Heights High Auto Tech Program is nationally certified

First-year Auto Tech students and teacher Jeff Porter, holding the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification plaque.

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The Cleveland Heights High School Auto Tech Program has received accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The inspection took place in early October and was led by a member of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, assisted by three local automotive evaluators. The evaluation considers 10 areas of the program, including instruction, equipment and co-op work agreements.

The ASE certification applies to the program and the facility, with the added value of instructor Jeff Porter being an ASE Master Certified Technician. These certifications mean that students in the program are eligible to earn the G1 high school level auto technology certification.

“This ASE national certification ensures that our students leave here prepared,” said Porter. “With that certification, students can attend a technical college or enter the work force.”

Heights High students who earn G1 certification often attend auto technology programs at Tri-C West in Parma, Stark State College in North Canton and the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima.

Many technical colleges offer co-op programs for students that combine classwork and paid auto technician work, giving students specific experience and skills needed in the auto industry.

Students with college-level certifications typically earn $50,000-$70,000 a year, and students who enter the field with a high school certification can expect to earn $20,000-$50,000 a year.

“The job prospects in auto technology are very good,” said Porter. “Just a few weeks ago, representatives from RTA were here, talking to students about opportunities working on their bus fleet.” 

The program certification is good for five years. For this cycle, the process began last spring with a re-writing of the curriculum to meet new industry standards, and a review of the facility. Beginning in the fall, the program will be located at the Delisle Center. Porter and his advisory team have been working with the architects to design a facility that will be even better for his students when the new high school opens in 2017. 

Local auto technology experts who served as members of the evaluation team are Carl Allamby, Advanced Auto Care owner/technician; Michael Bell, Motorcars Toyota technician; and Sam Bell, Lusty Wrench owner/technician.