Students attending the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center’s Automotive Service program recently achieved several milestones. 27 students received 38 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, attesting to the program’s success in preparing them to enter the workforce.
ACE certifications are industry-based credentials for the automotive field. The Career Center’s Automotive Service program offers students the opportunity to pursue certification in ten areas, ranging from engine repair and transmissions to steering and suspension. For example, Ovey Comeaux High School senior Bryan A. recently attained his tenth and final ASE certification, enabling him to begin studying diesel engines. Kaleb S., a junior at Lafayette High School, added three more certifications to bring his total to six. And LHS senior Tyler S. passed his third ASE exam, achieving Advanced distinction according to Louisiana Department of Education guidelines.
These certifications are especially impressive given the learning challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic during the current school year. Instructor Randy Demette says, “The success is a result of students attending school and working hard in the classroom and the shop, in spite of the unusual circumstances we are dealing with this year.”
The Automotive Service program is one of several career-focused tracks available to students attending LPSS high schools. Career Center Principal Dr. Holly Boffy explains that “these certifications will directly help our students secure good jobs in the automotive field. We are proud to support them as they work toward their career goals.”
About W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center
The W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center is an extension of high schools in the Lafayette Parish School System. Students attending the Career Center spend part of their school day taking automotive, cosmetology, culinary, industrial technology, medical, or welding courses. For more information or to enroll in Career Center courses, students should contact their high school counselor. More information is available at https://sites.google.com/a/lpssonline.com/careercenter