WILLISTON, N.D. - Clayton Sponable, WSC Diesel Technology Instructor, is now a Master Diesel Technician and Master Automotive Technician after passing sixteen Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams March 3.

"I went to Minot to take the exams for the diesel portion and decided to take the eight additional automotive exams," Sponable stated. "I felt confident in my knowledge in both."

Typically, only two of every three test-takers pass on their first attempt, but Sponable achieved both certifications, taking eight exams for each, in one day.

Because of Sponable's certifications, WSC is now qualified to reinstate its Transportation Program accreditation through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), which requires an ASE certified instructor on staff.

"Clayton's accomplishment and dedication aids the college in maximizing the TREND grant and CTE program dollars," Pamela Rasmussen, TREND Grant Director and Career Navigator, stated. "Williston State College is proud of Clayton's accomplishments."

Currently, the popular Diesel Program has a waiting list, but Sponable achieving both certificates gives WSC leverage with potential automotive recruits when students compare colleges.

Sponable holds both certifications for five years and must recertify in 2021 to keep up with advancing automotive technology.

Dept. of Labor (DOL) TREND - TAACCCT grant dollars have helped fund WSC's Transportation Program since 2012. The TREND grant has been significant in developing WSC's CTE programs, focusing on career pathways, student recruitment and retention, and job placement.