Seth Christmas from our ALC Collision classes took first place at SkillsUSA Nationals in Georgia on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Seth competed in the Collision and Repair Technology Division using the skills he learned in his advanced collision courses with Chet Harmer at the ALC and his welding classes at MMHS from Jared Massic. Seth was able to travel to Georgia and compete due to the gracious support of the Nebo School District CTE Dept., Martin’s Collision, Cascade Collision, and Whitlock Auto Body.
The Collision and Repair Technology competition evaluates each contestant’s preparation for employment and recognizes outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in the field of collision repair technology. The competition included an interview, a 50-question written knowledge test given by ASE, an estimation test, and a structural test. These tests also included math, science, and language arts academic skills. Additionally, Seth demonstrated his repair skills based on a task list outlined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Specifically, Seth competed in metal straightening, welding, plastic repair, and structural analysis. Seth’s overall appearance of his finished product, speed, and proper safety practices scores led him to gold.
Seth outperformed his peers by winning the highest overall scores in:
- Repairing depressed areas on a steel panel with plastic body filler
- Repairing a depressed area of an aluminum panel using heating techniques
- Repairing depressed areas using metal finishing techniques on a steel panel
- Preparing a steel panel for primer application
- Demonstrating attachment methods needed for collision repair of steel and aluminum panels
- Completing a backside reinforced cosmetic surface repair on a plastic vehicle part. Mixing and applying appropriate material
- Completing a front-side cosmetic surface repair on a plastic vehicle part. Mixing and applying appropriate material
- Completing surface preparation
- Completing a tear repair on a plastic vehicle part using a plastic nitrogen welder. Applying appropriate material
- Describing basic steering and suspension components of the vehicle
- Describe steering and suspension geometry
- Performing a structural damage analysis
- Performing a structural realignment
- Measuring and analyzing structural, steering, and suspension misalignment of a unitized body vehicle using a computerized measuring system
- Completing an oral assessment/interview
- Maintaining professional conduct
- Maintaining professional appearance
- Completing a job application and résumé
Seth’s prizes include tools from Snap-On, South Wire, Miller Welding, Harbor Freight, Chief Automotive, Gear Wrench, Malco, scholarships from Universal Technical Institute and Utah Valley University, and more prizes to come!
Congratulations Seth and Mr. Harmer!