Greater Philadelphia Auto Technology Competition
Competition Background
THE PURPOSE
The Greater Philadelphia Auto Technology Competition (Tech Comp) builds awareness for the important role of auto technicians in today’s workforce and spotlights their specialized skills and professionalism. The role of auto technicians has changed with technology and so has Tech Comp since it started in 1993. Auto technicians of the 21st Century must have highly polished math and computer skills in addition to mechanical aptitude followed only by an eye for delivery detail. Here is a fun fact to illustrate this point: there are more computer systems in a base-model version of any new car today than the first rocket ship that sent man to the moon! Pretty interesting, right?
THE EVENT
The first of this two-part competition takes place in December, when dozens of high school seniors take a written exam. The exam covers the eight National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas of the automobile, which are Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles and Automatic Transmissions. The two highest scoring students from the top 12 schools qualify for the hands-on portion of the event. During the hands-on portion, participants perform a Multi-Point Inspection of a previously-bugged vehicle and test their knowledge at 10 workstations ranging from engine mechanical to communication skills. This 30-year old tradition continues thanks to the commitment and dedication of dozens of auto industry supporters.
WHY IT MATTERS
Making up 40% of all employment in a dealership, the service department is vital to the organization’s profitability. With the average age of today’s technician between 55 and 58, it’s estimated that half of technicians nationwide will retire in the next decade. The need for qualified technicians has never been greater. And more importantly, this competition is another way for our Foundation to give back to the community. For the 24 finalists, the experience can be life-changing as more than $1 million in scholarships, tools and prizes is annually awarded through Tech Comp!
2024 Tech Comp
The 2024 contest marks our 31st year of celebrating automotive guidance, education and competition. On March 15, two seniors from each of the following qualifying high schools competed for over $1 million in scholarships, tools and prizes to continue their auto education.
Berks Career and Technology Center – East
Berks Career and Technology Center – West
Bucks County Technical High School
Delaware County Technical High School
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology
North Montco Technical Career Center
Swenson Arts & Technology High School
Technical College High School – Brandywine
Upper Bucks County Technical School
Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center
Congratulations to our 2024 Tech Comp Winners!
1st Place
Tyler Lurwick & Benjamin Miller
Delaware County Technical High School
Instructor: Pete Dillon
Sponsored by Garnet Ford
2nd Place
Hunter Kraeger & Pierce Baringer
Berks Career and Technology Center – West
Instructor: Jose Gonzalez
Sponsored by Piazza Honda/Acura of Reading
3rd Place
Kole Lester & Wyatt Noland
North Montco Technical Career Center
Instructor: Joseph Simes
Sponsored by JL Freed Honda
