VGCC Automotive program receives National Accreditation
The Automotive Systems Technology program at Vance-Granville Community College has once again received accreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This year, VGCC’s Automotive program was accredited for meeting high standards of quality in all eight NATEF training areas: Automatic Transmission & Transaxle; Brakes; Electrical/Electronic Systems; Engine Performance; Engine Repair; Heating & Air Conditioning; Manual Drive Train & Axles; and Suspension & Steering. When VGCC was most recently recertified in 2006, the college qualified in six areas. Two more were added because the college now offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Systems Technology in addition to a diploma program .
To achieve this coveted recognition, the college’s Automotive training program first underwent rigorous evaluation by NATEF. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that VGCC graduates will be employable entry-level technicians,” said Donald Seyfer, NATEF Chair. “As a result of the quality education provided by Vance-Granville, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce.” Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that VGCC be accredited by ASE, a national non-profit organization that tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to accrediting automotive training programs. There are more than 2,000 ASE-accredited automotive education programs across the nation. A study by Ohio State University concluded that ASE program accreditation has a significant, positive effect on the learning that takes place in automotive technician training programs.
Fred Brewer, VGCC’s Automotive Systems Technology program head and instructor, added, “During the past few months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and we are delighted to remain an ASE-accredited training program. Our students are assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants.” Because their training is current, complete and applicable to the automotive industry, VGCC graduates are prepared to take the ASE exam and are ready for full-time employment in dealerships and repair shops in the automotive industry.
VGCC offers a two-year degree and a one-year diploma in Automotive Systems Technology, in addition to certificates focusing on Automotive Sustainability, Electrical Systems, Suspension & Steering, and Transmission Systems. For more information, contact Fred Brewer at (252) 738-3204.
Above: VGCC Automotive Systems Technology program head Fred Brewer holds the accreditation plaque his program recently received from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). (VGCC Photo)
