Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) retained the prestigious Automotive Service Technology (AST) accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation.
This recognition comes after a thorough evaluation of OTC’s automotive training program, including aspects such as instruction quality, facilities, and equipment—all of which met or exceeded nationally accepted standards.
Jon Williams, OTC Director, expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating, “ASE accreditation is the gold standard for automotive programs. I commend our dedicated instructors and staff for surpassing this high bar on behalf of our current and future students. With this designation, OTC remains a top destination for those aspiring to be certified and prepared for success in the automotive industry for years to come.”
Superintendent Marcus Chambers hailed the achievement as a “win-win for OTC, our students, and our community partners,” emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for students to acquire valuable skillsets that address the community’s needs. He commended OTC staff for their dedication to achieving this milestone.
Michael Coley, President of the ASE Education Foundation, highlighted the positive impact on automotive enthusiasts: “This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents. The program’s emphasis on collaboration between local education and industry leaders ensures that OTC’s graduates will be employable entry-level technicians, benefiting the motoring public by adding highly skilled technicians to the workforce.”
The ASE Education Foundation, a non-profit organization, independently evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs based on industry-developed standards. OTC’s lead automotive instructor, James Welch, acknowledged the collaborative effort with the ASE Education Foundation in ensuring the program’s alignment with strict industry standards.
Over the past few months, OTC’s automotive program staff worked diligently to secure re-accreditation. Welch expressed gratitude to OTC Advisory Committee members Lee Brannon, Service Manager for Step One Chrysler of Crestview, and Mike Holmes, Owner of Holmes Auto Repair of Fort Walton Beach, who played crucial roles in evaluating the program.
Welch added, “OTC students can be assured of a quality education, and shop owners can be confident in receiving job applicants with a solid foundation. Our continued ASE accreditation underscores OTC’s commitment to producing well-trained professionals ready to excel in the dynamic automotive industry.”
For more information about Okaloosa Technical College and its programs, visit OTC’s official website.
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