Piedmont Technical College offering auto maintenance course in Edgefield County as part of unique partnership
Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is offering an auto maintenance course in Edgefield County that will provide comprehensive training to students seeking certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
South Carolina residents may be eligible to receive full funding for the course through the SC Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS).
Students who enroll will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to diagnose, service and repair automotive systems in accordance with industry standards. Instruction covers key areas aligned with ASE certification exams, including engine repair, automatic and manual transmissions, electrical and electronic systems, braking systems, steering and suspension, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance.
Emphasis is placed on the use of diagnostic tools, safety procedures and accurate troubleshooting techniques. Students will engage in hands-on laboratory activities and real-world simulations to reinforce classroom learning. The course also includes test preparation strategies, practice exams and review sessions to help learners successfully pass ASE certification tests.
This course is scheduled to begin May 26 and conclude on November 19. Classes will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center.
Registration and orientation sessions will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 12-14, at the Johnston Learning Center, 117 Cardinal Drive, Johnston, SC.
A unique partnership between PTC, Edgefield-McCormick County Adult Education, the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center and Pendarvis Chevrolet laid the groundwork for this course.
“This is a great example of a partnership that leverages resources to meet a community need,” said PTC Workforce Innovation Dean Matt Wiggins. “Between Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center providing the venue, Edgefield Adult Education helping to recruit and support students, Pendarvis Chevrolet donating equipment and scholarships offered through the college, this is a great opportunity for Edgefield County citizens to gain automotive maintenance skills that will open doors to new careers.”
Edgefield-McCormick County Adult Education Director Vickie Butler echoed Wiggins’ sentiments.
"The partnership between Edgefield County Adult Education, the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center and Piedmont Technical College represents a powerful collaboration and investment in our local community,” Butler said. “By combining our resources, we are creating a direct pathway for adult learners to gain industry-recognized ASE certifications and transition into high-demand auto industry careers. Our goal is to empower students with the specialized skills needed to secure life-sustaining wages, ultimately building a stronger, more resilient workforce right here in Edgefield County and the surrounding communities."
Pendarvis Chevrolet will provide vehicles for students to work on and supply the necessary parts. The dealership will also bring in guest speakers to present to the class, and at the end of the course they will host a walkthrough of their automotive shop for all students.
Dealership owner Richard Pendarvis said he agreed to sponsor the course because “we hope to get some technicians out of there.”
“Not many kids work on cars in the backyard with their fathers anymore, so we got to have somebody getting these kids interested in training them, where we can provide them jobs,” he said.
For more information on the course, go to https://www.ptc.edu/continuing-ed/browse-courses/ase-auto-maintenance