Cerritos College
Cerritos College Hosts High School Auto Tech Competition
Winning teams Southeast ROP, Agoura HS to Attend Nationals in NYC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2010
Media Contact:Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext.2287
NORWALK, Calif. - February 3, 2010 - Cerritos College's Automotive Technology Department hosted a High School Auto Tech Competition on Saturday, January 30. This event was sponsored by the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association (GLANCDA).
Teams from Southeast ROP and Agoura High School distinguished themselves from among eight other area high school teams, each winning an opportunity to send two teammates to compete in the 2010 National Automotive Technology Competition. This Final Competition will be held at the New York International Automobile Show in April. GLANCDA and SMCDA will each sponsor Agoura HS and Southeast ROP respectively, as representing each of the associations’ regions.
The winning Southeast ROP team was comprised of students Alejandro Torres and Juan Prado with their advisor Abel Ponce. From Agoura HS were students Evan Weller and Dylan Landy, along with their advisor John Andersen.
During the competition, student teams exhibited their auto technology skills by testing, diagnosing, and reporting results in categories such as steering, suspension, automatic and manual transmission, fuel injection and emission, brakes, basic electrical and engine components and measurements.
Schools that participated in the competition were Agoura, Artesia, Canyon, Highland, La Habra, Lynwood, Sonora, Van Nuys, Venice and the Southeast Regional Occupational Program.
Los Angeles County is one of the largest retail automotive markets in the world and one of the most sophisticated and enthusiastic markets in the country. Los Angeles dealerships are setting the standard for innovation and selling and at the same time, they are faced with the ever-growing shortage of high-quality technicians to repair and maintain these vehicles each year. Both GLANCDA and SMCDA realize the importance of investing in new talent for the industry.
Other sponsors for the event included MATCO tools and Toyota T-TEN, both of which donated prizes and gifts to the participated high schools.
Individuals from the following organizations have volunteered their time to proctor the skills test: CA AYES/NATEF; LAcarGuy, Family of Dealers; Longo Lexus and Longo Toyota; Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.; Monrovia high School; Pierce College Automotive Department; and The Car Group.
Cerritos College has offered automotive training technology since the college began in 1955. The offerings consist of certificates degrees and special programs in the disciplines of automotive repair, advanced transportation technology, auto collision repair, intelligent transportation systems and alternative fuel and EV hybrid vehicles, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the U.S. Students can also earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive management at Cerritos College through an agreement the college has with Northwood University.
Cerritos College’s Auto Technology Program provides students with hands-on, nationally authorized training for GM, Ford, Chrysler and import vehicles. The College also hosts an Advanced Transportation Technology Center, one of nine Centers in the state of California, to encourage use and development of clean, renewable energies, and alternative fuel sources.
Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages nearly 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at http://www.cerritos.edu/.
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