Automotive Technology Students Take 1st Place in the Top Tech Challenge

Students were rewarded with a full scholarship to Universal Technical Institute.

James Lee and Ryan Mcveigh, two Seniors from the Automotive Technology program at Wayne Township High Schools recently took home the top prize at Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) Top Tech Challenge. Additionally, the nationally-certified Automotive Technology program received a trophy and a specially designed toolbox filled with all the latest technology and tools.

The two-part competition required teams of 2 students to complete an in-person written test at UTI’s Bloomfield

 NJ campus. The top 20 teams from that segment returned to campus the following week to compete in a hands-on skills competition putting their automotive diagnostic and repair knowledge to the test. The contestants were required to complete timed tasks in scan tool diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, measuring and calibration tool usage, braking systems, and parts identification, as judges observed and scored each activity. 

 

District Automotive Technology Instructors Ken Bergen and Steve Hopper were thrilled with the outcome. “They worked hard studying and preparing for the competition,” said Bergen.  “They represented themselves very well and once again proved how the skills learned in Automotive Technology can quickly be applied to real-world settings,” added Hopper. 

The students will be recognized at the Automotive Technology program’s annual car show. This year’s event will take pla

ce on Wednesday, June 2, at Wayne Hills High School.

The District’s Auto Program runs at both Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley and is one of only a select few in the State to hold national certification. 

Universal Technical Institute operates campuses nationwide, with Bloomfield being one of its newest. It offers certificated programs in Automotive and Diesel. 

For more information about the Automotive Technology program, please contact Steve Hopper at: [email protected], or Ken Bergen at: [email protected]