Meeting a high benchmark…Del Mar College’s Automotive Applied Technology Program receives ASE Training Program Accreditation
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July
2025
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20:22 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation’s endorsement acknowledges quality training that area employers expect, gives students advantage by completing college’s ASE accredited program
Article by Melinda Eddleman
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During a July 24, 2025, media op to announcement Del Mar College’s Program Training Accreditation from the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation for its Automotive Applied Technology Program, students taking the Engine Repair and Automotive Engine Performance Analysis class demonstrated the hands-on skills training on advanced technology used for repair and maintenance of vehicles. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
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Automotive Applied Technology students showed off their hands-on skills using Consulab trainers to practice diagnostics system testing in a controlled lab setting as well as applied other skills on actual fleet vehicles for assessment to ensure they can perform real-world automotive service and repair tasks that meet ASE standards. The demonstrations were part of Del Mar College’s July 24, 2025, media op to announce the program’s accreditation by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation, which acknowledges that a training program meets industry-recognized standards for quality and prepares students for successful careers in the automotive service field. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
ASE Accreditation Announcement_Student Lab_Hands-on Training_072425_Student Checking Diagnostics
During a July 24, 2025, media op to announcement Del Mar College’s Program Training Accreditation from the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation for its Automotive Applied Technology Program, students taking the Engine Repair and Automotive Engine Performance Analysis class demonstrated the hands-on skills training on advanced technology used for repair and maintenance of vehicles. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
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These trends make workforce-ready training programs like Del Mar College’s Automotive Applied Technology Program critical to regional economic development. One key factor that industry employers across the country and in the Coastal Bend region look for when hiring is ASE certification.
Paul Creacy, Interim Chair of the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department
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AES Accreditation Plaque
ASE accreditation acknowledges that a training program meets industry-recognized standards for quality and prepares students for successful careers in the automotive service field. The accreditation ensures students’ training aligns with the skills needed for ASE certification testing.
In a letter from the ASE Education Foundation, President Mike Coley stated, “We compliment you for attaining the level of excellence recognized by the ASE Education Foundation. Both the educational and automotive communities should be proud of your commitment to [offering a] quality automotive training program.” The foundation also sent a plaque.
“Employers recognize ASE accreditation as a mark of quality and consistency, increasing the employability and earning potential of our graduates,” said Creacy. “It confirms that our students are trained on up-to-date vehicles, technologies and diagnostics and have been taught by instructors with real-world expertise.”
Creacy also noted, “Our students are employed across a wide range of dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet services and government agencies.” Examples include AutoNation, General Motors, Hicks Automotive and Mike Shaw dealerships; the City of Corpus Christi’s Fleet Services; the Nueces County Maintenance Department and the Corpus Christi Independent School District’s Transportation Department, among others.
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Del Mar College Automotive Applied Technology Instructor Raymond Wallace (left) demonstrates one of the high-tech pieces of equipment used to train students preparing for repair and maintenance careers in the auto industry. Observing the demo is Jeff Barlow second from left), Service Director with Mike Shaw Kia, and two other dealership employees. As auto industry partners, they attended Del Mar College’s media op on July 24, 2025, to announce its new national program accreditation from the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
ASE Accreditation_Automotive Faculty Member and Industry Partners
Del Mar College Instructor of Automotive Applied Technology Raymond Wallace (left) speaks to automotive industry partners Charlie Hicks, Chief Executive Officers of Hicks Automotive Group; Jeff Barlow, Service Director with Mike Shaw Kia dealership; Bruce Barber, Service Director with Ed Hicks Mercedes; and Hicks Layton, Sales Manager with Ed Hicks Nissan, during a media op to showcase students’ skills as part of the college’s announcement of receiving Program Training Accreditation from the Automotive Service Education Foundation. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
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t’s not easy to achieve and requires meeting over 100 strict criteria, staying current with evolving automotive technology and maintaining a clean, safe and effective learning environment. However, our students benefit directly from this level of excellence, and we’re proud to set the standard for hands-on technician training in South Texas.
Duane Beadle, Professor of Automotive Applied Technology
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To become an ASE accredited program, the process is rigorous and comprehensive. Over several months, DMC faculty and staff compiled and submitted documentation covering the following:
- Curriculum alignment with ASE standards,
- Instructor credentials and ASE certifications,
- Advisory committee feedback and industry input,
- Facility, tool and equipment inventory,
- Student learning outcomes and job placement rates, and
- Classroom safety procedures and lab practices.
Additionally, an on-site evaluation was conducted by a team of industry professionals who verified that the program met national benchmarks in all required areas.
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This process not only validates the quality of our instruction but also helps us maintain a cycle of continuous improvement and industry alignment. Earning ASE accreditation places Del Mar College’s Automotive Applied Technology Program among a distinguished group of institutions nationwide and reflects the dedication of our faculty and the strong relationships we’ve built with industry partners. Most importantly, this accreditation gives our students a competitive edge and lets employers know they’re job-ready from day one.
Paul Creacy, Interim Chair of the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department
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ASE Accreditation Announcement_072425_Automotive Applied Technology Program_Student-Faculty-Industry Partners Group Shot
During a July 24, 2025, media op to announcement the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation’s accreditation of Del Mar College’s Automotive Applied Technology Program, students, faculty and auto industry partners gathered for a group photo with the ASE Accreditation plaque to celebrate the accomplishment. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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