Leeward CC automotive program receives national certification

Leeward Community College
Contact:
Jake Darakjian, (808) 455-0302
Automotive Technology Program Coordinator, Professional Arts & Technology Division
Kathleen R Cabral, (808) 455-0524
Marketing Officer, Chancellor's Office
Posted: Aug 23, 2010

Leeward Community College automotive student
Leeward Community College automotive student
The automotive technology program at Leeward Community College has received certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Leeward’s automotive program has been certified in the following service/repair areas: automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive train and axles, and suspension and steering.

To achieve this coveted recognition, the school’s automotive training program underwent rigorous evaluation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). 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 Donald Seyfer, NATEF chair. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that Leeward’s graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by Leeward Community College, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the work force.”
 
Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that Leeward Community College be certified by The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which is a national non-profit organization that tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to certifying automotive training programs.

Jake Darakjian, automotive program coordinator added, “During the past few months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE certified training programs. Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants.”
           
For further information, contact Jake Darakjian at (808) 455-0302.

For more information, visit: http://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/auto