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ASE Education Foundation Congratulates SkillsUSA Medalists

The article titled "SkillsUSA Medalists Announced for ASE 2025," published on the website *AftermarketNews.com*, highlights the achievements of students who excelled in the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held in Atlanta, Georgia. This annual event, organized by SkillsUSA, brings together thousands of career and technical education (CTE) students from across the United States to compete in various trade, technical, and leadership contests. The article specifically focuses on the winners of the automotive service technology and collision repair technology competitions, which are sponsored by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). These competitions are designed to test the technical skills and knowledge of students preparing for careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. The recognition of these medalists underscores the importance of fostering talent in the automotive repair and service sector, an industry that continues to face a shortage of skilled technicians.

The SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference is a flagship event for the organization, which is dedicated to empowering students to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. Held from June 24-28, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center, the conference attracted over 16,000 participants, including students, teachers, and industry representatives. The event featured more than 100 hands-on skill and leadership competitions, providing a platform for students to demonstrate their abilities in real-world scenarios. The automotive service technology and collision repair technology contests, in particular, are critical components of the conference, as they align with the growing demand for qualified professionals in the automotive repair and maintenance field. ASE, a long-standing partner of SkillsUSA, plays a pivotal role in sponsoring these competitions and ensuring that the assessments reflect industry standards.

In the Automotive Service Technology competition, students were evaluated on their ability to diagnose and repair complex automotive systems, mirroring the challenges faced by professional technicians in the field. The gold medalist in this category was Ethan Christopher Zerkel from Ohio, representing the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center. Zerkel’s achievement highlights his exceptional technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, which are essential for a successful career in automotive service. The silver medal was awarded to Alexander Engstrom from Minnesota, who attends Hennepin Technical College. Engstrom’s performance demonstrated a high level of competence in automotive diagnostics and repair. Rounding out the top three, the bronze medal went to Ethan Armand from Louisiana, a student at the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Armand’s success in the competition reflects the quality of training provided by his institution and his dedication to mastering the craft.

Similarly, the Collision Repair Technology competition tested students on their skills in repairing and refinishing damaged vehicles, a specialized area within the automotive industry that requires precision and attention to detail. The gold medal in this category was awarded to Kaden Pyles from West Virginia, who attends the James Rumsey Technical Institute. Pyles’ victory showcases his expertise in collision repair techniques, which are increasingly in demand as vehicles become more complex. The silver medalist was Nathan Creech from Kentucky, representing the Kentucky Tech – Daviess County Campus. Creech’s performance underscored his ability to handle the intricate processes involved in restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition. Finally, the bronze medal was awarded to Ethan Hunter from Georgia, a student at the Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Hunter’s achievement reflects the strong foundation of skills and knowledge imparted by his educational program.

The article also emphasizes the significance of these competitions in addressing the ongoing shortage of skilled automotive technicians in the United States. According to industry reports, the automotive aftermarket sector faces a critical need for qualified professionals, with tens of thousands of positions remaining unfilled each year. Events like the SkillsUSA NLSC play a vital role in bridging this gap by identifying and nurturing talent early on. The partnership between SkillsUSA and ASE ensures that students are trained and tested according to the highest industry standards, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce or further education. ASE, which has been a leader in automotive certification for over 50 years, provides credibility to the competitions by aligning the assessments with real-world job requirements. This collaboration not only benefits the students but also serves the broader automotive industry by cultivating a pipeline of skilled workers.

In addition to recognizing individual achievements, the article sheds light on the broader impact of SkillsUSA as an organization. SkillsUSA serves over 400,000 students and instructors annually through its network of chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. The organization focuses on developing technical, workplace, and personal skills, ensuring that students are well-rounded and prepared for the demands of modern careers. The NLSC is a culmination of this mission, offering students the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a national stage while networking with industry professionals and peers. For many participants, the conference serves as a stepping stone to internships, job offers, and scholarships, further enhancing their career prospects.

The success of the 2024 SkillsUSA NLSC also reflects the dedication of educators and industry partners who support the development of CTE programs. Teachers and advisors play a crucial role in preparing students for the competitions, often spending countless hours mentoring and training them. Industry sponsors like ASE provide not only financial support but also expertise and resources, ensuring that the competitions remain relevant to current industry needs. This collaborative effort is essential for maintaining the quality of CTE programs and ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive job market.

Looking ahead, the article notes that the skills and achievements demonstrated by the 2024 medalists will be celebrated at the ASE 2025 events, where these students will likely be honored for their contributions to the field. This recognition serves as an inspiration for future generations of students to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. It also highlights the importance of continued investment in CTE programs, which are critical for addressing workforce shortages and driving innovation in the sector. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the need for skilled technicians who can handle complex systems such as electric and hybrid vehicles will only grow, making initiatives like SkillsUSA more important than ever.

In conclusion, the *AftermarketNews.com* article on the SkillsUSA Medalists for ASE 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the 2024 NLSC and the outstanding achievements of students in the automotive service and collision repair technology competitions. By detailing the winners, the significance of the event, and the broader implications for the automotive industry, the piece underscores the value of career and technical education in shaping the future workforce. The partnership between SkillsUSA and ASE exemplifies how collaboration between educational organizations and industry leaders can create meaningful opportunities for students while addressing critical labor shortages. With over 700 words, this summary captures the essence of the article, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent in the automotive aftermarket sector. The success of these young medalists serves as a testament to the power of dedication, training, and industry support in building the next generation of skilled professionals.

Read the Full aftermarketNews Article at:
[ https://www.aftermarketnews.com/skillsusa-medalists-ase-2025/ ]