Leesburg, VA – Kieron Kohlmann of Racine, Wisconsin and a student at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, represented the United States in Leipzig, Germany during the biennial WorldSkills Competition and won a Medallion of Excellence (scoring at least 500 out of 600 points) in the Automobile Technology competition.
Kohlmann competed as a member of the United States “WorldTeam.” The 42nd international event was held July 2-7, 2013.
Kohlmann was also recently awarded the gold medal and received “best in nation” in Auto Service Technology in November 2012 during the WorldSkills America’s competition in Brazil where the United States competed against 23 other countries in preparation for the WorldSkills Competition.
Kohlmann works at Bohl Automotive in Racine and took automotive technology classes at Washington Park High School which has an ASE/NATEF certified program.
Dave Dixon and Gottfried Georgi were his automotive instructors. Both were excited about Kohlmann’s participation with the WorldTeam.
“As an AYES automotive instructor and SkillsUSA advisor, I feel very fortunate to have been part of the automotive education for a student the caliber of Kieron Kohlmann,” said Dixon.
“Kieron absolutely loves anything automotive and has a tremendous understanding of how to diagnose and repair automobiles,” said Georgi.
“Kohlmann came to Ferris State University with very high skills and expectations and has continued to develop his technical and professional skills,” said Greg Key, director of the School of Automotive and Heavy Equipment at Ferris State University. “I know Kohlmann will go a long way in the automotive industry with his continued effort.”
In the WorldSkills Automobile Technology contest, competitors must: carry out inspection, testing and repair to vehicle electrical systems; construct basic electrical circuits; carry out inspection, testing and repair of charging and starting systems; carry out inspection, testing and repairs to braking systems; remove and refit driveline components; inspect test and repair steering systems/components; inspect, test and repair of all suspension systems; carry out steering wheel alignment operations; carry out inspection and repairs to four-stroke engines; inspect, test and repair of manual/automatic transaxles/transmissions; inspect, test and repair diesel fuel systems; inspect, test and repair of four-stroke spark ignition engine management systems which include electric, electronic petrol fuel systems, emission control systems, and ignition systems; and, determine the precise location of component faults within various light vehicle systems using advanced diagnostic procedures and specialist diagnostic tooling and equipment.
Every two years, hundreds of young people from 53 member countries or regions compete in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition. Member countries include: Japan, England, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Brazil and many others.
Considered “the best of the best,” contestants compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction and services. Accompanied by their teachers, trainers and industry technical committee experts, these young people compete before the public in contests that are run and judged by industry using demanding international standards.
Over its 60-year history, WorldSkills International (formerly known as the "International Youth Skill Olympics") has come to symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in vocational training. It provides a unique means of exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors of the global economy. The continued growth of WorldSkills International attests to the fact that traditional trade and craft skills along with the newer technology multi-skilled occupations makes an essential contribution to the economic and social well being of people everywhere.
. For more information about the competition, go to: http://www.worldskills.org or http://www.worldskillsleipzig2013.com.
