WNC automotive students jump start careers, pass ASE exams

Courtesy Steve Yingling, WNC

 Automotive Technology students at Western Nevada College are jump-starting their automotive mechanics careers.

Five of the nine students completing four accelerated classes in automotive mechanics during the fall semester are part of the Jump Start College program. Joining the automotive program as Carson High School students gave them the opportunity to not only earn credit toward an automotive degree, but also pass nationally recognized Automotive Service Excellence certification exams.

“It’s a big deal. A good number of them passed all nine certifications,” said WNC Automotive Technology Instructor Jason Spohr. “I look forward to good work from them next semester. They’ll have 24 credits, so they’ll only need 36 more for a degree.”

The certification exams covered suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drive train and axles, heating and air conditioning and maintenance and light repair.

Students who pass the certifications have a better chance of employment in the future, Spohr said.

During the semester, Spohr’s students also rebuilt a 350 engine for a Chevy Willy Jeep, as well as performed restoration work on a 1967 Corvette.

Individuals interested in studying Automotive Technology can learn how to get started in the program at www.wnc.edu/starthere/. Scholarships are available due to a generous donation from Campagni Auto Group; 2017-18 scholarship applications are now being accepted at www.wnc.edu/scholarships.