GCC one of five schools in state with master level auto certification

By IAN MINIELLY

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Ironwood — Gogebic Community College has been recertified at the Master Automotive Service Technology level from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation through November 2021.

GCC is the only post-secondary college in the Upper Peninsula certified at the master level and one of five in the state of Michigan.

Master level certification is the most stringent and intensive level of certification offered. “Master level certification contains all the content of the other two levels of NATEF certification, so students graduating from the GCC program are well prepared for entry level positions in the auto industry,” said Ed Gorman, GCC automotive instructor.

The three levels of NATEF certification include 540 hours of maintenance and repair, 840 hours of automobile service technology and 1,200 hours of master automobile service technology.

If a student passes the exams at the end of the automobile course, he or she is awarded a two-year Automotive Service Excellence certification, enabling the student to work in the automotive field to gain the requisite skill and experience to pass the full length ASE certification exam. “It is a win-win for the students and professors,” said Gorman.

GCC offers a certificate and an Associate of Applied Technology program in automotive. The certificate program covers the theory, diagnosis and repair of the automobile,” according to Kim Zeckovich, Director of Admissions, Marketing and Community Relations.

The associate degree includes the certificate program with management, communications, supervisory, computer, and math skills, which allows for employment in automotive management and business or the student could transfer to a four-year university.

Additional information on the auto program at GCC can be found at gogebic.edu or by calling 906-307-1207.