LCC Automotive Technology Program Receives National Certification Of Excellence

The Lenoir Community College Automotive Technology Program has received national recognition of ASE Master Certification, the highest level of achievement recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE).

Pictured left to right are: LCC Industrial Programs Director Dr. Bill Fortney, LCC Automotive Technology Program Head Gary Clements, LCC President Dr. Steve Scott, LCC Automotive Technology Advisory Committee Chair and Adjunct faculty Ralph Moody and LCC Vice President of Instructional Programs Randy Parker.

Ronald Weiner, president of ASE, said that LCC's program met the strict industry standards in all eight areas required for ASE Master certification - Automatic Transmission & Transaxle, Brakes, Electrical Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Heating and Air Conditioning, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Suspension & Steering. "Although many educational institutions strive for it, only a small percentage achieves this certification."

LCC Automotive Technology Program Head Gary Clements said the accreditation is extremely important and beneficial to students and employers. "It provides a means of identifying quality programs meeting national standards and ensures the training received is current, complete, and applicable. Students are assured of a quality education and employers are assured students are learning the skills needed to be a well-trained entry-level technician." Clements said that during the past several months the college has worked closely with the National Institute for Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) to make sure the program would meet the strict industry standards outlined in the certification process. "The process which was a type of self evaluation of the program took approximately nine months to complete. We are pleased to join the ranks of ASE certified technician training programs."

LCC President Dr. Steve Scott said the national recognition speaks well of the program, its students and its instructional staff. "Students know they are getting a quality education and employers know they are getting qualified applicants. Gary (Clements) and his staff are to be commended."

Industrial Programs Director Bill Fortney said the accreditation puts a national stamp of approval on our program. "All of the instructors in the Automotive Technology Program are ASE Certified Master Automobile Technicians. We have a great program that is graduating highly qualified students that are ready to go to work. We are very fortunate to have someone such as Gary Clements who has truly made this a program of excellence."

When asked about the accreditation, Clements said. "We are excited about the potential benefits of the ASE/NATEF accreditation. We have a number of modern tools and equipment that is less than three years old in order to teach our students. Our program is strong and has potential for more growth. We have an excellent advisory committee and we have strong support from the community and administration of the college. As this program grows, we look forward to developing more partnerships with local businesses so students can receive some on-site experience."

For more information on the Automotive Technology Program at LCC, call Clements at 252-527-6223, ext. 110 or email at glc110@lenoircc.edu.