TCAT Clarksville Student Earns ASE Certification Before Graduation

Thomas Rivera gains industry-recognized credential while still in school

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:18pm

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Thomas Rivera, a student in the Automotive Program at TCAT Clarksville, has earned his Automotive Service Excellence Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification (ASE G1) before graduating. This industry-recognized credential will give Rivera an advantage as he transitions from college to the workforce.

Why it matters

Earning ASE certifications is seen as the "gold standard" for automotive technicians, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and commitment to the field. This achievement by Rivera highlights the quality of TCAT Clarksville's Automotive Program and its ability to prepare students for success in the industry.

The details

Rivera, a fourth-trimester student, grew up working on cars with his father, a Honda technician for over 20 years. At TCAT Clarksville, Rivera's instructors, including Gabe Yohner, helped him understand the process of taking the ASE exams and prepared him for success. The certification exam covered common maintenance tasks like brakes, engine repair, electrical and HVAC systems, steering, and suspension.

  • Thomas Rivera earned his ASE G1 certification before graduating from TCAT Clarksville.

The players

Thomas Rivera

A student in the Automotive Program at TCAT Clarksville who earned his ASE G1 certification before graduating.

Gabe Yohner

The Automotive Instructor at TCAT Clarksville's Clarksville campus, with 30 years of technician experience and numerous industry certifications and ASE designations.

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What they’re saying

“The hands-on portion and the in-depth explanations from Gabe (Yohner) are my favorite parts of the program. He really breaks it down when you are here in it. If I were to go out into the workforce tomorrow, I would feel confident I could succeed in whatever position I would be in. Clearly, I feel the program has prepared me pretty well.”

— Thomas Rivera, TCAT Clarksville Automotive Program Student

“Seeing students succeed is what makes the job worthwhile. I don't want students to be behind me, I want them standing next to me. I want them to be shop foremen. I want students to be technicians not mechanics. Technicians are mechanics but mechanics are not technicians.”

— Gabe Yohner, Automotive Instructor, TCAT Clarksville

What’s next

Rivera plans to add more substance to his resume by working toward ASE A-Series certifications and becoming a Master Technician.

The takeaway

This achievement by Thomas Rivera demonstrates the quality of TCAT Clarksville's Automotive Program and its ability to prepare students for success in the industry. Earning industry-recognized credentials like ASE certifications gives students a significant advantage as they transition from college to the workforce.