NATEF recognizes program for sixth time
The General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program, or GM ASEP, at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minnesota, has received accreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, or NATEF, and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE. To achieve this coveted recognition, GM ASEP underwent a rigorous evaluation by NATEF. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities and equipment were used.
“This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” said Donald Seyfer, NATEF chair. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, accreditation gives added assurance that DCTC GM ASEP graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by DCTC, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce.”
Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that DCTC be accredited by ASE, which is a national non-profit organization that tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to accrediting automotive training programs.
Mike Opp, DCTC interim vice president of academic affairs, reported that the current accreditation represents the sixth time that NATEF has recognized GM ASEP at the college. “During the past few months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards,” Opp said, “and now we are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE-accredited training programs. Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants.”
Mark Hickman was a GM ASEP instructor when the program received its first NATEF accreditation in 1989. “We are proud of this coveted recognition,” said Hickman, who teaches the current GM ASEP curriculum along with fellow instructor, Tim McCluskey. Both instructors are GM World Class Master Technicians. “Our program was evaluated according to strict standards set by the automotive industry. We were evaluated by NATEF in all areas from our facilities to the number of instructional hours. GM ASEP at DCTC has skilled instructors and the latest tools and equipment. We excel at producing the competent technicians and employable graduates so desperately needed by the automotive industry.”
About NATEF…
The concept for the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) began in 1978 with the Industry Planning Council (IPC) at the American Vocational Association Convention. The IPC, composed of representatives from the automotive industry and vocational education, was concerned about the quality of automotive education nationwide. They directed a multi-year study, which developed a task list, tools and equipment list, and program standards. By 1982 the IPC was in search of an organization to develop and administer an evaluation plan for automotive training programs. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was selected and NATEF was set up to administer the evaluation process. NATEF is a separate 501 (c) (3) foundation, which is solely responsible for the program evaluation process. Based on the evaluation, NATEF will recommend automotive training programs for ASE program accreditation. The primary goal of accreditation is program improvement. (Read more…)
About GM ASEP at DCTC…
Through a unique cooperation with General Motors and AC Delco, GM ASEP at DCTC trains highly specialized service technicians for GM dealers and AC Delco locations. GM ASEP labs are equipped with the latest GM technology, including vehicles, components, training aids and technical information. Trained to handle the computer-oriented GM product line, GM ASEP technicians are prepared to keep pace with future technology.
GM ASEP graduates work as service technicians at GM dealerships, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC, or at an AC Delco Professional Service Center. (Read more…)
For more information about GM ASEP at DCTC, contact:
Mark Hickman
GM ASEP instructor
651-423-8363
Timothy McCluskey
GM ASEP instructor
651-423-8387
