Diesel competition attracts 29 students from 16 CTE centers

Twenty-nine juniors and seniors from 16 career and technical education centers recently convened for Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Diesel Technology Competition. It marked the fifth year for top-performing students to make connections with future mentors and employers.

From liftgates, multimeters and sealants to hydraulic identification, fasteners and power generation, the annual event engages CTE students in a skills competition that encourages continued education in diesel- and heavy equipment technology-related fields. Since its inception in 2021, 17 participants have enrolled at Penn College. 

Each year’s top three competitors receive a scholarship if they enroll in a Penn College diesel, electric power generation or heavy equipment program, while the winning CTE receives a cash gift to use toward training aids for their diesel program. To date, $58,500 in scholarships has been awarded to students and, $25,000 has gone to CTEs.

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

• First place: Elliot Waidell – Berks Career and Technology Center (Diesel) – $10,000
• Second place: Nicholas Trifiletti – Orleans/Niagara BOCES – $7,500
• Third place: Samuel Gerber – Howell Cheney Technical High School – $5,000

All other participants will receive $1,000 per year for two years if they choose to enroll at Penn College.

Berks Career and Technology Center was the winning school and Kevin Heimbach, diesel technology instructor, is grateful the college continues to host the competition and for the support of sponsors, specifically Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc., which provided funding for the award.  

“I know that it is a joint effort that makes it such a successful event,” Heimbach said. “We are updating some of our equipment, like new floor jacks, with the $5,000 won by the students. Also, this competition has changed the plans of some of my students after graduation. The scholarships have opened many doors for students, such as Elliot Waidell.”

Over the competition’s five years, $211,500 has been donated from corporate partners in support of the event.

“We hold our corporate partnerships in high regard,” said Joanna K. Flynn, vice president for academic affairs/provost, during a kickoff dinner the night before the competition. “And those partners hold you in high regard – future professionals, leaders in their industries. Thanks to our valued corporate partners, successful alumni and skilled faculty, you have a team of industry experts at your disposal while you are on campus.”

In fact, the Diesel Competition wouldn’t be possible without industry support, added Chris S. Weaver, assistant professor of diesel technology and department head.

“Their willingness to donate equipment, build stations and serve as judges brings real-world credibility to every task the students face,” Weaver said. “That direct industry involvement is what makes the competition meaningful, relevant and truly representative of what technicians will encounter in the field.”

Last year’s winner, CJ Cote, of Honey Brook, a Berks CTC heavy equipment student who now is pursuing a degree in electric power generation technology at Penn College, was the student speaker for the evening. He spoke directly to competitors, sharing that he is very familiar with the pressures of the competition.

“Just stay focused and, more importantly, have fun,” he said. “Look around, explore, make connections and meet new people. This competition has shown me the true value of Penn College. It has opened so many different doors for me. All I can tell you is network – it is the key to your career.”

Industry partners for the 2025 competition included:

Horsepower sponsors
Allan Myers, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc., Foley Inc., Hunter Truck, Kenworth of Pennsylvania and Motor Truck Thermo King

Torque sponsors
Bergey’s Truck Center and Pennsy Supply Inc.

Turbo Boost sponsors
M.J. Electric LLC, Wagman Construction Inc. and Watsontown Trucking Co.

In addition to the support from industry sponsors, a grant from the National Science Foundation helped cover the cost of 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.

For more information about 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.