May 18, 2015—The Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School recently hosted the inaugural New Jersey SkillsUSA competition, an event sponsored by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ).
The competition put local students to the test by having them prove adequacy in four different automotive repair tasks, including demonstration different welds to removing dents from a bumper.
“As older technicians age out of this field, it becomes increasingly important to start creating the future of our industry,” AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell said. “We are so appreciative of the companies who donate supplies and the local industry leaders who donate their time to act as judges. Shops always complain about the shortage of new, quality technicians. This is the answer to that.”
Twelve students participated in the event. The first place winner of the competition will go on to compete at the national SkillsUSA championship held in Louisville, Ky.
