Public Relations

NWACC RTC collision repair program recertified

            FAYETTEVILLE (Friday, March 14, 2008) – Automotive collision repair program at NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s Regional Technology Training Center in Fayetteville has been recertified.

            Approval was received this week by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

            The RTC collision repair program is certified in the following areas non-structural analysis and repair, structural analysis and repair, and painting and refinishing.

            To maintain this recognition, the school’s automotive collision training program underwent a rigorous evaluation by a NATEF team. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used.

            “This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” NATEF Chair Donald Seyfer said.

            “This (recertification) program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that NWACC’s RTC graduates will be employable as entry-level technicians,” he said.

            As a result of the quality education provided by the RTC, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce, Seyfer said.

            Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that the RTC retain its certification by ASE, which is a national non-profit organization that tests and certifies repair technicians in addition to certifying automotive training programs.

            “During the past few months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain our program would continue to meet the strict industry standards, and sustain our ASE certified training program,” RTC instructor Mr. Chris Meyer said.

            “Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be confident of obtaining qualified job applicants.”

            Paul Rehberg, RTC dean, said he was pleased.

“We couldn’t be happier,” he said. “We appreciate the hard look provided by the inspection team, and Chris Meyer’s program, which certifiably offers training excellence to the 16 area high schools we support.”

            Interested high school students wishing to attend classes next fall should contact their counselor and make their interests known through their career planning meetings.

            For information on automotive collision repair, contact: Dave Bowman, 479-444-3058, Ext 105.

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