“This is the future of our business, the next generation of workers we’ll hire,” explained Pat Kowalski, the manager of the Voss Collision Center. “The average body shop worker is in his late 40s to 50s or so, and we’re always looking for new talent.”
Voss has hosted this event for the past four years, and they also have six employees who volunteer most of the day to serve as judges.
“We’re all in for this,” Kowalski added. “The winner two years ago now works here, and right now, we have an internship and part-time employee program that hires these students. They all start in the detail area and if they prove themselves, they move up. I’ve got five students working in detail right now, five more in the body shop and three more working on the paint side.”
“We’re lucky to have Voss involved. This gives the students a neutral site and a fully equipped facility to demonstrate their skills,” explained Bryan Jackson, the coordinator of the competition. Jackson, who is the trade and industry supervisor at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center, said the students represent the best of their class from 13 schools.
“These competitions are the culmination of two years of study for most of these students, and is one third of the three areas SkillsUSA emphasizes in the development of career tech students: Leadership Development, Community Service and Skill Development/Competition.”
Car Paint donates all of the supplies used in the refinish phase.
“We’re honored to be able to provide the paint and supplies for these students,” said Les Eder, the local Car Paint representative. “These are our future customers, and they’re a great group of young people.”
On the Collision Repair side, the students take a written exam, do an estimate and then have to weld, repair metal and complete a plastic repair. On the Refinishing side, there is also a written exam and estimating exercise as well as paint code ID, masking and refinishing.
The top three students in each category advance to the state competition. Those advancing in Collision Repair are Kyle Gibson, Stebbins High School; Max Babyak, Tolles Tech and John Coddington, Warren County Career Center.
Advancing in Automotive Refinishing are James Guilfoyle, Diamond Oaks; Casey Martin, Springfield Clark Career Center and Zach Carlock, Upper Valley Career Center.
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