The Automotive Systems Technology program at Franklin High School has received recertification of accreditation from the National Automotive Technologies Education Foundation (NATEF) with support from its partner program at Southwestern Community College.
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| Ethan Mace is a senior in the Automotive Systems Technologies program at Franklin High School. |
SCC and FHS have worked together for the last 12 years, bringing SCC’s automotive program to students in Franklin. It gives FHS students a jumpstart on their two-year degrees, allowing participants to finish in only a year and a half. The FHS program received its recertification last fall following a thorough review by a NATEF representative and two volunteer professionals from the Franklin area. Recertification is required every five years after establishing an accredited program.
This rigorous recertification process allows the FHS program to stay in compliance with national standards thus offering students a competitive educational opportunity. Upon its most recent recertification, the FHS program received high praise from the NATEF representative, noting the program’s exceptional staff and hard-working students.
SCC also coordinates with the students and faculty of Smoky Mountain High School and Swain County to offer students access to the automotive program.
David Myers, Automotive Systems Technology Program Coordinator and Instructor for SCC, said: “All of the hard work is worth it when I get to see students who show true interest in our program. It is great to see so many students getting an early start on their degree.”
The automotive programs at both FHS and SCC focus on preparing students for employment as entry-level transportation service technicians. Coursework students complete while in the program includes but is not limited to: transportation systems theory, braking systems, climate control, engine performance, drive trains, electrical systems and more. This program also prepares graduates to take a professional licensure exam so they are prepared for jobs as entry-level technicians.
For more information, contact Myers (828.339.4237 or d_myers@southwesterncc.edu) or SCC Automotive Instructor Hunter Braswell (828.339.4259 or c_braswell@southwesterncc.edu).
