LEESBURG, Va. — Ferris State University student Kieron Kohlmann of Racine, Wis., represented the U.S. 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.
Mr. Kohlmann competed as a member of the United States "WorldTeam" at the 42nd international event July 2-7. He also recently received the gold medal and earned "best in nation" in auto service technology last November during the WorldSkills America's competition in Brazil where the United States competed against 23 other countries in preparation for the WorldSkills Competition.
Mr. Kohlmann works at Bohl Automotive in Racine and took automotive technology classes at Washington Park High School which has an ASE/NATEF certified program.
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 WorldSkills Competition. Contestants compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction and services.
In 2013, more than 1,000 competitors tested their skills in Leipzig.