Jump to navigation Skip to Content
March 11, 2026
by: Janine Wine
TCAT Dickson Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Clarksville, TN: Thomas Rivera is not sure what the future holds for him, but he knows earning an Automotive Service Excellence Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification (ASE G1) before graduating TCAT Dickson’s Automotive Program will give him an advantage over other applicants when transitioning from college to the workforce.
The certification exam covered common maintenance tasks like brakes, engine repair, electrical and HVAC systems, steering, and suspension.
Rivera, a fourth-trimester student enrolled at TCAT Dickson’s Clarksville campus, grew up working on cars with his dad, a Honda technician for more than 20 years. “My understanding of working on cars was just from him. I wanted to learn more and get the extra knowledge. That’s why I chose TCAT,” Rivera said.
Rivera knew about ASE certifications and the prestige behind what is known as the “gold standard” for automotive technicians prior to his enrollment, but he did not know the process for taking the exams. His instructors at TCAT Dickson’s Clarksville campus not only helped him understand the process but also prepared him for success.
“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,” Rivera said.
Gabe Yohner, Clarksville campus Automotive Instructor, has 30 years of technician experience and numerous industry certifications and ASE designations including Master Automobile Technician, Advanced Level Specialist, Hybrid Specialist, and Electric Vehicle Specialist to help guide the next generation of technicians.
“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,” Yohner said. “I want them to be shop foremen. I want students to be technicians not mechanics. Technicians are mechanics but mechanics are not technicians,” Yohner added.
Yohner knows the value of industry certifications and that those certifications show potential employers a prospective job candidates’ professionalism and their absolute commitment to being at the forefront of the industry. “The automotive technician field needs more problem solvers and more critical thinkers. If I am an employer with two candidates, I am going to pick the one with a diploma and industry certifications over the guy that randomly replaces broken parts. I would want the technician,” Yohner said.
“We are all encouraged to go out and get our ASEs. They are one of the most important certifications you can have,” Rivera said. He plans to add more substance to his own resume by working toward ASE A-Series certifications and becoming a Master Technician.
“Gabe encourages the entire class and helps students gain the confidence they need to be successful. I think this definitely puts me a step ahead. It would put anyone a step ahead. I see students struggle to stay focused and second guess themselves. Gabe causes students to take pause and makes students think about what they are doing,” Rivera said.
In addition to Yohner’ s, TCAT Dickson’s Clarksville campus runs a second daytime Automotive Technology program lead by long-time instructor Darroll Samsil. While students are assigned to one instructor, they interact with both during their enrollment. “Darroll has also been there for all of us. Like Gabe, he has a lot of experience and knowledge. Darroll has really helped us. We have two classes, but we have one big program and two great instructors who work together. That’s a huge asset,” Rivera explained.
“We have several students who are planning to follow Thomas and take ASE certification exams. I want them to be successful, and I want them to make huge amounts of money,” Yohner said.
In addition to offering two Automotive Technology classes at the Clarksville campus, Automotive Technology is also offered at the main campus in Dickson.
For more information about any of TCAT Dickson’s nineteen programs of study or three campus locations in Dickson, Clarksville, and Franklin visit TCATDickson.edu or call 615-441-6220.
TCAT Dickson is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and complies with non-discrimination laws: Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA. Located on Highway 46 in Dickson, the technical training college also has extension campuses in Clarksville, and Franklin. Additional information about the school is located at TCAT Dickson's website.
TCAT Dickson Clarksville campus student Thomas Rivera (center) holds the letter he received showing he passed the Automotive Services Excellence Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification (ASE G1) certification exam. TCAT Dickson Automotive Technology instructors Darrol Samsil (left) and Gabe Yohner encourage students to earn ASE certifications which are known as the “gold standard” in the automotive repair industry.
Clarksville campus TCAT Dickson Automotive Technology student Thomas Rivera (left) completes a relative compression check on a vehicle while instructor Gabe Yohner observes. Rivera, a fourth-trimester student, just earned the Automotive Service Excellence certification for Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (ASE G1).
