CLEVELAND — Frank Naelitz, a maintenance manager for First Student, has earned the Auto Care Association’s World Class Technician award.

Naelitz is responsible for maintaining a fleet of more than 125 buses that provide transportation services for the Elyria City School District and Euclid City Schools in Ohio. Naelitz has 14 years of experience in the transportation industry.

The Auto Care Association, in partnership with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), presents the World Class Technician award to technicians who test and obtain ASE certification in 22 specialty areas. Of the nearly 900,000 automotive technicians working in the U.S., 45 qualified for this year’s award, and only 2,000 technicians have earned the award since its inception more than 30 years ago, according to First Student.

“First Student is committed to ensuring excellence in our maintenance operations,” said Frank Gagliano, the regional maintenance manager for the school transportation provider. “Being designated a World Class Technician is an extraordinary accomplishment, requiring years of hands-on work and learning. We are proud Frank has joined this elite group. He truly represents the best our industry has to offer.”

The First Student locations Naelitz oversees in Elyria and Euclid are ASE Blue Seal shops. The ASE’s Blue Seal of Excellence recognizes a commitment to recruiting top technicians, supporting their ongoing training, and providing the best equipment for vehicle maintenance. In 2018, 19 First Student locations earned the Blue Seal status.