History

Automotive Training Center's Exton Campus circa 1970's

Automotive Training Center’s Exton Campus circa 1970’s

For more than a century, Automotive Training Center, also known as ATC, has turned hard working students into industry leaders. From our beginnings in Philadelphia to our current standing as one of the area’s well respected technical schools, ATC has always been dedicated to providing our students the best learning experience possible.

1917

Automotive Training Center is established as a division of Spring Garden College in Philadelphia, PA.Automotive Training Center is established as a division of Spring Garden College in Philadelphia, PA.

1946

ATC Spring Garden CollegeSpring Garden College purchases separate facilities for Automotive Training Center (ATC) on North 17th Street in Philadelphia to accommodate the post World War II growth of the automotive and diesel program.

1971

ATC Exton CampusATC relocates and constructs a new 25,000 square-foot facility with 10 specialized automotive shops and classrooms on a five acre campus in Exton, PA, a suburban community 30 miles west of Philadelphia.

1991

Steve HiscoxStephen Hiscox, ATC graduate and former instructor is appointed President/CEO.

1994 – 1995

NATEF Accreditation LogoATC’s Exton Automotive and Collision Reconditioning Technology program earns Master Certification through ASE and NATEF (the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence and National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation).

1998

BMW begins recruiting at ATC for its specialized STEP graduate training program. Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Audi and Volkswagen follow shortly afterward by accepting ATC’s top graduates into their own manufacturer-specific training programs.

1999

Award for Excellence in Automotive TrainingATC is named the National Winner of the Award for Excellence in Automotive Training by the Automotive Industry Planning Council (AIPC) and ASE.

2001 – 2010

Ford LogoFord Motor Company partners with ATC to provide Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) training for ATC students.

2002

ATC is selected as one of three national qualifying sites for the “Engine Masters Challenge” sponsored by Popular Hot Rodding Magazine.

2002 – 2007

Honda Marine LogoATC partners with Honda Marine to provide technical training on Honda Outboard marine engines to authorized dealership technicians in the northeast region.

2003

ADAGP LogoThrough a strong alliance with the ADAGP, ATC assists its students and graduates with employment opportunities with the 190 new car and truck franchise throughout the give county area.

2005

ATC Warminster CampusATC is the Pennsylvania State Winner and National Runner-Up for the AIPC/ASE Award for Excellence in Automotive Training. ATC constructs a new training facility in Warminster, Bucks County, PA. The facility consists of 71,150 square feet situated on 10.5 acres of land.

2006

Mercury Marine LogoATC is Pennsylvania State Winner and the National Winner of the AIPC/ASE Award for Excellence. ATC Warminster adds Marine Service Technology to its program offerings. Mercury Marine partners with ATC offering Mercury University dealer service training at the Warminster campus.

2008

School of Merit and School of Distinction awardsATC’s Exton and Warminster campuses receive the 2007-2008 School of Merit and School of Distinction awards respectively from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

ATC Warminster hosts the Greater Philadelphia Automotive Technician Competition sponsored by the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP) and the Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation.

2009

ATC’s Warminster Campus becomes the new training location for Chrysler Academy Technical Training Services. American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) designates ATC, Warminster as a training and test site for their marine certification classes. ATC is named Chicago Pneumatic & Tomorrow’s Technician School of the Year Award- Top 20 Finalist.

2012

ATC’s Warminster campus is selected to host the Ford AAA Student Auto Skills, Pennsylvania State Competition.

2013 – 2014

School Of Excellence Award ATC Exton is recognized as a School of Excellence for 2013 – 2014.

I-CAR Training LogoATC is sanctioned by I-CAR to incorporate the Professional Development Program Education Edition Curriculum into the school’s collision curriculum.

2016

Mopar CAP LogoFiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) partners with ATC integrating the Mopar CAP LOCAL program and curriculum in the school’s automotive programs.

Yamaha Motor Corporation LogoYamaha Motor Corporation partners with ATC offering instructional resources in Yamaha Outboard Engines to the school’s marine service technology program.

2017

Tomorrow’s Technician School of the Year 2017 winners

ATC Warminster placed as one of the top four (4) finalists in the “Tomorrow’s Technician School of the Year” National Competition.

ATC’s Warminster campus has been recognized by The Accrediting Commission of Career School and Colleges (ACCSC) as a 2017 ACCSC School of Excellence.

ATC celebrates its 100th anniversary 1917-2017.

2018

Richard A Hiscox is appointed President and CEO due to the passing of Stephen C Hiscox, President and CEO 1992-2018.

2019

Mercedes Benz LogoThrough an agreement with Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), eligible students can benefit from MBUSA specific training within select ATC programs at the Exton campus. The goal of the program is to develop qualified entry-level technicians for MBUSA franchise dealers.

Volvo LogoThrough a training partnership with Volvo Car University, eligible students can benefit from Volvo specific training within select ATC programs. The goal of the program is to develop qualified entry-level service technicians for Volvo franchise new car dealerships.

2020

Through a training partnership with Volkswagen Group of America, eligible students can benefit from Volkswagen specific training within select ATC programs. The goal of the program is to develop qualified entry level service technicians at the Warminster campus for Volkswagen franchised new car dealerships.

ASE Education Foundation iCar Training
Automotive Training Center

Contact Us

Exton Campus

114 Pickering Way, Exton, PA 19341
888-321-8992

Warminster Campus

900 Johnsville Blvd, Warminster, PA 18974
888-881-8140

ATC does not discriminate against employees, students or applicants on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or disability.

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