The Automotive Technology Program at the Tennessee Technology Center at Elizabethton has received Master Certification, the highest level of achievement recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE).
William Kersten, president of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), notified Jerry Patton, school director, that all eight training areas in the Automotive Technology Program at TTC-Elizabethton "meet the strict industry standards required for ASE Master Certification."
During a recent NATEF team visit, curriculum was reviewed and shop equipment was inspected to ensure compliance with ASE standards. "Although many educational institutions strive for it, only a small percentage achieves this certification. Both the educational and automotive communities should be proud of your commitment to quality automobile training programs," Kersten stated.
Jacky Livingston, an ASE Certified Master Technician, is the instructor. Students at TTC–Elizabethton receive Certificate Awards after completing three weeks to four months of study in various automotive categories and an Automotive Technician Diploma after 20 months of study. The program prepares graduates for ASE certification.
Classroom and hands-on training during the 30-hour school week is concentrated on eight units of study. They are Engine Repair, Automotive Electrical, Engine Performance, Chassis and Steering, Manual Transmission/Transaxles, Automotive Transmission/Transaxles, Automotive Brakes and Heating/Air Conditioning
Patton said TTC-Elizabethton is committed to meeting the occupational and technical training and retraining needs of the local automotive service industry. "It is a fast-growing field, requiring trained workers who can diagnose and repair today's high-tech automobiles," Patton said.
The tuition is $2,286 per year to enroll in the Automotive Technology Program at TTC Elizabethton as a full-time student. The Tennessee lottery scholarship pays $2,000 and the Federal Pell Grant $4,731 per year to qualifying students.