Berks CTC team tops Penn College’s diesel competition

Twenty-eight participants from nearly a dozen career and technical education centers vied for glory in the diesel competition at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center, representing the readily attainable possibilities that await those pursuing an applied technology education.

“In the race for success, this year’s CTC students took the lead – combining expertise, innovation and a passion for all things diesel,” said Chris S. Weaver, assistant professor of diesel equipment technology, who chaired the Dec. 8-9 event. “Contestants seemed to have a passion for excellence, as well as the drive and determination for victory. From the CTC to the winners’ podium, these young men and women redefined excellence, one powerful station at a time.”

Berks Career & Technology Center (heavy equipment) won first place overall and received $5,000 in training funds courtesy of Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc. Bucks County Technical High School finished second, and Berks Career & Technology Center (diesel) finished third.

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

• First – Evan Bauer, Bucks County Technical High School; $10,000 scholarship
• Second – Ryan D. Ciccocioppo, Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center; $7,500 scholarship
• Third – Cristofer J. Cote, Berks Career & Technology Center (heavy equipment); $5,000 scholarship

Fourth through 28th place will each receive a $1,000 scholarship should they choose to continue their education at Penn College.

The link between the event and the industry it represents was evident during dinner on the eve of competition, as Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources, welcomed competitors, families and sponsors to dinner on the college’s main campus.

“Penn College produces graduates who are quality technicians, and, still, the employers need more,” he told them. “We meet with diesel employers on a regular basis, and they all have the same needs for qualified technicians. The employers often ask us what we can do, or if they can help us to recruit more students. In response, we worked together to create this diesel competition for you to showcase your skills.

“Throughout this event, we hope you will be encouraged by how valuable your CTC education is and discover how a Penn College education can open countless doors to viable career choices throughout the diesel industry.”

The student speaker at Friday’s banquet was Aidan F. Nunan, of Boyertown, who logged top three finishes in the 2021 and 2022 competitions, and who just completed his first semester in Penn College’s electric power generation technology: diesel emphasis major.

“As a prior competitor, I know what it’s like to be in those seats,” he said. “Don’t be too worried about it. Just try and stay focused and have fun but pay attention to the Earth Science Center as I did. If I hadn’t looked at all the different labs, I may not have seen electric power generation.”

In addition to what he’s learned in just 16 weeks of Fall 2023 classes, he said, he has been impressed by students’ frequent exposure to visiting employers. One of those encounters led to a paid internship with Foley CAT over winter break.

“The best thing about Penn College so far has been the atmosphere,” he added. “I was expecting something like ‘13th grade’ when I came here, but it is not at all like that. Your classes turn out just like family and your instructors are just like good friends. The atmosphere here is like nothing I have experienced before, and I hope you will all get to experience it tomorrow.”

Also addressing the crowd were Penn College President Michael J. Reed and Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies.

“In between competitions, I encourage you to explore, ask questions and envision your future,” Webb told the CTC students. “You are shaping that future and building your legacy toward rewarding and sustainable careers.

“The possibilities are truly quite endless when you choose Penn College, and when we work together. Our world needs us – all of us – to keep filling the skills gap and transforming tomorrow.”

In addition to schools already mentioned, Pennsylvania participants were Adams County Technical Institute, Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, North Montco Technical Career Center, Northern Tier Career Center and SUN Area Technical Institute. A past out-of-state competitor – the Center of Applied Technology in Maryland – also fielded a team.

The students qualified for competition through a faculty-prepared written exam in advance, then, at the Earth Science Center south of Williamsport, rotated among stations where proficiency – in such areas as basic electricity, commercial truck steering and mobile refrigeration – was rewarded with first, second and third prizes provided by industry sponsors.
 
“The synergy between industry knowledge and student ambition is what propels our diesel competition to new heights, and a huge ‘thank you’ has to go out to our industry partners for bridging this gap,” Weaver said. “The guidance and support of those mentors and sponsors turbocharges our contestants’ success.”

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

Skills sponsors
Daimler Truck North America, Groff Tractor & Equipment, Heidelberg Materials, Hunter Truck, James D. Morrissey Inc., Penske Truck Leasing and Vulcan Materials Co.

Station sponsors
Earthborne Inc., FedEx, Imperial Supplies, Watsontown Trucking Co. and XPO.

In addition to those generous sponsors, a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation provided hotel rooms and a food allowance for competitors. Under that funding, the college is smoothing the pathway for CTC students seeking postsecondary certification or an associate degree in diesel technology.

For more about diesel-related majors in Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.