Public Information Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 7, 2006 

CONTACT:   Donna Myers, (206)546.4717

Shoreline Community College GM instructor
achieves World Class Technician status 

Shoreline, WA – Patrick Koenen, an instructor and graduate of Shoreline Community College’s (SCC) GM-ASEP Program, has achieved World Class Technician status, the highest ranking for achievement in GM service.  This accomplishment places Koenen among the most knowledgeable and skilled GM technicians in the country.  This is not only an accomplishment for Koenen, but a great opportunity for SCC GM-ASEP students.

            Koenen earned Master Technician status in each of the eight certification classes (engine performance, engine mechanical, steering and suspension, manual drive train, automotive transmissions, brakes, H-VAC, and electrical) before completing the hands-on assessments and attaining the World Class ranking.  He has also been awarded ASE masters certification in Auto and Trucks.  Currently, only 14 (including Koenen) technicians in Washington state have achieved the World Class rank; only 823 nationally.

            “Shoreline Community College is very proud of Patrick Koenen’s recent achievement of World Class Technician,” says SCC Interim President Lee Lambert.  “Patrick is a Shoreline graduate, and the College is proud to be the only College in the state to have two General Motors World Class Technicians on staff. 

            The 36 year-old Everett resident began working in industry while he was studying automotive technology at Bothell High School, and after graduating in 1989, enrolled in SCC’s program.  Koenen worked as a technician in the Seattle area for 20 years, and in January 2005, he joined the SCC automotive teaching team in the Professional Automotive Training Center.

            Koenen will serve as a role model for his students.  In addition to teaching the GM-ASEP program at the College, he is also providing Master Technician testing services for current students.  He hopes to encourage his students to go for the World Class status.  “It’s not unachievable,” he says, “and it helps you be a better technician.”

            Koenen is the second SCC instructor to reach this pinnacle; Scott Main was named a world class technician in 2004.  Former SCC student, Mike Hoak, was also awarded World Class Technician status last year. 

            “Patrick is an amazing instructor,” says Jim Hammond.  “His capacity to understand and teach is incredible.  It makes me feel so good to realize that he is a graduate of our very own program right here at Shoreline.”

            To learn about SCC’s GM-ASEP program, please check out the web site at http://www.shoreline.edu/automfg/ or call 206.546.4784.

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