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| Career and technical students at the SkillsUSA Illinois Championship were able to learn from IAM Local 701 members who are leaders in their fields. |
Members at IAM Local 701 know a thing or two about fixing things. These Chicago-area Machinists make a living working on cars, trucks, RVs, forklifts and much more.
That’s why they were the perfect group, along with the IAM’s Midwest Territory, to host the Automotive Service Technology competition at the SkillsUSA Illinois Championship in Springfield. The annual competition brings together the best and brightest aspiring mechanics from high schools and post-secondary schools across the state, with winners advancing to the SkillsUSA National Championship.
Click here to watch the Machinists News Network video.
Local 701 members organized sponsors to donate cars, trucks, equipment and supplies for the competition. They also served as judges while 60 students tested their skills at 20 different work stations.
“It’s a blast,” said Camden Murphy, a student at the Technology Center of DuPage. “It’s something different and it’s competition against some of the best kids in the state. To consider myself one of them is pretty humbling.”
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn commended the IAM for organizing the contest, and had some words of encouragement for career and technical students.
“We celebrate your excellence, you are great,” said Quinn. “You have great ability, and we want to make sure everybody in our state and our country acknowledges your skill, your ability and your excellence.”
Click here to watch “IAM Local 701 Runs Automotive Service Tech Competition.”
