Young Technicians Demonstrate Excellence at NJ SkillsUSA State Championships

by Alana Quartuccio

Young people entering the collision repair field need all the encouragement and support they can possibly get their hands on. Opportunities that allow them to show off their skills can help them grow as future technicians.

Thankfully every spring, the SkillsUSA New Jersey state championships provide that very opportunity for students of various vocational and magnet schools throughout the Garden State to shine. 

On April 13, Somerset County Vocational & Technical School once again hosted the annual event. Congratulations to first place winner Nicholas Nastawa (Somerset County Vocational & Technical School). Coming in second place was Jaedon Leon (Elizabeth High School), and Austin Kolczynski (Mercer County Technical Schools Sypek Center) came in third place. 

Event organizer Charity Ritter (Bridgewater Collision Repair) expressed her thanks to those who took the time to spend the day judging and to those who donated items to the competitors. Judges included Al Bartocci, Danny Camacho, Robert Camacho, David Guiterrez, Abigail Heim, Peter Ritter, Alex Morales, Susie Norz and Tyler Tallamy. Every contestant received a small tool kit, while the winners each received larger sets of tools and Snap-on gift certificates. Tools and gift certificates were all generously donated by Bridgewater Collision and Dave’s Auto Body of Flemington.

Want more? Check out the May 2024 issue of New Jersey Automotive!