MassBay Community College’s Automotive Technology All-Brand Program is one of four nationwide chosen to pilot a new skills-based certification initiative.
The program, launched by the nonprofit Advanced Vehicle Technology Education and Credentialing Coalition, aims to align curriculum and training with the evolving needs of the automotive industry, according to a community announcement.
MassBay’s program will embed performance-based, industry-recognized skills assessments into its curriculum. These assessments are tied to AVTECC certifications, which validate hands-on expertise across all areas of automotive service, with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies such as electric vehicle systems, advanced diagnostics and drive assistance systems.
“We are honored to be selected for this innovative pilot program, in recognition of MassBay’s continued commitment to delivering an exceptional, skills-based education in the fast-moving automotive technology space,” said David Protano, MassBay dean of automotive technology, in a statement. “By participating, MassBay is shaping the future of automotive technician training, providing the regional market with needed well trained and skilled technicians, while also giving our students the certifications and experience that make them stand out to employers.”
As part of the initiative, MassBay’s automotive technology faculty will participate in the Automotive Instructors Institute, a professional development program that equips educators with tools to teach advanced technologies and competency-based instruction, according to the announcement. This training will help ensure instructors are prepared to evaluate students on nationally validated skills and keep pace with demands of the fast-changing industry.
“Our goal is to build elite programs that produce exceptional technicians,” said David Macholz, president and CEO of AVTECC, in a statement.
Pilot results will guide national rollout
The results of the pilot will help guide the national rollout of AVTECC’s new accreditation framework, which evaluates automotive programs on student achievement, employer engagement and instructional quality. By aligning programs with real workforce needs, the initiative is designed to give students a competitive edge in the job market while providing employers with highly skilled technicians ready to contribute on day one, according to the announcement.
MassBay’s auto technology department offers programs sponsored by four major automotive brands: BMW, Toyota/Lexus, General Motors and JEEP/Chrysler/Dodge/Ram, providing students with in-depth, product-specific automotive technology programs, according to the announcement.
To learn more about MassBay, visit massbay.edu.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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