Students in the Diesel Truck and Equipment Technology program showcased their skills in the regional SkillsUSA competition held at the Butler Tech/Colerain Career Center. Under the guidance of instructor John McDaniel, promising mechanics demonstrated their expertise across a range of stations, competing for top honors and a chance to advance to the Ohio SkillsUSA competition.
The competition, a culmination of training and hands-on learning, featured ten challenge stations designed to test various aspects of diesel mechanic skills. These stations included interview simulations, diagnostics for lights and brakes, preventive maintenance tasks, wheel bearing adjustments, battery checks, code interpretation, VIN verification, handling customer complaints, and a comprehensive written test.
Industry professionals from local partner businesses, serving as judges for the event, not only evaluated the students’ performance but also generously donated prizes to recognize their achievements. This collaborative effort between Butler Tech and businesses underscores the importance of hands-on learning experiences in preparing students for the demands of the workforce.
Among the standout performers were seniors Tyrelle Smith, Brayden Pfaffinger, and Mason Yost, who demonstrated exceptional skills and secured the top three positions in their category. In the junior division, Colton Ralston, Dylan Wilmes, and Connor Wustrack showcased their talent and clinched the top spots.
However, it was Tyrelle Smith, with an impressive cumulative score of 1121 points, who emerged as the overall top scorer, closely followed by Brayden Pfaffinger and Colton Ralston, each with 1040 points. Their outstanding performance has earned them a spot to represent Butler Tech at the upcoming Ohio SkillsUSA competition, where they will compete against talents from across the state.
The success of Butler Tech’s Diesel Mechanic SkillsUSA competition would not have been possible without the support of the participating businesses.
- Republic Services
- City of Cincinnati
- Worldwide Equipment
- Blust Motors
- Rush Trucking
- Home City Ice
- Equipment Depot
- BobCat Enterprises
- Kenworth Truck, Cincinnati
- Palmer Truck
- Colerain Township Fire Department
- Great Lakes Power
- John Dsuban Spring Service
- Clark Fire
- Northgate Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram
- UNOH
- Metro
- Bob & Harry’s Garage
As Butler Tech continues its mission of transforming lives through career-focused education, events like the Diesel Mechanic SkillsUSA competition serve as a testament to the dedication and talent of its students and faculty. With the support of industry partners, Butler Tech remains at the forefront of preparing students for success in an ever-evolving job market.
Special thanks to John Cook, Dave Fox, Heather Campbell, and Chris Trentman for their assistance and support.
