The LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Automotive Technology program at the A. K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City has received accreditation by NATEF and The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
To achieve accreditation, the Automotive Technology training program underwent rigorous evaluation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), including a site visit and an extensive review of curricula and supporting documentation. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used to rate the program.
The LaPorte County CTE Automotive Technology program is now one of only 19 accredited high school programs in Indiana. Approximately 40 students are enrolled annually in the program, which is taught by Ken Patterson at the A. K. Smith Career Center.
“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 graduates of the A. K. Smith Center’s Program will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Program, the motoring public will benefit, since better repair technicians will join the work force.”
Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that the Michigan City-based Automotive Technology program be accredited by The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE is a national non-profit organization that tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to accrediting automotive training programs.
Audra Peterson, Director of LaPorte County Career and Technical Education added, “During the past several months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE accredited training programs. This means our students are assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants.”