Three Morton College automotive students gain ASE certification

One Morton College automotive technology student added to his credentials and two others passed certification tests offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Austreberto Zarco adds Parts Specialist and Service Consultant to his growing list of ASE certification. The Cicero resident, already ASE certified in Automotive Brakes, credits taking an automotive Special Topics course in service consultant procedures over the summer that prepared him to pass the most recent two exams.
Morton College’s automotive technology special topic courses cover a variety of areas and allow instructors the flexibility to offer programs that meet the current job market.
Also gaining ASE certification were Adam Jockl of Berwyn (Engines) and Danny Irizarry of Cicero (Brakes and Manual Transmissions).
“The Service Consultant class prepared me to take the ASE exam,” Zarco said. “Having ASE certification makes me more marketable. In today’s tough job market, I’ll take every edge I can get.”
Morton College’s trio of ASE certified students should have an edge in today’s job market. A report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that automotive service technicians/mechanics are among the nation’s five fastest growing fields.
The ASE certification program is a nationally recognized means of measuring the competency of an automotive technician, according to Dave Hostert, coordinator of Morton College’s Automotive Technology program.
“The ASE tests are the industry standard for automotive technicians,” added Don Sykora, Morton College Automotive Technology instructor. “The fact that our students successfully completed the tests demonstrates an impressive accomplishment.”
Morton College’s Automotive Technology Program is Master Certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and designated as a National Training Center by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC).
The Spring Semester starts Tuesday, January 20, at Morton College. Call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250 or go to www.morton.edu for more information.

Open Registration for Automotive Courses begins soon

Open registration for Spring 2009 classes begins on Monday 11/17/2008.
With priority registration already available, automotive classes are filling up quickly.
If you have not registered for your spring courses already, be sure to do so as soon as possible to make sure you get the classes you need.

Midnight Registration for Spring 2009

“Midnight at Morton!,” Morton College’s original one-day, do-it-all registration event, returns Monday, November 17, on the campus at 3801 S. Central Avenue, Cicero.

The doors of the College will be open from 8 a.m. to midnight for students to:
• Register for Spring semester classes
• Take a placement test
• Meet with an academic advisor • Learn about financial aid • Sign up for a payment plan
• Purchase books and supplies
“If it’s the first time you’ve wanted to attend college, you don’t have to wait the Fall to register,” said Sandra P. Saldaña, Morton College’s Vice President for Student Success. “You can start school in January.”
Morton College’s Spring semester begins Tuesday, January 20th.
In addition to the traditional, degree-seeking student, “Midnight at Morton!” is perfect for students who are:
• Starting new careers
• Wanting to come in to register after arriving home from work • Working second and third-shift jobs
• Transferring from another college or university
• Returning to college after being out of school
Morton College offers a beautifully remodeled campus with new science and computer laboratories, one-on-one service provided to students, a sense of “family” at the college and the affordability of a two-year community college compared to a four-year university.
For more information about this event call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250.

Automotive Student Success

Auto technology at Morton College key to Hernandez’s career success


When the real estate market began to weaken, Isain Hernandez needed to find another way to make a living.
The Cicero resident turned to Morton College and enrolled in the automotive technology program. He now owns a neighborhood auto repair on Chicago’s north side that just celebrated its first anniversary in June. Isain is now looking to open a second shop.
“I wasn’t making any money, so I decided I had to make a change,” Isain said. “I decided to do something people need. This also is something I can do wherever I live.”
Even with the demands of a full-time business, Isain builds on his knowledge of the always-changing automotive technology industry by continuing to take courses at Morton College.
“The equipment in Morton College’s auto program is excellent,” said Isain, who has been taking classes here as a part-time student for three years and is near meeting the requirements for a certificate in automotive technology. “It’s the best and latest in technology.”
Isain says he enjoys being his own boss and emphasizes, “Customers are No. 1.” About three-quarters of his business come from the neighborhood and he is starting to develop a solid customer base.
“The instructors (Dave Hostert and Don Sykora) are really good and explain things well,” Isain said. “I can always ask them for advice. Whenever I need a question answered, I just ask Dave or Don and they’re glad to help.”
Hostert and Sykora also have been great sources for Isain to tap into about operating an auto repair business.
“It’s great to see Isain put to use what he has learned at Morton College at his shop,” Hostert said. “Isain continues to further his education in automotive technology, which allows him to remain current in the field. We’re very pleased with his accomplishments.”