LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - April 22, 2010) -
| WHAT: | Ten top high school auto technology student teams, the automotive technicians of the future, will repair identically "bugged" Mercury Milan vehicles at the 2010 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition. The competition seeks to find the state's best aspiring auto repair team. | |
| The competition started in 1949 to encourage high schoolers to consider automotive careers. Judges grade teams on knowledge, mechanical abilities and a hands-on under the hood competition where students demonstrate best workmanship in the shortest time. The team with the best score will represent California at the 2010 National Finals at Ford Motor Company World Headquarters in June. Last year more than $10 million in scholarships and prizes were offered, including a car for the top winning schools automotive programs. | ||
| WHY: | Trained automotive technicians are highly sought in today's job market, but many high schools have reduced or eliminated automotive education. Auto dealers and repair facilities scout the skills competition for future employees because demand for qualified technicians to repair today's complex cars exceeds supply. | |
| WHERE: | Wally Parks NHRA Museum Presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, LA County Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona 91768. | |
| WHEN: | 10 a.m. Friday, May 7. On site/phone interviews available before 9:45 a.m. and as students finish competing. | |
| WHO: | The Southland's top future automotive technician pairs representing: |
| HIGH SCHOOL/INSTRUCTOR | STUDENTS |
| Apple Valley/Joshua Dollar | Aaron Hite, Nathan Edwards |
| Arvin/George White | Miguel A. Garcia, Bradley Hoover |
| Loara HS Noc ROP/Russ Bacarella | Jon Greenhalph, Ben Hicks |
| Lompoc/Michael Johnson | Tom Litner, Eddie Samulski |
| Morro Bay/Jon Blackketter | Alex Munoz, Clint Requa |
| Ramona/Robert Grace | Ryan Smedly, Matt Tallman |
| Ramona/Mike Saavedra | Brendon Mendenhall, Brandon Grassilli |
| San Clemente/Josh Wish | Daniel Lussier, Oliver Poei |
| San Luis Obispo/Jeff Lehmkuhl | Garrett Frice, Ben Sjogren |
| Sultana/Jay Winters | Lawrence Hernandez, Ryan Carrell |
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Elaine Beno/Jeff Spring
714-885-2333