Press Release  from Anne Arundel County Public Schools Carol S. Parham, Superintendent of Schools

August 21, 2001

For immediate release

Center of Applied Technology - South's automotive program receives national re-certification

The automotive training program at the Center of Applied Technology - South recently received re-certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

"During the past several months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards," said Ron Alberico, principal of CAT-South. "We are delighted to continue to be recognized along with many other ASE certified technician training programs. Students are assured of a quality education, and shop owners are assured of getting quality job applicants."

To achieve the re-certification, the training program underwent a rigorous evaluation by NATEF, which used nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment. After completing the evaluation, NATEF recommended that CAT-South be re-certified by ASE, a national, nonprofit organization which tests and certifies repair technicians in addition to certifying technician training programs.

The center's automotive program was re-certified in the program areas of brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, and suspension and steering. The re-certification is good for five years, after which the program will be reviewed to ensure that it continues to meet industry standards and complies with the latest technological advances in the automotive world.