College of the Redwoods’ Automotive Technology Program and Business Training Center recently received certification from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) as the State Smog Technician training center for Humboldt County.

In order to achieve this approval CR had to meet strict standards regarding equipment, tools and instructor training as required by the state BAR.

Classes begin with a BAR 2011 Smog Update class on Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26. CR will continue to offer a selection of smog technician training classes to help current automotive smog technicians meet their continuing education requirements and stay licensed. CR will also provide the classes for people who want to become licensed smog technicians. The class schedule is listed at http://www.redwoods.edu/departments/community-ed/SmogTrainingProgram.asp.

CR will be hosting a celebration for this new program on Feb. 8 with a chance to meet the automotive faculty, view the Smog Technician training equipment and check out CR’s well-equipped Automotive Technology laboratory.

This new program is made possible in part by funding CR received though the Humboldt _County Headwaters Fund. Donations of 1996 and newer cars are needed and would be appreciated by the Automotive Technology Program for student use. Cars must be running and have a clean title. Donations may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

To learn more about Smog Technician training, contact CR’s Business Training Center at 269-4000 or stop by CR’s Eureka downtown instructional site at 605 K Street, Eureka. For CR’s Automotive Technology ASE training programs, contact CR at 269-4000 to meet with CR’s Career Technical Advisor, Jennifer Knight.