The Automotive Technology program at the Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) has received ASE Training Program accreditation by the ASE Education Foundation. The accreditation enhances employment opportunities for students in the program and enables dual enrollment with colleges.

The accomplishment is timely because February is Career and Technical Education Month, celebrating the importance of career and technical (CTE) learning for all students.

To achieve this recognition, the school’s automotive training program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation. The program had to meet nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment.

“This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” said Paul Fearon, PATHS senior auto instructor. “This accreditation gives added assurance that PATHS’s students will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by PATHS, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce.”

The ASE Education Foundation is a non-profit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry. ASE’s mission is “to educate, prepare and inspire a new kind of automotive service workforce – one that embraces innovation, today's workforce demands and critical thinking.”

Fearon said that during the past few months, he and Justin Vining, instructor for first-year students in the program, have worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation to ensure that the PATHS program would meet strict industry standards. “ We are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE accredited training programs. Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants.”

Superintendent Ryan Scallon congratulated PATHS on achieving this accreditation. “A key initiative related to the Achievement priority in our new Strategic Plan is envisioning a High School for the Future that will strengthen academics and career and technical education preparation,” he said. “The Automotive Technology program is a prime example of a CTE high school learning experience that helps students to realize their potential.”

Learn more and watch a video about PATHS’ Automotive Technology program.

The Portland Public Schools is Maine’s largest school district, with nearly 6,500 students, and it’s also the most diverse. About one-third of the district’s students come from homes where languages other than English are spoken—a total of 59 languages. Approximately 47 percent of the district’s students are white and 53 percent are students of color. More than half of all PPS students are economically disadvantaged