June 14, 2006

Cowley’s automotive technology program receives NATEF certification

Cowley College’s automotive technology program recently received certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in all eight areas.

The areas the program received certification in are, engine performance, engine repair, brakes, suspension and steering, electrical and electronics, heating and air conditioning, manual transmissions, and automatic transmissions.

“I am very pleased with the effort of staff, instructors, the automotive advisory committee, and support services at the college,” Cowley College Department Chair of Career and Technical Education Bruce Crouse said. “They all worked together to make this effort a success. It is never easy, but always necessary, to make changes to keep current in technical programs. This task was no exception; in the past year the program has extensively revised and expanded its curriculum, developed a detailed policy and procedure manual as well as brought on a new instructor. Cowley administration has invested in a number of current vehicles for training, and provided support to bring the shop and classroom areas up to NATEF standards. Everyone has worked together to make this effort a success culminating with the NATEF certification.”

To achieve this coveted recognition the school’s automotive technology program underwent rigorous evaluation by the NATEF. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used.

“The NATEF certification gives our program validation of the quality and excellence of our classroom and lab teaching and learning,” Cowley Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Sheree Utash said. “It also gives our students great value and added benefit as they go into the world of work.”

Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that Cowley College be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE is a national-non profit organization which tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to certifying automotive training programs.

As a result of the quality education provided by Cowley College, the motoring public will benefit due to better repair technicians joining the work force.

NATEF was founded to develop, encourage, and improve automotive technician education. NATEF examines the structure and resources of training programs and evaluates them against nationally accepted standards of quality. NATEF’s precise national standards reflect the skills that students must master. ASE certification through NATEF evaluation ensures that certified training programs meet or exceed industry-recognized, uniform standards of excellence.