Kieron Kohlmann of Racine, WI, who’s enrolled at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, will represent the United States in Leipzig, Germany in the Automobile Technology competition during the biennial WorldSkills Competition. Kohlmann will compete as a member of the United States “WorldTeam.”
The 42nd international event will be held July 2-7, 2013.
Kohlmann was 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 won the right to compete by winning the high school gold medal in the Automotive Service Technology contest during the SkillsUSA Championships in June 2010. He also successfully completed other qualifying prerequisites prior to being chosen for the team.
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 are 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 Dave Dixon. “Kieron is the perfect choice for the WorldTeam. He absolutely loves anything automotive and has a tremendous understanding of how to diagnose and repair automobiles.” And, Gottfried Georgi added, “Kieron and the other successful students are the reason I still teach, mentor and volunteer.”
“Kohlmann came to Ferris 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. “Kohlmann has also become a tutor for the air conditioning class at Ferris. I know Kohlmann will go a long way in the automotive industry with his continued effort.”
“To me, being selected for the WorldTeam is like going to the Olympics,” said Kohlmann. “In preparing for this contest, I will be training with industry professionals and meeting so many new people. It is such an honor and privilege, not only to be selected, but also to be a part of an organization that truly cares about skilled trades.”
Contest Parameters
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 "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.
In 2013, more than 1,000 competitors will test their skills in Leipzig, Germany. Five thousand international experts, delegates and judges will gather from around the world, and 3,000 volunteers will be recruited to assist in the event. A total of 150,000 student and public spectators will attend the competition at the Leipzig Trade Fair and Exhibition Center. For more information about the competition, go to: http://www.worldskills.org or http://www.worldskillsleipzig2013.com.
Kieron Kohlmann is a member of SkillsUSA, the organization that represents the United States in the WorldSkills Competition. Competitors in WorldSkills must be under the age of 23. There will be a total of 20 members of WorldTeam. Other occupational areas in which the United States plans to compete include: Autobody Repair; Beauty Therapy; Bricklaying; Cabinetmaking; Car Painting; CNC Milling; CNC Turning; Cooking; Graphic Design; Hairdressing; IT Networks Systems Administration; Mechatronics (a two-person team contest); Plumbing & Heating; Print Media Technology; Refrigeration & Air Conditioning; Restaurant Service; Web Design and Welding.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA helps students discover and grow their career passions. As a nationwide partnership of students, instructors and industry working together, SkillsUSA works to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It helps every student excel. The nationwide career and technical education student organization annually serves more than 320,000 high school, college and postsecondary students—and their instructors—in technical, skilled, and service occupation instructional programs.
Career and technical education is learning that works for America. SkillsUSA has the active support of more than 1,100 corporations, trade associations, business and labor unions at the national level. Over 10.5 million people have been annual members of SkillsUSA since its founding as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America in 1965. SkillsUSA programs teach leadership, citizenship and character development to complement technical skill training. The organization emphasizes respect for the dignity of work, ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety. For more information, go to http://www.skillsusa.org