Cars and trucks of today are virtually computers on wheels and the days of “tinkering” to fix vehicles have come to an end as technology in the automotive industry advances. Students enrolled in Chattanooga State’s Automotive Technology program through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) have access to all the advantages that the program offers to enter a good sustainable career in just one year.  The instructors, Bill Heckathorn and Martin Hicks, are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master mechanics and the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF) certifies the program. 

To become ASE-certified in any or all eight of the certifications, students must pass an ASE test and have full-time, hands-on work experience – or a combination of formal training and experience. Nationally, more than 300,000 automotive technicians and service professionals hold ASE certifications, helping to protect the automotive service consumer, shop owner, and the automotive technician. According to Bill Heckathorn, Automotive Technology Senior Instructor, “The exams are not easy. Only two out of three test-takers pass on their first attempt.” And, to keep up with the ever-advancing automotive industry, once ASE certified, professionals must retest every five years to maintain their certification.

With a job placement rate of 100 percent for the past six years and entry-level salaries ranging in the mid-$30s, students who work hard and continue to advance have the chance to earn the ASE Gold Master certification while still in the classroom, greatly enhancing their chances for an even better salary in the workforce.

Twelve students in TCAT’s Automotive Technology program attained Gold ASE Master certification during their time in the program. Gold status means a student has passed all eight certification tests in suspension and steering, manual transmission, automatic transmission, HVAC, engine repair, brakes, electrical and engine performance.

The following students have earned their ASE Gold Master certification: Cody Quinn and Steve Garrison, Harrison; Michael Forbeck, David Gamble, and Craig Porter, Hixson; John T. Atkins, Chattanooga; Brian Mickey, Ooltewah; Don Ledbetter, Livingston; Kyal Glombowski, Cleveland; Matt Peeney, Memphis; and Kris Gates of Collegedale who also earned a Silver medal in last year’s SkillsUSA state competition.

“With the help of my instructors here at Chattanooga State, I was able to earn my ASE Gold Masters. It has opened up more doors than I could have imagined both locally and across the state of Tennessee. I am able to do what I love, living near who I love, at pretty much any shop I want,” shares Matt Peeney, the latest student to earn a ASE Gold Master Technician ranking.

For more information on the Automotive Technology program, please call 423-697-4433, or visit https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/automotive-technology. ixson