Auto Program Receives National Accreditation

WATERTOWN, SD – The automotive training program at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown has received accreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and The National College for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The program has been master certified since 2010 and recently completed the recertification process.  LATI’s automotive program was accredited in all eight areas of ASE in addition to the related math and science classes.

To achieve this coveted recognition, the school’s automotive training program underwent rigorous evaluation by NATEF. “The recertification process was completed over 16 months and involved working closely with our advisory board and NATEF to make certain our program met the strict industry standards,” LATI Automotive Technology Department Supervisor Brad Herding said.  “The process concluded with an onsite visit, which consisted of a NATEF representative and two other automotive technicians who assisted with the review process. We are now certified through 2020.”

Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended LATI be accredited by The National College for Automotive Service Excellence.

“This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” said Donald Seyfer, NATEF Chair. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that Lake Area Technical College’s graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by Lake Area Technical College, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the work force.”

ASE is a national non-profit organization which tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to accrediting automotive training programs.