Lincoln's Electronic Systems Technician Programs Now Credentialed by ESPA

WEST ORANGE, N.J., Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ: LINC), the national leader in specialized technical training and a driving force in helping students turn their passion into professional success, has partnered with the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA) to provide the ESPA Certified-EST certification to Electronic System Technician (EST) graduates across its network of career training institutions.  Becoming an ESPA Authorized Training Partner will add valuable recognition to a Lincoln EST diploma or certificate, establishing students' skills as industry-certified once they graduate and pass their certification exams.

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"The ESPA certification is the only credential recognized by electronics systems employers in the commercial, residential, and security industries," says Lincoln's CEO Shaun McAlmont.  "At Lincoln, we see this as a real win for our students and graduates.  It is about adding further value to our training programs.  Lincoln trains you for a career, we prepare you professionally to launch that career, and now we can also certify you based on ESPA's high-stakes exam."

Lincoln currently offers hands-on EST training at Lincoln Technical Institute in Mahwah, NJ and Union, NJ, and at Lincoln College of Technology in Columbia, MD; Indianapolis, IN; Marietta, GA; and Melrose Park, IL.  In addition to training in the labs and learning theory in the classrooms, EST students hone their skills in on-campus Smart Houses – training structures in which trainees can step inside a "job site" and practice wiring and repairing residential systems through cutaway walls.

"ESPA is a great addition not only for our schools and students, but also for our employers," says Brian Capozzi, Executive Director of Lincoln'sMarietta campus.  "The common theme today with employers across all disciplines is certification—and the addition of ESPA preparation certification to our EST program will provide a standard that employers can relate to graduates' training and qualifications."

ESPA is a cooperative partnership between the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA).  It was formed to help train and certify entry-level ESTs for employment in a variety of industries, including commercial and residential audio/video and control, security and alarm, retail A/V and Cable/Satellite TV installation.  The Alliance is recognized by ESA (Electronic Security Association) and is a strong supporter of the National Center for Construction Education and Research EST curriculum used by Lincoln Tech.

"ESPA's mission is to build a strong pipeline of well-trained technicians to enter the workforce ready to work, learn, and advance their careers," says Chuck Wilson, Executive Director of ESPA and a member of the National Systems Contractors Association.  "This partnership with Lincoln represents a major step toward that goal."

Lincoln continues to seek out and establish new partnerships and programs around the country to bridge the skills gap between the abilities of the workforce and the needs of employers.  Campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), depending on location.  ACICS and ACCSC are listed as nationally recognized accrediting agencies by the United States Department of Education.

About Lincoln Educational Services Corporation

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education. Lincoln offers recent high school graduates and working adults degree and diploma programs in five principal areas of study: automotive technology, health sciences, skilled trades, business and information technology and hospitality services. Lincoln has provided the workforce with skilled technicians since its inception in 1946. 

Lincoln currently operates 38 campuses and five training sites in 17 states under five brands: Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences, Lincoln College of New England, and Florida Medical Training Institute.

For more information, go to lincolnedu.com.

Contact Information
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation
Peter Tahinos
(973) 736-9340
ptahinos@lincolnedu.com

SOURCE Lincoln Educational Services Corporation