Cal High wins auto competition

NORWALK - California High School in Whittier was one of two winning schools at an automotive technology competition hosted by Cerritos College's Automotive Technology Department on Dec. 14.Along with Van Nuys High School, the team from Cal High advanced to compete at the National Auto Tech Competition at the New York Auto Show in April. The hands-on competition included 13 work stations and encompassed all eight ASE areas of automotive technology, including engine repair, automatic transmission, manual transmission, steering and suspension, brakes, electrical, HVAC, and engine performance. Fourteen high schools from throughout Southern California competed. The teams from Cal High and Van Nuys will compete in the New York competition with sponsorships from the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association. "It was great to have high school students along with their teachers and family members supporting them for this event," said Cerritos College automotive instructor Joe Mulleary. "We were also fortunate to have 13 judges for the competition that included representatives from automotive manufacturers and also dealerships here in Southern California." "This provided an opportunity for networking between students and potential employers after the event was over," he added. "It was also a chance for us as instructors to make connections that may assist in enabling our students here at the college to gain employment in the automotive field." Cerritos College's Automotive Technology Program offers certificates, degrees and special programs in automotive repair, collision repair, alternative fuels, smog training, advanced transportation technology and automotive management.

********** Published: Jan. 9, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 39