Shelton State Community College Receives Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation

January 24, 2019 – Shelton State Community College’s Automotive Services Technology Program recently met the strict industry standards required for the Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation. This is the highest level of program accreditation recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Although many educational institutions strive for this distinction, only a small percentage are able to achieve this accreditation. “This is a great accomplishment for our program,” states Shelton State President Bill Ashley. “We owe this accreditation to our faculty and staff. I am immensely proud of Dean Jason Moore, Associate Dean Grant Cockrell, Division Chair and Instructor Mike Hobson, and Instructor Brian Sanford.”

ASE is recognized as the industry standard for automotive service. Decades ago, ASE initiated training to ensure the quality of educational programs like the one at Shelton State. With primary focus on industry driven training, the organization brings all stakeholders together to promote successful ASE certification of technicians.

Mike Hobson, Shelton State Automotive Services Instructor, has been part of the ASE organization for twenty-five years both as an educator and a technician. Certified through ASE at the Master-level, Hobson has long been an advocate for the group. “I have taught in training programs where [Master-level certification] was not required, but I did it anyway because I believe doing so sets an example for students to remain highly qualified even if it is not a requirement in your current job description,” states Hobson. “ASE is the industry standard for professionalism, and I will always support that. It is the reason I became an educator.”

Hobson feels honored to be part of ASE and Shelton State’s newly accredited program. “I am happy that Shelton State has given me the opportunity to be here and to do what we can to keep moving the transportation sector forward in this region.”

For more information about the Automotive Technology Program, visit sheltonstate.edu.