TVC auto program earns national certification

Submitted by Michelle Renfrew
Phone: 907-455-2833
07/31/09

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Tanana Valley Campus automotive technology program has earned National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation "general service technician" certification. The certification covers general repair, electronics, brakes, engine theory and repair, steering and suspension. The certification is awarded for meeting standards recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

"This is a great accomplishment for our program," said interim program coordinator, Gary Thomerson. "It means that our curriculum meets the national standards for ASE testing and certification."

The certification process is labor-intensive, requiring input from local automotive industry representatives working with NATEF evaluators. They reviewed coursework and inspected the automotive technology facility located at 3202 Industrial Avenue.

The certification assures the TVC program meets or exceeds the national automotive industry standards, said Jay McFetridge of Napa Auto Parts. "Future students and prospective employers can have great confidence in the programs methods and curriculum. The NATEF process is rigorous and all encompassing. It is no small feat to obtain this standard and it helps document the level of education a student can expect while attending here."

The next review of the TVC automotive technology program will take place in 2011.

"A lot of time and energy went in to prepare for this certification," said Thomerson, "We are proud of this accomplishment. We will continue to build and better the program with the hopes that one day we will be able to expand the program into other areas."

A community open house will be held Friday, Aug. 7 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the TVC automotive technology center located at 3202 Industrial Ave.

CONTACT: Gary Thomerson, TVC automotive technology interim coordinator, at 907-455-2917 or ffgct@uaf.edu. Rick Caulfield, TVC director, at 907-455-2850 or racaulfield@alaska.edu.

MMR/7-31-09/020-10