Just like the statement above, Automotive Education Connection began with an idea. An idea to improve community, lives, and an industry in need. We strive to bridge the growing gap between our local automotive repair industry and the skilled technicians who keep our vehicles moving. Currently, the United States faces a severe shortage of qualified automotive technicians from all transportation industry sectors. This shortage has not only impacted the day-to-day operations of our local repair facilities, but it is also driving up repair costs and causing extended vehicle downtime for customers. Although we understand that we may not be able to solve our nation's problems, we can begin improving the issues that we are having locally. Automotive Education Connection is a local non-profit located in Central Missouri. Our organization's mission is to inspire, motivate, and support the next generation of local automotive technicians through advocacy, training, and mentorship. Automotive Education Connection creates programs that focus on helping young adults find new automotive careers and access resources that will assist them while working in the industry.