CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — (Chambana Today) — Parkland College is one of four institutions nationwide selected to pilot a groundbreaking new automotive accreditation program launched by the Advanced Vehicle Technology Education and Credentialing Coalition (AVTECC).
The initiative, designed to reshape how technicians are trained for the evolving transportation industry, introduces performance-based, skills-focused certifications into college automotive programs. Parkland will work alongside Collin College in Texas, Umpqua Community College in Oregon, and Mass Bay Community College in Massachusetts to embed AVTECC’s national accreditation standards into its curriculum.
“Parkland College will not only be better equipped to meet the needs of the advancing automotive industry, but also create new opportunities for our students,” said Jonathan Ross, chair of Parkland’s Applied Sciences Technologies Department.
The new standards emphasize hands-on skills in electric vehicle systems, advanced diagnostics, and driver assistance technologies. Students who complete the program will graduate with AVTECC-recognized credentials, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
AVTECC President and CEO David Macholz says the program goes beyond compliance. “It’s about building programs that result in meaningful outcomes for students and the local industry these institutions serve.”
Faculty will also participate in the Automotive Instructors Institute, a professional development component that helps educators align instruction with real-world competencies.
The pilot is expected to inform a broader rollout of AVTECC’s national accreditation framework, ensuring graduates are ready for high-demand roles in an industry undergoing rapid technological change.
For more information, visit www.avtecc.org.
