Diesel competition attracts 13 CTE centers from three states

Connecting the next generation of diesel technicians with their future mentors and employers, Pennsylvania College of Technology’s fourth annual Diesel Technology Competition hosted 24 participants from 13 career and technical education centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Connecticut.

Berks Career & Technology Center (heavy equipment program) won first place overall and received $5,000 in training funds courtesy of Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc. This is the third year in a row that a team from Berks CTC has captured the top prize.

The top three individual students and the Penn College scholarship offers attached to their winning performances are:

•    First – Cristofer J. Cote, Berks CTC (heavy equipment), $10,000 scholarship
•    Second – Brandon Lenhart, Berks CTC (diesel), $7,500 scholarship
•    Third – Eric Reynolds, Cecil County School of Technology, $5,000 scholarship

Fourth through 24th place will each receive a $1,000 scholarship should they choose to continue their education at Penn College.

“Bringing CTC students, their families, industry partners, CTC faculty, and Penn College staff, faculty and students together into the same room is what makes this event so special,” said Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources. “Imagine you’re one of the competitors or parents, and you get a glimpse of the next steps from CTC to college to the employer you might work for someday. The diesel equipment technology industry is in dire need of skilled technicians, and this event is more than a competition: It’s bringing the key stakeholders that make up the future of this industry together. We hope the competitors enjoyed the event and welcome them to take the next step in their journey at Penn College.”

The event kicked off on Friday, Dec. 13, with an evening banquet in the Thompson Professional Development Center on Penn College’s main campus in Williamsport. The competition was held the following day at the college’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center.

In addition to Beishline, Michael J. Reed, college president, and Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies, welcomed the large gathering.

Last year’s diesel competition winner, Evan J. Bauer, of Levittown, who represented Bucks County Technical High School, served as student speaker. He is completing his first semester in Penn College’s electric power generation technology: diesel emphasis major.

Bauer relayed how the opportunity opened his eyes to working on diesel generators. “When I participated in the diesel competition, I saw how great a career it would be for me. I learned that it is not just diesel generators; it is also industrial engines, electrical switchgear, and industrial and residential electricity. This, along with the diesel competition scholarship, is what led me to choose power generation,” Bauer shared.

“The atmosphere here is like nothing I had ever experienced before, and I hope you will all get that experience tomorrow,” he concluded.

Joining Bauer on a student panel were two other former competitors who are now Penn College students: Cassie R. Brunner, of Dillsburg, enrolled in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis, and Aidan F. Nunan, an applied management and electric power generation technology: diesel emphasis student from Boyertown.

Also addressing the banquet audience were industry representatives from Bergey’s Truck Center, Cleveland Brothers and Hunter Truck.

Industry support for the diesel competition is strong, with companies eager to hire Penn College graduates. Among those engaged in the endeavor are:

Competition sponsors
Allan Myers, Bergey’s Truck Center, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc., Foley Inc., Hunter Truck, Kenworth of Pennsylvania and Motor Truck Thermo King.

Skills sponsors
FedEx, Groff Tractor & Equipment, Pennsy Supply Inc., Penske Truck Leasing and Vulcan Materials Co.

Stations sponsors
Highway Equipment & Supply Co., Hoober Inc., Watsontown Trucking Co. and XPO.

In addition to the support from industry sponsors, a grant from the National Science Foundation covered the banquet and hotel rooms for competitors. Under that funding, the college is smoothing the pathway for CTE students seeking postsecondary certification or an associate degree in diesel technology.

“Our annual diesel competition serves as a vital bridge between career and technology center students and the industry, providing a platform for participants to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they’ve honed under the guidance of their instructors,” said Chris S. Weaver, assistant professor of diesel technology and department head. “This event not only highlights the technical expertise of future diesel technicians but also introduces students to Penn College’s state-of-the-art diesel labs and facilities. By fostering these connections, the competition inspires the next generation of industry professionals and showcases the exceptional educational opportunities available at Penn College.”

Joining the competitors from Berks CTC’s East Campus in Oley and the Cecil County School of Technology in Elkton, Maryland, were participants from the following schools: Adams County Technical Institute, Gettysburg; Admiral Peary Area Vocational-Technical School, Ebensburg; Bucks County Technical High School, Fairless Hills; Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, Butler; Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technology Center, Mechanicsburg; Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center, Leonardtown, Maryland; Northern Tier Career Center, Towanda; North Montco Technical Career Center, Lansdale; Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center, Reading; SUN Area Technical Institute, New Berlin; and Vinal Technical High School, Middletown, Connecticut.

“It was really great to have the opportunity for students to participate in the Penn College Diesel Competition once again,” said James P. Mack, heavy equipment technology instructor at Berks CTC and a 1999 Penn College graduate in diesel technology and heavy construction equipment technology. “This contest stands out as one of the best for diesel technology, and what I find most impressive is the amount of industry support that the students and parents are able to see firsthand. I was able to talk with several of the instructors at the contest, and we are all very proud of what our students have accomplished to make it to that point and what they are able to demonstrate at the contest stations.”

For more information on diesel truck, heavy equipment and power generation degrees and other majors offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free at 800-367-9222 for more information.