The NFADA Ron Smith Memorial AutoTech Competition
Originally named the WNY High School Automotive Technology Competition, this contest was first held in 1995. This is a unique event geared toward encouraging the region’s most talented high school automotive students to showcase their skills and train for a career as an automobile technician. This competition is designed to measure the technical/diagnostic abilities of the contestants, as well as their academic preparation.
The competition is organized by the Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association (NFADA), hosted by Erie Community College Vehicle Technology Training Center (ECC-VTTC) in Orchard Park, NY and supported by local dealerships, educational institutions, and local businesses. It is open to 12th grade automotive students from all 7 Western New York counties. This competition is the #1 source for bringing students, parents and educators together and getting them excited and informed about automotive education and the many career opportunities available to them right here in WNY.
Regional competitions like this are arranged by dealer associations around the nation at auto shows and other sites. The winners of these regional contests, along with their high school instructor receive an all expense paid trip to New York City to compete in the nationals at the National Automotive Technology Competition.
National AutoTech Competition
Each year, the winners of the NFADA Ron Smith Memorial AutoTech Competition move on to compete in the National Automotive Technology Competition in New York City at the New York International Auto Show. At this point in their educational careers and as competitors in this event, students are developing the skills and qualities they need to excel in this vibrant industry. The three day, all expense paid trip for the students and their instructor opens the doors of opportunity for recognition and a vast array of useful automotive prizes and scholarships.
The National Automotive Technology Competition finals are the culmination of hard work and dedication of auto dealers, auto makers, metro and state dealers associations, industry suppliers, educational institutions, and most importantly, students. The auto industry is crying out for well trained young people who are prepared to meet the challenges of today’s new technologies, and this competition is an important symbol of the vitality and complexity of the automotive retail sector. Particularly in the service department, traditional engineering skills are influenced by advances in technology, complex diagnostic equipment and computers, but equally important is the development of personal leadership skills.
To reach the National Finals in NYC is an amazing accomplishment and everyone involved should be proud of their contribution in making this event happen year after year. Visit the National Auto Tech website to learn more.
