News

Collision Repair program granted NATEF recertification

EVIT program remains the only NATEF-certified collision repair program in Arizona

February 8, 2012

Media Contact: Tiffani Nichols, Public Information Officer, 480-461-4032

The East Valley Institute of Technology was recently evaluated and awarded NATEF recertification in Collision Repair and Refinishing.  EVIT remains the only high school in Arizona with this honor and is amongst an elite group nationwide. 

NATEF was founded as an independent, non-profit organization with a single mission: To evaluate technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry and recommend qualifying programs for NATEF accreditation.

The certification process is extensive and involves two major steps: a detailed self-evaluation followed by an on-site evaluation.  The purpose is to improve the quality of training offered by setting standards for the content of instruction, which includes tasks, tools and equipment, hours, and instructor qualifications.

Programs are accredited every five years with a mid-point check at 2.5 years.  This marks the sixth year EVIT’s Collision Repair/Street Rod and Custom Painting program has been certified.

Students in the two-year program develop the manipulative skills involved with auto body repair and refinishing.  They learn to perform jobs ranging from detailing to assisting with a complete paint job in a modern paint booth.

The hands-on learning area was recently outfitted with two new paint mixing systems along with a computer, software, label printer, paint books, tech manuals and a mixing scale.   The complete set-up, worth more than $15,000, was provided by Leading Edge Auto Refinishes and Riverview Collision in Mesa.

“The new equipment enables students to learn a complete paint system and will better prepare them to make a successful transition into the workforce” said instructor Neil Carroll.  “We are very thankful to our advisory council and community partners for helping bring this technology to EVIT.”

About EVIT
The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is Arizona’s first joint technological education district. It provides occupation-specific programs for high school students at ten school districts across the East Valley. The programs are tuition-free for high school students; classes also are open to adult students at competitive tuition rates. EVIT, which has been honored as an A+ school in Arizona, is located in Mesa at 1601 W. Main Street and 6625 S. Power Road.