1 thing we're talking about: Honoring the newest world class technicians

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence — ASE for short — welcomed its newest class of 44 wrench turners deemed world class technicians. The newest members, who come from 25 different states, join more than 2,200 other technicians who have achieved this highest designation since the award began in 1986.

The World Class Technician program is a joint effort between ASE and the Auto Care Association to honor highly skilled automotive technicians across the industry. To be recognized as world class, a technician must achieve 22 specific ASE certifications through testing.

"We are honored to recognize the select group of professional vehicle technicians who have attained the exclusive ASE World Class Technician designation," ASE President Tim Zilke said in a statement. "By achieving world-class status, they remain world-class for life and will be memorialized on the ASE website to highlight their exceptional achievements."

In addition to being listed on the ASE website, each honoree receives a special certificate endorsed by both organization presidents, an embroidered shoulder insignia and a personalized plaque and medallion kit.

There are more than 800,000 auto technicians across the U.S. Of those, about 250,000 are ASE certified.