Okaloosa Technical College's Automotive Program Receives National Accreditation

The automotive training program at Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) in Fort Walton Beach has again received ASE Training Program accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation. OTC's automotive program has been accredited category of Automotive Service Technology (AST). To achieve this coveted recognition, the school's automotive training program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation. Areas evaluated according to nationally accepted standards included instruction, facilities, and equipment.

OTC Director Jon Williams reacted to the accreditation renewal, saying, "ASE accreditation is the best standard an automotive program can hold. I am proud of our instructors and staff who met this high bar on behalf of their current and future students. With this designation in our toolbox, OTC will continue to be a great place to become certified and ready for work in the automotive industry for many years to come." "This is a win-win for OTC, our students, and our community partners. We must provide opportunities for students to succeed and learn skillsets like the automotive program, which bridges the community's needs. I commend the OTC staff for this fantastic achievement," stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers.

"This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents," said Michael Coley, ASE Education Foundation President. "Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that OTC's graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by OTC, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce." Upon completion of the evaluation, OTC became re-accredited by the ASE Education Foundation. 

The ASE Education Foundation is a non-profit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry. OTC's lead automotive instructor, James Welch, added, "During the past few months, our automotive program staff has worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are proud to continue as an ASE accredited training program. Also, I want to thank 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 teamed up with the ASE Education Foundation ETL and gave their time to evaluate our program. OTC students will be assured a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants."