HOLLAND — A group of four students from the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District's CareerLine Technology Center won an award of excellence at last month's Regional Skills USA Diesel Equipment Technology Competition.
The contest was held on February 23rd at Lansing Community College. A student in CTC's Diesel/Heavy Equipment Mechanics program earned top three places in the Diesel Technology Contest, and another student earned second place in the Heavy Equipment Operator Contest.
Zachary DeKliger of Allendale High School won the diesel technology contest, and homeschool students Gavin Grifhorst and Jacob Moore both took second place. Zeeland student Tristan Oberweg took second place in the heavy equipment operator category.
Students spent nearly three hours demonstrating technical skills and knowledge in areas such as engines, drivetrain components, braking systems, electrical, and hydraulics. Soft skills are also assessed through mock job interviews.
“I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity and look forward to continuing to advance to higher levels of competition,” De Kliger said.
Each student will advance to the state competition on Saturday, April 13th in Grand Rapids.
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CTC's Diesel/HEM program offers a two-year program for students. During his first year, he will learn about the operation, maintenance, and overhaul of diesel-powered equipment and will complete at least one engine overhaul. Students who continue in the program learn to troubleshoot and repair customer-owned equipment in their second year.
“It's rewarding to see students step out of their comfort zones and try new things,” program instructor Jason Arvada wrote in the release. “We are very proud of our program and our students and look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the future.”
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared in The Holland Sentinel: Careerline Tech Center students excel in diesel technology competition
