In competition held on Northeastern Junior College`s north campus earlier this year, students from several colleges were in Sterling to compete in a Skills USA secondary automotive competition hosted by the NJC Auto Techs Club. The secondary automotive programs serve high school students who are engaged in pre-collegiate technical training. A number of students from area high schools participate in NJC`s secondary automotive program.
Various stations were put up around the shop lab and each student competing was allowed 10 minutes at each location to demonstrate his or her knowledge and skill level by doing several designated tasks. Students were tested on basic engines, automatic transmissions, engine performance, steering and suspension, electrical systems, brakes, air conditioning , manual power trains, parts in general and had to complete a written Exam made up of 100 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) style questions with a one hour time limit to complete the test.
Two members of Northeastern`s secondary automotive technology program did well in representing the college. Taylor Kokes received the highest overall written test score and placed second in the hands-on station rotation competition. James Mahaffey, also representing NJC, was named third place overall. It was Justin Ryan, a student from Morgan Community College who placed first in the hands-on portion of the competition.
The competition was supported by donations from NAPA Auto and Truck Parts, CarQuest and O`Reilly Auto Parts. These automotive supply houses provided gifts to the winners.