Piedmont Technical College’s Automotive Technology program was recognized as a national runner-up in the Post Secondary category by the Automotive Industry Planning Council (AIPC). 

Keith Lasure, dean of the Automotive Technology program, Mike Rodgers, instructor and Automotive Technology program coordinator; and Grayson Jefferies, instructor; were on hand to accept the award at the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) convention held in Las Vegas last month.

The annual award is based on a variety of criteria including enrollment, completions, job placement, instructional resources, faculty qualifications, equipment, program facilities and accomplishments. To be eligible to enter, a program must be ASE/NATEF certified. 

“These awards acknowledge some of the very best automotive training programs in the country,” said Fred Hines, ATech Training, Inc. president and AIPC chair. 

“AIPC is proud to be able to recognize these programs and their instructors. They all share a commitment to excellence that makes them stand out.”

This is not the first time the department has ranked among the top in the nation, last year Piedmont Tech’s program received the Automotive Award of Excellence for South Carolina. The national honor was comprised of a 2008 Jeep Liberty Sport 4X4 from Chrysler Corporation that will be used by the department for training, a Loving Cup, an ASA Blue Seal of Excellence award plaque, an ASA and NACAT membership, and a Snap-on tool certificate.

“Receiving the state award last year was great news, and now earning a national award proves that our program is getting stronger each day,” said Rodgers. Rodgers and Jefferies both agree that the students deserve to be recognized as well. 

“The students are the main reason we work so hard in preparing them for their future and it makes us even more proud when they are hired by local employers,” said Jefferies.

The AIPC is a national advisory group of industry leaders, vocational/technical educators, and educational policy makers whose mission is to promote communication, cooperation and excellence in automotive service training programs. 

Piedmont Tech’s Automotive Technology program trains students in eight areas of automotive service: engine repair, engine performance, electrical and electronic systems, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmission/transaxles, suspension and steering systems, brakes and heating and air conditioning. 

Piedmont Tech offers an associate’s degree in Industrial Technology with a major in Automotive Technology. For more information contact Mike Rodgers at (864) 941-8468 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Grayson Jefferies at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Photo Caption: Piedmont Technical College’s Automotive Technology program was recognized as a national runner-up in the Post Secondary category by the Automotive Industry Planning Council (AIPC). Pictured from left to right, are Bill Kersten of NATEF and Piedmont Tech instructors Mike Rodgers and Grayson Jefferies.