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/January, 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 33-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!
2026 Tech Comp
The 2026 contest marks our 33rd year of celebrating automotive guidance, education and competition. On March 6, 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.
Atlantic County Institute of Technology
Berks Career and Technology Center – West
Berks Career and Technology Center – East
Bucks County Technical High School
Camden County Technical School – Sicklerville
Central Montco Technical High School
Delaware County Technical School – Folcroft
Gloucester County Institute of Technology
Mercer County Technical Schools
North Montco Technical Career Center
Technical College High School – Brandywine
Upper Bucks County Technical School
Congratulations to our 2026 Winners!
1st Place
Konnor Blevins & Jackson Trostle
Technical College High School – Brandywine
Instructor: Ryan Kuhnle
Sponsored by Del Toyota
2nd Place
Andrew Detweiler & Haylie Casey
Berks Career and Technology Center – East
Instructor: Dustin Mauger
Sponsored by Miracle Chevrolet of Morgantown
3rd Place
Joshua Porter & Aidan Zepp
Delaware County Technical High School – Folcroft
Instructor: Pete Dillon
Sponsored by Garnet Ford