Tomorrow’s Technicians Excel in SkillsUSA Competition

The future of the collision repair industry lies in the hands of today’s promising young students in training.

On April 1, several up-and-coming auto body technicians took part in the annual SkillsUSA New Jersey competition, held once again at Somerset County Vocational & Technical School.

Congratulations to Luke Donnadio (Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School) who earned the first place spot. Jess Stevens (Gloucester County Institute of Technology) came in second place, and John Lyzenga (Morris County School of Technology) came in third.

It’s important to keep young people who are interested in the profession motivated and equipped with tools so they can continue to invest their time into learning more about the skill, allowing them to take it to the next level. With this in mind, event organizer Charity Ritter (Bridgewater Collision Repair) expressed how grateful she was for all the support this annual competition received this year from local sponsors.

Bridgewater Collision Repair donated tools, T-shirts, hats and bags for prizes. Every contestant took home a small tool kit. First, second and third place winners received additional prizes, including Snap-on Tools gift certificates courtesy of Bridgewater Collision. Dave’s Collision of Flemington donated a tool box for the first place winner, and National Coating Systems donated tools.

Ritter also thanked the judges for volunteering their time: Al Bartocci, Dan Facello, Dave Gutierez, Susie Norz, Eric Oaks, Peter Ritter, Tyler Tallamy and Ed Winkins.

First place: Luke Donnadio

Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School

Second place: Jess Stevens

Gloucester County Institute of Technology

Third place: John Lyzenga Morris County School of Technology