California’s Contra Costa County Public Works, Fleet Services Division has recently earned the Blue Seal of Excellence from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Fleet Manager Carlos Velasquez told Government Fleet.

When Velasquez joined the fleet a year and a half ago, only a couple of technicians had any ASE certifications.

“Within a relatively short time (1.5 years), we managed to get everyone excited about taking the exams and acquiring their ASE certifications. The hard work the entire team put in paid off,” he said.

To become eligible for the Blue Seal of Excellence, a maintenance shop must have 75% of its automotive professionals ASE certified and have a certified technician in each area of service offered. The County’s Fleet Services Division offers 16 areas of service. The Fleet Services Division has seven Master certified automobile technicians in various disciplines.

The division provides repair and maintenance services to more than 1,500 vehicles and pieces of equipment, from complete brake replacement and oil changes to in-depth operating system repairs and law enforcement vehicle upfitting.

ASE certification identifies technicians who have demonstrated competency in specific technical specialty areas. Velasquez said certification is especially important because the division has a high vehicle-to-technician ratio — certified technicians tend to work that results in fewer problems and return service visits, he stated.

During the past year, the fleet division’s 10 technicians and three service workers have performed 2,973 services on 1,428 vehicles.