followers;
- Exclusive Auto Care Insider Magazine interview;
- Blogs, podcasts, and more!
What the ACE Award Represents:
- Commitment to Education and Training: Celebrates organizations that prioritize continuous learning, skills development, and workforce training. This includes investment in empowering employees, potential employees or students, or the industry overall (or any of these combined!)
- Industry Leadership: Highlights those who lead by example—championing a strong, sustainable future for the automotive aftermarket by investing in their people and the industry.
- Workforce Excellence: Represents a commitment to cultivating a workplace and industry focused on growth, retention, and advancement—key to maintaining a skilled and competitive workforce.
- Support for Career Growth: Reflects dedication to supporting career growth and creating opportunities that help individuals succeed in the aftermarket industry.
Should your company apply?
Does your company embody any of the below? Yes! Then apply today – it’s easy and free to submit!
- You invest in your employees' growth by offering training, education, or career development opportunities like mentorship programs or career pathway planning.
- You create and share educational training or resources that benefit the broader automotive aftermarket industry.
- You support student engagement through internships, scholarships, mentorships, or partnerships with schools and technical programs.
- You view learning as a strategic priority, not just a benefit—helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce.
- You champion industry advancement by promoting continuous learning and professional development at all levels.
What needs to be submitted?
The ACE Award is more than recognition
It’s a symbol of leadership, growth, and advocacy for talent development in the auto care industry. It celebrates those who understand that investing in people is essential to the future of the automotive aftermarket.
2026 ACE Award Recipients
I-CAR
I-CAR is a leader in delivering high-quality, standardized education and training for the collision repair industry. They provide accessible, role-based learning pathways designed to strengthen technician competency, safety outcomes, and repair consistency across all levels of experience.
Major program launches and enhancements over the last 18 months include strengthening the Gold Class® program, expanding their course portfolio to over 550 total courses, expanded partnerships enabling technicians to earn I-CAR credit for courses completed through Industry Training Alliance partners (creating more efficient training pathways), the introduction of a new specialized Platinum recognition path for ADAS Technicians, and expansion of the APDA Platinum path to include comprehensive ADAS education.
I-CAR also launched a two-year, Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program that combines paid, on-the-job learning with I-CAR Academy curriculum, leading to a nationally recognized credential. I-CAR also expanded the Collision Careers Job Board.
I-CAR demonstrates commitment to workforce excellence by continuously updating educational content to reflect evolving vehicle technologies, materials, and repair requirements, as well as launching new initiatives and expanding programs that support career growth.
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Christian Brothers Automotive places a strong emphasis on education, training, and professional development through comprehensive, structured learning programs.
The Tech Ambassador Program (T.A.P.) develops advanced technical mastery and leadership capability, preparing technicians to diagnose, program, and service modern vehicles at a dealership-level standard.
A defining strength of the program is its hands-on focus, which combines guided workstations, live vehicles, and OEM tools to support kinesthetic learning.
The curriculum is never static. Course content is reviewed and updated before every session to remain aligned with evolving vehicle technology and real-world diagnostic challenges.
Certified Tech Ambassadors strengthen shop performance by reducing sublet repairs, improving diagnostic efficiency, and mentoring fellow technicians.
The program uniquely integrates advanced technical training with soft-skills and cultural development, fostering collaboration, accountability, and leadership at the shop level.
T.A.P. is supported by a closed-loop learning ecosystem that connects in-person training, continuous online education, and direct access to experienced master technicians for real-time support. This approach sets Christian Brothers Automotive apart within the automotive aftermarket.
FleetPride, Inc.
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FleetPride invests in education and leadership development across all levels of their organization, reinforcing their belief that their greatest asset is their team. They demonstrate commitment to strengthen industry readiness by ensuring teams are equipped to meet the complex, evolving demands of fleet and commercial vehicle operations.
Examples of ways FleetPride achieves this are through university partnerships, enterprise learning platforms with customized learning paths, and a leadership level certification program. They utilize a dedicated oversight process and accountability tools to ensure continued relevance and quality of their content and programs.
Additionally, FleetPride strongly believes the University of the Aftermarket plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of leaders for the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket. Through sponsorship, engagement, and participation, they actively support the development of emerging talent who will shape the future of the industry.
By embedding continuous learning into their culture, FleetPride believes they are not only driving stronger engagement and alignment within the company, but also helping ensure the aftermarket industry remains strong, competitive, and well-led for years to come.
highlights from previous award ceremonies
Past ACE Award Recipients
Dynamic Automotive
Robert Bosch LLC, Automotive Aftermarket Division, North America
Advanced Auto Parts
Don McNeill Enterprises LTD
Eau Clair Auto Parts
Gates Corporation
N.A. Williams
Olympus Imported Auto Parts
Sears Automotive
Mevotech
Motown Automotive Distributing Co.
Sonsio, Inc.
Tasco Sales Reps.
The Merrill Co- Arnold Motor Supply
Crow-Burlingame Company
Gold Eagle Company
Gustafson’s Auto Clinic, Inc./Tirecraft
The Timken Company
VIP – Parts, Tires & Service
KOI Auto Parts
N.A. Williams Company
Olympus Imported Auto Parts
Tenneco, Inc.
