Community college’s automotive program receives national accreditation

Doña Ana Community College Automotive Program has received full re-accreditation from the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASE), DACC said in a news release.

The program was accredited at the Automotive Service Technology (AST) level in engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, engine performance and auto maintenance and light repair.

“To achieve this coveted recognition, the school’s automotive training program underwent rigorous evaluation by ASE,” DACC said, using nationally accepted standards of excellence in instruction, facilities and equipment.

“During the past few months, we have worked closely with ASE to make certain our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE accredited training programs,” said DACC Commercial Technologies Department Chair Terry Mount. “Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicant.”

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

ASE is a nonprofit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry, DACC said.

For more information, visit dacc.nmsu.edu.