Auto Repair Race Nets College Cash: Students Use Technical Finesse in Competition

One hundred high school students raced Tuesday to repair identically bugged 2007 Ford Fusions, with problems ranging from brake light malfunctions to faulty sensors, in hopes of winning college scholarships. Fifty two-person teams toiled under the sun on the lawn of Ford's World Headquarters in Dearborn , MI , using computer diagnostic equipment to repair the cars. The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition drew a surprise visit from Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally, who excitedly told spectators and competitors that it is important for people to pursue careers in the automotive service industry.

From Detroit Free Press

DEARBORN , MI — One hundred high school students raced Tuesday to repair identically bugged 2007 Ford Fusions, with problems ranging from brake light malfunctions to faulty sensors, in hopes of winning college scholarships.

Fifty two-person teams toiled under the sun on the lawn of Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn , MI , using computer diagnostic equipment to repair the cars.

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition drew a surprise visit from Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally, who excitedly told spectators and competitors that it is important for people to pursue careers in the automotive service industry.

Ford and AAA are promoting automotive technician career opportunities to teenagers as the need for technologically skilled mechanics increases.

As technology is increasingly incorporated into vehicles, diagnosing repairs is becoming more complicated, which requires a higher caliber of training for auto technicians. The competition aims to encourage students to continue their education and to pursue automotive service industry careers.

"One of Ford’s strengths over the years has been the support of the customers with their cars and service, and these young people are the best of the best," Mulally said, adding "This is a great opportunity for kids."

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the auto industry will have an average of 34,000 job openings per year through 2014, based on growth and net replacement needs. The continued increase in the number of automobiles in the United States , the retirement of experienced workers and the lack of qualified workers have contributed to the growing need for technicians in the industry.

Even though there is a growing need for qualified automotive technicians, Mulally said the program was not created because Ford is lacking experienced workers.

"It’s always been a part of our plan to encourage everybody in the industry to get involved in the industry, and this is a great opportunity for younger people in the industry," he said. "And we just want to highlight what those opportunities are, and plus we’re having fun."

Saline High School teammates Zachary Hastings, 18, of Milan and Alex Dobroy, 18, of Clinton missed the No. 1 spot by about three minutes, to Daniel Lehmkuhl and Austin Castro from San Luis Obispo High School in California .

Members of the top 10 finishers received scholarships ranging from full tuition to $2,000 at four schools — University of Northwestern Ohio , Ohio Technical College, Lincoln College of Technology and Universal Technical Institute.

"For many years, technology programs have been overlooked as potential career opportunities because the pay was a little low and the benefits weren’t good," national competition manager Allan Stanley said. "Now the benefits are there and the pay is good and it’s becoming a respected professional industry."

Stanley said a master automotive technician has the potential to gross $100,000 easily.

"Of course, you’re not going to start off there," he said. "The average starting salary for a technician is around $34,000. But that’s still not bad to start right out of high school or college."