Monday, November 25, 2013

Reynolds Automotive Technology Programs earn Accreditation Renewal

The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College automotive technology programs have achieved renewed accreditation status from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) for an additional five years. 

Founded in 1983, NATEF’s mission is to improve the quality of automotive technician training programs nationwide by examining the structure, resources and quality of training programs and evaluating them against standards established by the industry.  By ensuring training programs meet the highest standards, NATEF accreditation benefits everyone from schools, students and future employers, to the automotive service industry and everyone driving on our nation’s roads.

The five-step accreditation process includes an extensive self-evaluation performed by program instructors, administrators and advisory committee members and an on-site evaluation conducted by an ASE Master-certified Evaluation Team Leader.

The findings of the October 18 on-site review were overwhelmingly positive and the lead reviewer noted, “This program is a shining example of how it can be done.”  Other reviewer comments included:

             A very progressive program that teaches the very latest technology using the latest state of the art equipment and methods.

             The programs are very well organized and staffed with excellent personnel.

             The facility and equipment are meticulously maintained.

             The automotive department head and instructors have gone above and beyond to develop and improve the curriculum.

“The NATEF accreditation process ensures that the Reynolds Community College automotive technology programs are of the highest standards.  We are pleased with the results of the accreditation renewal process and look forward to continuing to offer cutting edge educational opportunities to our students,” noted Kelly Schwendeman, Program Head, Automotive Technology.

For information on the automotive technology programs please visit www.reynolds.edu or contact Kelly Schwendeman at lschwndeman@reynolds.edu or Alan Couch at acrouch@reynolds.edu.