Survey: Technicians demand training that prioritizes hands-on application

Electrical/electronic systems, hybrid/EV systems, ADAS and advanced engine performance rank among the most requested training topics

Leesburg, Va.—There is continued demand from technicians for instructor-led learning environments that prioritizes hands-on application, according to the just-released 2026 Training Benchmarks survey, conducted by the ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC).

Technicians have indicated a strong preference for instructor-led classroom sessions paired with workshop lab time, demonstrating that practical experience remains critical for skills development and confidence building in increasingly complex vehicle systems.

This year’s survey generated a significant increase in participation, with responses up by approximately 65 percent compared to 2025. Findings from the 2026 survey show that technicians remain focused on practical, career-relevant education. Electrical/electronic systems, hybrid/EV systems, ADAS and advanced engine performance rank among the most requested training topics.

Matt Shepanek, president of ATMC, said, “The growth in participation this year is a strong signal that our industry is invested in shaping better training opportunities and that technicians continue to value instructor-led education with meaningful hands-on workshop experience that directly translates to real-world repair environments.”

The survey also highlights ongoing challenges in training accessibility, including unavailable course topics, quality concerns, scheduling conflicts and training costs.

For more information or to view a copy of the ATMC survey results, click here.