Sumter Career and Technology Center Automotive Program receives national accreditation

The automotive collision and repair training program at Sumter Career and Technology Center in Sumter has received ASE Training Program accreditation by the ASE Education Foundation. Sumter Career and Technology Center's automotive program has been accredited in the following: Collision Repair and Refinish Fundamentals and Maintenance and Light Repair.

To achieve this coveted recognition, the school's automotive collision and repair training program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities and equipment were used.

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

Upon completion of the evaluation, Sumter Career and Technology Center became accredited by the ASE Education Foundation. The ASE Education Foundation is a nonprofit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry.

Jason O'Neal, automotive teacher, added, "During the past few months, we have worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation 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. Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants."

Dusty Hodge, automotive collision and repair teacher, added, "Over the past few months, we have worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation to ensure that our program meets the highest industry standards. We are proud to announce that we are now officially an ASE-accredited training program. This accreditation assures students of a high-quality education and provides shop owners with confidence in the caliber of job applicants our program produces."