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NIC autobody students shine at state competition

From left, NIC students Kamryn Wixom, Taryn Costa and Ash Lafleur pose for a photo with their SkillsUSA medals on Wednesday, April 9.

Nine North Idaho College students showcased their skills at the SkillsUSA Autobody and Collision Repair competition, held April 8 and 9 at the College of Western Idaho’s Micron Building in Nampa.

The event featured students from across the state who competed in hands-on challenges designed to mirror scenarios in the autobody and collision repair industry.

NIC students Ash Lafleur earned silver and Kamryn Wixom earned bronze in Automotive Refinishing Technology, while Taryn Costa won bronze in Collision Repair Technology.

“Competing in SkillsUSA is always an incredible opportunity for our students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and lab in a competitive environment,” NIC Autobody and Paint Technology Instructor Andy Rogge said. “I’m proud of what they did and how well they performed.”

Throughout the competition, students were challenged with tasks from prepping and refinishing vehicle panels to diagnosing and repairing collision damage. Each task was judged by industry professionals which offered students the opportunity to network and learn more about the industry after the event.

“The competition was fun and motivating, and I felt very relaxed and confident in my abilities,” Costa said. “This whole experience also gave me opportunities to introduce myself to local body shop owners and people who have been in the industry for years.”

SkillsUSA is a national organization that empowers high school and college students to become world-class workers and leaders through career and technical education and competition. The organization hosts competitions in fields such as cosmetology, culinary arts, diesel mechanics, mathematics, and more.

For more information about NIC’s Autobody and Collision Repair Technology program, visit nic.edu/collision.