MCCC’s Automotive Tech Program Earns ASE Re-Accreditation
05/08/20
West Windsor, N.J. – Mercer County Community College (MCCC) continued its commitment to expand its Automotive Technology program when the college announced on Tuesday, May 5 that it once again met the industry standards required for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence’s (ASE) Program Accreditation in Master Automobile Service Technology (MAST).
According to Jason Evans, MCCC Assistant Professor of Automotive Technology, the accreditation means that the college follows ASE’s strict guidelines for automotive education. Each year, schools that apply for accreditation are evaluated in five categories - structure, processes, resources, materials, and mission.
“These standards focus on academic and hands-on learning, curriculum delivery, tools, equipment, and technology available to the students,” Evans said. “The accreditation process also validates instructor competency, automotive certifications, and continuing education.”
Mercer’s Automotive Technology program is already a recognized player in the Tri-State area’s automobile industry. The program awards graduates an associate in applied science degree (AAS), and offers three paths of study that students can follow: the Mopar Career Automotive Program (MCAP), Subaru University, and the Comprehensive Automotive Program.
“Receiving the re-accreditation by the ASE, the premier name in auto repair, is a testament that our program is among the elite programs in the United States and a confirmation of the rigor and quality education we provide to our students and the hard work and dedication of our faculty," added Dr. Farah Bennani, Dean of Business and STEM. "This re-accreditation benefits not only our students but extends to the community and our partners as we continue to position our college as the leader in this field.”
The college first collaborated with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 1986 to offer MCAP, which creates clear pathways for graduates to be hired by Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, or Fiat dealerships as an apprentice and paid intern.
In 2014 the college brokered a similar deal through the Subaru University program, sponsored by Subaru of America.
More recently in 2018, MCCC partnered with Haldeman Auto Group, a dealership with locations throughout the greater Trenton area. Some students, like former Haldeman intern Dhruv Singh, use the college’s apprentice programs as the first step to opening their own garages.
“Mercer’s auto tech program is designed like a real dealership service center – with state-of-the-art equipment, late-model vehicles, and laptop computers with the latest diagnostics software," said Evans.
“ASE holds Mercer accountable for the student experience in the automotive program. Graduates leave the college with the skills and experience that allows them to succeed in the competitive technology-rich field of automotive repair.”
Are you ready to help us keep our students on track to finish classes and graduate? Then share and support our MCCC Student Emergency Fund. Donating at www.mccc.edu/mercermatters, or by texting MercerMatters to 41444, will help keep students enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every dollar matters!
MCCC's Automotive Technology program earned ASE Re-Accreditation on Tuesday, May 5.