June 4, 2024
Grand Rapids Community College’s automotive training program recently achieved re-accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation, a non-profit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry.
This prestigious recognition, Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation, is the highest level of program accreditation awarded by ASE, and it demonstrates a commitment to quality education by the automotive department faculty and staff at GRCC.
It also shows the exemplary behavior and professionalism of students in the automotive program at GRCC, as well as the exceptional efforts by the facilities team in maintaining garages and service bays.
Cleamon Moorer, Jr., GRCC’s dean of the School of Business and Industry, announced the achievement and shared his excitement.
“This re-accreditation reinforces GRCC’s position as a leading institution in automotive education,” he said. “We take pride in the fact that both the educational and automotive communities recognize our commitment to excellence.”
Moorer also emphasized what he described as the outstanding accomplishment of Brett Atchison, head of the automotive department at GRCC, who spearheaded the re-accreditation efforts.
“Throughout the process, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, hard work, and leadership that Brett demonstrated behind the scenes. His tireless efforts in preparing the application and ensuring our automotive program meets the strict industry standards set by ASE have been truly remarkable,” said Moorer.
Atchison echoed Moorer’s enthusiasm for the reaccreditation.
“This accreditation ensures that we are teaching to the latest industry standards and that our students will be better equipped for the high demands of the ever-evolving automotive industry,” he said.
To achieve this coveted recognition, GRCC’s automotive 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 during the process, and meeting those standards is a testament to the high quality of an automotive education at GRCC.
“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 GRCC graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of their quality education, the motoring public will also benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce.”
In the automotive education program at GRCC, students can complete a non-credit certificate of completion in just 18 weeks, a for-credit certificate program in 10 months, or graduate with a highly transferable associate degree in just two years.
Students who choose the third option will be poised to transfer seamlessly as a junior to Ferris State University, where they can complete a bachelor's degree in their School of Automotive and Heavy Equipment.
And being accredited by ASE is an important part of the process.
“Achieving ASE reaccreditation is a significant milestone for the automotive department here at GRCC,” Moorer emphasized. “Their dedication to providing high-quality automotive training programs is invaluable, especially considering the rapid advancements in automotive technology happening today.”
This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.