July 19, 2016—Benjamin Falconer of Greeley, Colo., an Aims Community College student, won the 52nd annual SkillsUSA Championships in the automotive refinish and collision repair categories. This is the second year in a row in which an Aims Community College student has won the competition.
Falconer beat out thousands of competitors at the recent event in Louisville, Ky., to receive the Automotive Refinishing Technology High School division’s national Gold Medal.
Martin Senour Paints, which has sponsored SkillsUSA for more than 20 years, provided the paint and panels used in the competition.
“We’re ecstatic for Falconer to achieve this milestone – going against 6,000 competitors in a hands-on event – and to continue our support of SkillsUSA,” Rod Habel, Martin Senour Paints director of training, said. “This national nonprofit organization really helps students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations – all areas where great workers are needed.”
“Our automotive program is a wonderful example of excellence in the classroom fostering opportunity for our students,” Leah L. Bornstein, president of Aims Community College, said. “The skills and achievements of our students, who are using Martin Senour Paint products, validate what business leaders can anticipate when they hire a graduate from our automotive program.”