Tech Center automotive mechanics technology program takes giant step forward
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

The Cherokee Technology Center automotive mechanics technology program is now recognized nationally.

The automotive mechanics program received notice last week it has been nationally certified in the area of general service technician training, teacher Doug Guthrie said Wednesday. The school received a 3-day accreditation visit in January from the National Automotive Technology Education Foundation.

Cherokee Technology Center is the first high school automotive program to receive the national certification. It is one of only 15 in the country.

"Cherokee County can proudly say we are leading the way in the implementation of this new national training program," Guthrie said. "Many of our graduates will be able to take advantage of transfer agreements with their new schools, earning advanced credit for the work they did at Cherokee Technology Center."

The national certification was developed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Started in 1983, the nonprofit organization evaluates technician training programs against standards set by the automotive industry.

Cherokee Technology Center students J.J. Bailey (left) and Jeffrey Cole work on a project in the automotive mechanics technology class. The program recently earned national certification. (Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL)

"Several local businesses have had students from the school's program as co-op employees," Guthrie said. "Some of these jobs have turned into full-time careers for students after graduation."

Guthrie said he felt it was important to seek national certification so students would receive the best training for entering the job market and continuing their education. His students receive an introduction to hydraulics, internal combustion engines, electrical systems and the principles of heating and air conditioning systems.

Guthrie has reached the maximum enrollment of 20 juniors for the first-year automotive program. He expects the majority of the students will return to graduate from his program next school year.

"With the tremendous support of local automotive businesses and community leaders, the program has grown steadily over the past year and a half," Guthrie said. "We have more and more students showing an interest in the automotive and related service industry."