Student Auto Technicians Show Off Their Skills to Win $8 Million in Scholarships and Prizes

    WASHINGTON--June 10, 2002--The 100 best high school automotive technicians from each state will go head to head in the national finals of the FORD/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, held on June 17 in Washington, D.C.
    The contestants are competing for over $8 million in scholarships and prizes.
    "While most high school and college graduates are still trying to decide what career to pursue," said James Dunst, Auto Skills contest manager, "the students participating in this contest are already some of the most talented automotive professionals around - and they're eager to prove it."
    The Student Auto Skills competition draws more than 6,000 students nationwide, as well as several international teams such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico to compete in a parallel competition. More than 50 2002 Ford Mustang convertibles will be deliberately and identically bugged and lined up south of the Lincoln Memorial for this hands-on test of high-tech auto repair.
    Every student participating in the national finals has been offered a full two-year scholarship to any of the 61 Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) programs. Participants in the program can earn a two-year associate degree in automotive technology and get a chance to "earn-as-they-learn" by working at Ford-Lincoln-Mercury dealerships.
    According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 150,000 new automotive technicians will be needed by the year 2010. In addition, the total number of technicians has been dropping significantly, with only two or three entering the field for every 10 retiring.
    "There is a tremendous shortage of trained automotive technicians in our country and around the world," said Dunst. "This program is designed to encourage young people to enter this lucrative field as their career."
    Contest activities begin at 7:45 a.m., with the competition beginning at 9:15 a.m. and concluding at 10:45 a.m. The winners will be announced at 11:15 a.m.
    As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

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