COLLEGE AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

The Automotive Technology Program at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg has received certification from two national groups.

The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) granted the recognition in all eight areas used by the organizations. Those include: Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, Engine Repair, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Electrical Systems, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Engine Performance as well as Suspension and Steering.

To achieve this coveted recognition, the college’s program underwent rigorous evaluation. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities and equipment were used in the assessment of the program. “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, it gives added assurance that Iowa Lakes Community College graduates will be employable entry-level technicians.

“As a result of the quality education provided by Iowa Lakes, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the work force,” Seyfer added.

Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that Iowa Lakes be certified by ASE. ASE is a national non-profit organization which tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to certifying automotive training programs.

“During the past few months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are delighted to maintain our rating as an ASE Certified Master Training Program,” said Larry Danielson, Associate Professor of Auto Technology.

The certification is for a period of five years.