Lower Columbia College’s (LCC) automotive technology program has received Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Training Program accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation. LCC’s automotive program is now accredited at the Master Automobile Service Technology level, the highest program accreditation recognized by the ASE.

To achieve this recognition, the ASE Education Foundation rigorously evaluated the college’s automotive technology program. The evaluation used nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment.

The ASE Education Foundation is a non-profit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry.

“This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” said Michael Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it assures LCC’s graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by LCC, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce.”

“Corry Kile and Gary Roeske, LCC’s lead automotive faculty, and Dean Tamra Gilchrist worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation to ensure that our program meets strict industry standards. We are pleased to join the ranks of ASE-accredited training programs. Our students receive an outstanding education, and shop owners benefit from highly qualified job applicants”.

LCC offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Automotive Technology and a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in Maintenance and Light Repair. To learn more about LCC’s Automotive Technology Program, visit lowercolumbia.edu/auto.