Automotive Trades

Cyril (Skip) E. Merrick, Chair phone: (607) 587-3118
E-mail address: merricce [at] alfredstate [dot] edu

Today, more than ever, the highly skilled automotive technician has an increasingly important role in the efficient operation of our society. The four Automotive Trades areas: automotive service technician; heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician; autobody repair ; and motorsports technology prepare technicians for the ever-expanding and highly-specialized trade industry.

Students can apply for and take their NYS Inspection test during their freshman year. The senior heavy equipment: truck & diesel technician students will have the opportunity to take the test to be certified in basic engine theory through the Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS). All automotive students have the opportunity to take their area’s ASE exams (we are a testing site) and the ADS TechCert test.

The automotive service technician program was awarded #1 Post-secondary Automotive Program in New York State by the Industry Planning Council for 1996 and 1998 as well as National Runner-up for 1998 and national winner in 2000. The heavy equipment: truck & diesel technician program is one of nine national ADS (Association of Diesel Specialists) TechSmart programs.

Three of the four programs are master certified by the NATEF (National Automotive Training Educational Foundation). We are one of only 17 post-secondary schools nationwide to have received this master status in all three areas by NATEF. NATEF is a national industry-wide organization whose 40-member board of directors represents all aspects of the automotive industry. Representation by such a diverse group of individuals adds to the credibility of the certifications to assure that programs meet stringent national standards.