BETHESDA, Md. (April 14, 2016) — The Auto Care Association (ACA) is now accepting applications for a new award, the Auto Care Career and Education Award (ACE), and its Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) is offering a scholarship to attend a University of the Aftermarket program.
The ACE award, formerly known as the Head of the Class Award, recognizes three companies, designated by total number of employees, that provide a culture for and facilitation of employee career development and invest in employee education and training. The award winners will be selected by the ACA Education Committee.
“With the association's emphasis on providing tools for career development and employee retention, the Education Committee decided to add a focus on employee career development to the award,” said Sue Kalish, ACA senior director, education.
“As employees grow in their roles and within the company, this in turn contributes to the success of the company. The ACE award will recognize companies for their commitment to providing opportunities for employees to increase their knowledge and improve skill-building, in addition to providing the environment and culture for individual employee growth. We are delighted to showcase these companies that can serve as examples for other auto care industry companies to follow.”
An online application form is available by clicking here. Applicants are encouraged to focus on their company's career development, education and training story, and to outline their approach and return on investment.
Applications are due by May 20. Winning companies will be notified in June. Winners will be recognized during Fall Leadership Days 2016 in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, YANG is offering a scholarship of $6,250 for a young auto care professional to attend the University of the Aftermarket's 2016-2017 Leadership 2.0 program. The scholarship will cover the price of tuition, class materials and meals.
Leadership 2.0 is a post-graduate style leadership and business skills education program designed to promote the development of the next generation of auto care leaders. The two-week session features speakers and networking opportunities with top-level industry leaders, YANG said.
“The Leadership 2.0 program is well established and notorious for developing the current chiefs driving today's auto care industry. As an up-and-coming professional and soon-to-be Leadership 2.0 graduate, I can honestly encourage our industry's youth to participate sooner than later,” said Alena Van Cleave, YANG chairman.
“The program allows exposure to high-caliber aftermarket leaders and invaluable concepts applicable to growing your business. This scholarship allows a YANG member the opportunity to participate in these discussions and learn, absolutely free-of-charge.”
Graduates receive seven CEUs toward their AAP and MAAP designations. Session I will be held Aug. 21-26 at the Northwood University campus in Midland, Mich.
Scholarship applicants must be YANG members and their employers must be ACA members in good standing.
An application and full criteria of all materials needed for consideration can be found at on the ACA's website. The deadline to apply is June 1.