Gadsden State Community College’s Automotive Service Technology Program recently received the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) Master Automobile Service Technology accreditation. Master level accreditation is the highest level of achievement recognized by NATEF.

Founded in 1983, the mission of NATEF is to improve the quality of automotive technician training programs nationwide at secondary and post-secondary, public and proprietary schools. To accomplish this mission NATEF examines the structure, resources and quality of training programs and evaluates them against standards established by the industry. These standards reflect the skills that students must master to be successful in the industry.

Gadsden State is among the first group of colleges to receive the accreditation since NATEF’s new standard requirements changed last year. According to NATEF President, Trish Serratore, “The new standards were updated in 2012 to reflect the latest standards of knowledge as defined by the industry to ensure the supply of qualified, entry-level automotive professionals well into the future.” NATEF evaluated the program in all areas from the newly-constructed facility to the number of instructional hours.

In a letter to Tim Green, dean of technical education and workforce development, Serratore wrote: “Although many educational institutions strive for it, only a small percentage achieves this accreditation. Both the educational and automotive communities should be proud of your commitment to quality Automobile training programs.”

Acting President Bill Blow said, “This recognition is an example of the high standards our college sets for our graduates.  We are proud to know that our students will carry with them into the workforce the most state-of-the-art performance skills and knowledge available.”

For more information about the Automotive Service Technology Program at Gadsden State contact Harold Waddell 256-549-8622.