STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – James Erdahl received the PPG/ASE Master Refinish Technician of the Year Award at the ASE’s annual Board of Directors Industry Awards Dinner held Nov. 19 in New Orleans. 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.
At left: Pictured from left to right, Tim Zilke, ASE president; James Erdahl, winner of the 2009 PPG/ASE Technician of the Year award; Bill Troyer, PPG Automotive Refinish, manager of training; and Joe Torchiana, chairman, ASE Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Peter Jordan Photography, Scottsdale, Ariz.
“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, N.D., 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-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 broad range of training courses options for collision center personnel.
