Usually, a somber atmosphere surrounds car repairs, but at NIC’s autobody and paint collision repair competition, dented fenders are cause for celebration.
The competitors, comprised of both high school and college students, were split into two groups based on their strongest skill set: ‘body’ and ‘paint.’ Contestants working within ‘body’ competed in small dent repair, plastic repair, and creating a written estimate. Students who excel in auto painting worked on applying a base coat and clear coat, spot priming, as well a written estimate.
Bryce Tellinghusen, one of the six NIC students participating, said, “I am very excited and a little nervous, but this should be a bit like my competitions in sports.”
NIC’s Autobody and Paint Technology Associate Professor, Cal Dehaas, coordinated the event. With 24 years of experience teaching this class, he felt this event was the highlight of the year for students at Parker.
“We have taken it and just kind of built it into an event that works well for recruiting and awareness and just fun,” he said.
The event serves as both a pre-qualifier for a SkillsUSA contest held late March in Boise as well as a chance to apply the hand-on skills students will use every day in the field.
Carson Hudson, another student in NIC’s autobody and paint program, said that the skills he learns now will apply directly to a future career.
“Fenders? You see that almost everyday,” Hudson joked. “Let’s face it, today people aren’t the best drivers.”
The judges were a dozen in number and included NIC alumni, industry technicians, vendor reps, and shop owners. At the end of an hour, a horn blared signaling the end of a session and judges visited each station to assess the finished product.
Ashleigh Anderson, last year’s SkillsUSA Auto Refinishing national champion, also served as a judge. She was NIC’s first national champion for this division.
“I really, really enjoyed the competition,” said Anderson. “It really made me see what I was capable of under pressure, and that I could actually do the things I learned about – to see what the judges who have been in the industry thought.”
According to Jody Watts, a judge for the high school paint blending and a technical representative for Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, repair technicians are some of the most in demand in the automotive industry, and there is a real shortage right now.
Dehaas said the majority of class-time is in the repair shop, where students learn primarily through repetition. He feels this event is a great resume builder and demonstrates time management skills.
“If one can handle the pressure of the situation and stay steady all the way through, then they can pull it off.”
College Division Results
For refinishing, first place to Neil Huber of NIC, second to Isaac Rogers of NIC, third to Charlotte Coron of LCSC; for body repair, first place to Bryce Tellinghusen of NIC, second to Carson Hudson of NIC, and third to Michael Smart of LCSC.
High School Division Results
For refinishing, first place to Caden Smidt of KTEC, second to Ethan Armstrong of KTEC, and third to Jimmy Auten of KTEC; for body repair, first place to James Niggeman of KTEC, second to Audri Hall of KTEC, and third to Dorian Bucalo of KTEC.
Article written by Keith Plass and Kaylee Brown
