Advantage Truck Group hosted the 2024 SkillsUSA Massachusetts Diesel Equipment Technology State Championship recently. The competition featured 12 high school students, all hoping for a chance to represent Massachusetts at the National Leadership & Skills Conference in June.
"ATG is proud to help support opportunities for students interested in this career," says ATG President and CEO Kevin Holmes. "There's a need for diesel technicians across Massachusetts and SkillsUSA is an important part of technical education that helps build the employment pipeline for trucking and other diesel industries."
Students were tested on their knowledge of tools, precision measurement, vehicle components and job interview skills. Workstations included tasks related to engine diagnostics, electrical systems, brakes, tires, air systems and more.
Josh Maillet, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, won first place and a gold medal. He works at ATG's Shrewsbury facility through the school's cooperative education program. He will receive four hours of training with an ATG master diesel technician to help prepare for the national competition.
Nolan Lukasik, Westfield Technical Academy, won second place and a silver medal. He is a cooperative education student at ATG Westfield. Elizabeth Santos, Greater New Bedford Regional Technical High School, earned third place and a bronze medal.
