James Erdahl received the 2009 PPG/ASE Master Refinish Technician of the Year Award at the ASE’s annual Board of Directors Industry Awards Dinner held in New Orleans, La., on Nov. 19, 2009.
The presentation to Erdahl was made by Bill Troyer, PPG Automotive Refinish, manager of training. The award is an annual tribute to the PPG collision center technician receiving the highest score on the ASE Painting and Refinish test.
“We are very pleased to present this award to Mr. Erdahl,” said Troyer. “The ASE test is taken by thousands of technicians nationally every year. The award recognizes the best in their field and is an outstanding accomplishment. Mr. Erdahl has earned this prestigious recognition.”
Erdahl has been a refinish technician for 27 years. He is employed by the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton, North Dakota, where he has been an associate professor for 12 years and is currently the chairman of the Auto Body Department. Erdahl holds PPG Master Paint Certification, is an ASE Master Collision/Refinish Technician and has been an NDSCS Faculty Senate President and a North Dakota Auto Body Association Regional Representative. He earned his associate of applied science degree from NDSCS and a bachelor of science degree in career and technical education at Valley City (North Dakota) State University.
“I am very proud of the things I have accomplished as both a technician and a teacher,” said Erdahl. “Our school has been NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation)-certified and is currently in the process of recertification, which gives our students a huge advantage in today’s job market. ASE does an excellent job of training and testing industry technicians, helping them succeed in the ever-changing transportation industry. ASE is dedicated to maintaining quality repairs throughout the industry.”
PPG and ASE both offer technician certification as well as a range of training options for collision center personnel.
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