Today's automobile is designed and engineered at a higher level of technology than ever before. According to many automotive industry estimates, there is a critical shortage of technicians. Industry is turning to education to attract individuals into the career field and provide the training needed for employment. Many employers say they need entry-level technicians who have the essential knowledge and skills required for fundamental service and maintenance tasks including a general understanding of all automobile systems with a solid foundation in electrical/electronic systems, while others refer to hire technicians with a broad skill set from an automotive program with more depth and breadth. The General Service Technician certificate is intended to be an articulation option to the Auto Repair Technician, Certificate of Proficiency or Auto Repair Technician, AAS program. In addition, this program includes preparation for two of the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications.