AASP/NJ supports future technicians through SkillsUSA competition

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) was proud to once again support the 2019 SkillsUSA State Conference collision repair competition held at the Somerset County Vo-Technical School in Bridgewater on April 13.

ABRN Wire Reports

April 22, 2019

2 min read

Students competed throughout the day where their skills were tested in plastic repair, estimating and structure, welding and sheet metal. AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision Repair; Edison) spent the morning as a volunteer judge and was pleased to see some upper level talent among the students.

"It's good that we can give back to the industry, especially the young up-and-coming talent. I'm glad we can donate to the cause, the winner and SkillsUSA. We all need talent in this industry, and this is one avenue where we can start."

The event was made possible thanks to many generous sponsors including AASP/NJ, Auto Body Distributing Co. Inc., Bridgewater Collision Repair (Bridgewater), Britland Autobody (Greenbrook), Central Paint (Trenton), J&E Auto Body (Clark) and Ultimate Collision Repair (Edison).

Congratulations to Anibal Sierra (Passaic County Technical Institute) who scored the First Place spot. Matt Brandner (Hunterdon County Polytech) was named the Second Place winner and Nicholas Donnadio (Somerset County Vocational and Technical School) scored in Third Place. Sierra will move on to compete at the 55th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference this June in Louisville, KY. Sierra took home a fully stocked toolbox, and each competitor received a gift bag courtesy of the event's sponsors.

In addition to McNee, the following volunteered their time to support the SkillsUSA competition as judges: Chuy Barrera (Johnny's Auto Body), Glenn Morello (Bridgewater Collision), Pete Ritter (Ritter Full Service), Berrs Rocha (Bridgewater Collision) and Tyler Tallamy (Port Murray Auto Sales, Auto Body & Classic Restoration). Anthony Thompson served as donation coordinator; for the second year in a row, Charity Ritter (Bridgewater Collision) served as event coordinator.

For more information on AASP/NJ, visit aaspnj.org.