Automotive Program Receives ASE Certification

ROCK HILL—Following a rigorous evaluation, York Technical College's Automotive Technology program has received ASE Master Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). All eight areas of the college’s Automotive Technology program met strict industry standards required for ASE Master certification, which is the highest level of achievement recognized by the institute.

William A. Kersten, Senior Vice President of ASE and President of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), wrote in his letter announcing the program's certification, “Although many educational institutions strive for it, only a small percentage achieves this certification.”

York Tech's Automotive program was compared to nationally-accepted standards of excellence in areas of instruction, facilities and equipment. The eight areas evaluated during the process for certification include automatic transmission and transaxle, brakes, electrical electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive train and axles and suspension and steering. Master automotive mechanics are certified in all eight areas.

York Technical College's Automotive Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers as automotive technicians. Seven programs are offered: five certificate programs, a diploma program, and an Automotive Technology degree program. As automobiles become increasingly complex, the need for service technicians will increase for the foreseeable future.

“This certification means that our students are receiving automotive training that is recognized as being of the highest quality,” said Department Manager Jamey Abercrombie. “It’s a wonderful accomplishment that should benefit the community as we provide more well-trained auto repair technicians.”

Abercrombie said that because students receive training that meets strict industry standards, they are more prepared to pass ASE tests, and that success can also mean higher salaries for certified technicians.

ASE is a national nonprofit organization established in 1972 by the automotive industry to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of automotive repair technicians. The NATEF conducts evaluations of technician training programs at the secondary and post-secondary levels against standards developed by the automotive industry and recommends qualifying programs for certification by ASE.

For more information, contact Abercrombie at 981-7073 or jabercrombie@yorktech.com.

York Technical College . 452 S. Anderson Road . Rock Hill, SC 29730