Auto Tech Program Earns Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation From The ASE

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has found that the automotive technology program at Mount Wachusett Community College meets the strict industry standards required for ASE Program Accreditation.

“We commend you and your staff for maintaining your program’s standards and continuing to meet the industry’s requirements,” noted ASE President Michael Coley in a letter to MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “The explosion in automotive technology makes your high-quality automotive training program more valuable than ever.”

Established in 1979 by Professor Peter L. Kaufmann, the automotive program was originally launched in tight quarters alongside the college’s facility department. In 2019 construction began on a new state-of-the-art facility on Linus Allain Avenue in Gardner.

The new facility welcomed students during the height of the pandemic. Over 90% of MWCC’s Automotive Technology students returned to school in fall 2020, a rate on par with the school’s popular nursing program.

“The success of this program can be contributed to a number of factors, our brand-new Automotive Technology facility is one,” stated Veronica Guay, Dean of the School of Business and Technology. “More importantly, the mentorship and leadership of our Automotive Technology Program Director and Professor Eric Almeida is key to the success of the program.”