The annual Ocean State Automotive Contest, hosted by New England Tech in cooperation with the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers Association, is a chance for high school seniors to demonstrate their technical abilities in the automotive field. This competition involves different work stations in which students are asked to complete certain tasks or to troubleshoot technical “bugs” within a 10 minute time limit that is set for each station. The individual workstations include brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and electronics, heating and air conditioning, engine repair, parts identification and engine performance.
This year’s Rhode Island winners from Warwick Area Career and Technical Center, Justin Suttles and Shawn Teague, received a one year tuition scholarship to New England Tech and a set of Snap-On tools. The second and third place teams were awarded $1500 and $1000 tuition scholarships respectively. Justin and Shawn earned the right to compete at the National Automotive Dealers Competition sponsored by the Greater New York Automotive Dealers Association in New York City.
In addition, Justin and Shawn won first place at the state level for the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition held at Firestone Tire in Warwick, RI. The competition criteria was similar to that of the Ocean State Automotive Contest. This dynamic duo produced a flawless vehicle at the state contest which afforded them the opportunity to travel to Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, for the national competition held in June.
As Justin stated, “Knowing that I could have a year free of schooling is opening new doors for me and it’s a great experience. New England Tech was really encouraging and had really high standards during the competitions. They have a great degree program.”
If you would like additional information about any of New England Tech’s over 50 Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and online degree programs, including Automotive Technology, with High Performance and Automotive Service Management Technology.
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