Career & Technology Academy Automotive Program Receives National Accreditation

The automotive services training program at the Career and Technology Academy (CTA) in Prince Frederick has received Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Training Program accreditation by the ASE Education Foundation. CTA’s automotive program has been accredited in automotive maintenance and light repair.

To achieve this coveted recognition, CTA’s program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used. 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.

“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 CTA’s graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by CTA, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce.”

Program instructor Ben Lane added, “The ASE Education Foundation ensures that students receive relevant training that prepares them for a career in the automotive industry. A school that meets the rigorous requirements that ASE has set forth has demonstrated a dedication to meeting the needs of the students for this industry. We are proud to be able to support the needs of both our students and our local community.”

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation emphasizes the importance of providing students with opportunities to earn entry-level, industry-recognized credentials (IRC). Last year, 100% of students who completed the CTA automotive program earned one or more ASE credentials. The Blueprint’s goal is for 45% of all high school graduates to earn at least one IRC and/or complete the high school level of a youth apprenticeship by 2030.

“ASE certification is important because it helps to bridge the gap between the automotive business needs and how we teach our students,” said program instructor Ray Trigger. “Students earning their ASE certificate is the first step to becoming a successful lifetime learner in a constantly changing career field.”

“We are so fortunate to have this incredible training program and opportunity available to our students here in Calvert County,” stated CTA Principal, Carrie Akins. “This accreditation is a worthy recognition of the hard work put forth each and every day by our instructors as well as evidence of the support of our greater community working with us in partnership to make this program a national model of excellence.”

The automotive services program at CTA is a two-year program open to all Calvert County Public Schools students beginning in their junior year of high school. To learn more about the automotive program, visit: cta.calvertnet.k12.md.us/programs.