Cars from various eras were gathered as part of the team challenge module comparing and contrasting different automotive technologies.
Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) hosted its Ninth Annual High School Skills Challenge Day on April 13, 2018.
Automotive students from five local high schools from Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties competed for awards in hands-on events such as:
- Vehicle Maintenance Inspections
- Automotive Parts Identification
- Servicing high voltage cars
- Comparing and contrasting 21st Century Automotive Technology, featuring an exhibition of cars from different technological eras
- Electrical Diagnostic Challenge
- Wheel Rotation Test
- A Technical ASE Style Exam
Tesla Technician speaking to Monterey High School students about Tesla technologies.
Approximately 50 students participated in the event that is designed to inspire students to pursue successful career paths through the Monterey Peninsula Colleges’ Automotive Degree and Certification Program. The event also builds and strengthens the partnerships between the college and local high school automotive programs and local businesses. The five high schools participating this year included:
- Monterey High School, Monterey, CA
- Mission Trails ROP, Salinas, CA
- North Monterey County, Castroville, CA
- San Benito High School, Hollister, CA
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Two students from San Benito High School compete as MPC College Monitor observes.
Seaside High School, Seaside, CA
Six students from each high school competed in two-person teams, wearing customized tee shirts, identifying their schools. Each school also brought two back-up students. MPC had its own team of six college students participating—competing amongst themselves.
The two person teams with the highest scores received custom engraved torque wrenches. Prizes were also awarded to the high schools with the highest cumulative points. The top team was awarded a six-foot tall traveling trophy that stays at their high school auto program throughout the year.
MPC Automotive Program Chair, James Lawrence, awards top individual prizes.
The winning high team was North County High School which has dominated the event in recent years. The second place team was San Benito High School which was awarded the four-foot tall traveling trophy. Approximately 20 MPC students and alumni volunteered and supported the event.
