NEWS AND UPDATES
Monthly Updates
2023
SKILLSUSA Competitions
This year the CCST Diesel Technology sent students to compete at SkillsUSA for the very first time.
On Saturday March 25th 2023 the CCST Diesel Technology Program competed hands-on at the Maryland SkillsUSA State Conference. We had full confidence in our student's skills, yet we maintained reserved anticipation for any medal outcomes due to it being our first ever competition. The competition brought together diesel tech students from Anne Arundel, Carroll, Baltimore, St. Mary's, Dorchester, and Washington counties, many of which have had prior SkillsUSA experience.
Our CCST Diesel Tech students, Davis Messner and James Moore, worked hard with determination, concentrating their efforts on doing their very best throughout the skill testing stations. The results of those efforts was the CCST Diesel Technician Program bringing home two of the coveted three medal positions, Davis achieving bronze and James the gold!!
James Moore went on to represent us at the National SkillsUSA competition in June, in Atlanta Georgia, where he faced very tough competition from all over the nation. James did not disappoint as we did his absolute best at every work station. He gave us all in Cecil County and the CCST Diesel Technician Program even more reason to be proud in all we do here for career training. James placed 22nd in the nation which was no small feat against seasoned competitors!
Additionally, James was one of only six selected competitors invited to participate in the Snap-On Tools Makers and Fixers campaign. He was interviewed by Snap-On and had a catered lunch with the Snap-On CEO Mr. Nicholas T. Pinchuk.
There are no words that can really express the pride I have in Davis and James, as well as the entire senior diesel class for their support of their classmates. I feel truly privileged to be a part of their career training and I am thankful for Davis and James' hard work at the SkillsUSA competitions. They both earned well deserved recognition, tools, scholarships, and prizes for their technical abilities and efforts.
Words also cannot express our gratitude to the business partners that made the trip to Atlanta possible. Thank you so much to the following businesses for their support of James and the CCST Diesel Program; Bayshore Truck Center, York Building Products, Allan Myers, Hoober Equipment, Al Miller- Ag Industrial.
NATIONALS
June 2023
As the school year comes to a close we reflect on all the work we did, and the fun we had.....
Thanks to the students, staff, and businesses that made the 2022/2023 school year amazing!!
April/May 2023
The Senior Diesel Technology class rose to the challenge of industry certification exams for ASE-Entry Level Medium/Heavy Truck Certification and EPA Section 609 Refrigerant Certification.
Every senior class student has multiple ASE exams, and over half of the class successfully passed all five tests offered in the series, including; "Diesel Engines", "Medium/Heavy Brakes", "Steering and Suspension", "Electrical/Electronic Systems", and "Inspection Maintenance and Minor Repair."
Additionally, 93% of the senior class successfully earned EPA Section 609 Refrigerant Certification, which is required to legally service motor vehicle air conditioning systems.
These certifications help to confirm the "ready to work" knowledge that employers seek. The senior class quickly added certification achievements onto their resumes, and distributed them at this years annual CCST Job Fair on April 17th. There were 96 total employers on campus that day, and all of the diesel program students were able to engage with businesses that were eager for them to apply.
March 2023
Springtime means certification testing season is here! Both Diesel Technology classes are stepping up to the challenge by working hard on exams centered around our industry standards.
The Junior class did not fail to impress, with 100% of the class successfully passing S/P-2 Medium/Heavy Duty Shop Safety Certification. Many additional students also successfully acquired Daimler Truck North America Heavy Duty Truck Terminology Certification!
The Senior class was also on point as they began testing in the ASE Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Entry-Level certification series. Every senior class student has passed at least one, if not more of the five tests offered in the series, including; "Diesel Engines", "Medium/Heavy Brakes", "Steering and Suspension", "Electrical/Electronic Systems", and "Inspection Maintenance and Minor Repair."
We are so proud of the achievements of all of the hard working CCST Diesel Technician students!!!
Student spotlight: Senior Kameron Schank accepted to Salisbury University, way to go Kameron!!
February 2023
The shortest month of the year was action packed with both classes working hard on their respective technical training. Senior class students continue to build knowledge of driveline, clutch and transmissions, while also continuing on engine projects. The juniors are focused on brakes and wheel end work, utilizing fully functional brake trainer frame assemblies that were built by previous students in the first two years of the program.
The CCST Diesel Technology shop and classroom received some additional decorations thanks to some of our industry partners. We are always grateful for all of the great business community support that we receive!!
January 2023
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Students started the new year off with their best foot forward and optimism for what the new year has in store. Senior students worked to complete engine work and some special projects to "customize" some of our vehicle fleet. The juniors wrapped up electrical/electronic systems training.
Congratulations! senior class diesel tech, James Moore. James has achieved several Elite Service Technician Certifications through his personal dedication and hard work on manufacturer certifications provided by Bayshore Truck Center. James is successfully maintaining high standards for his work on CCST diesel training goals and part-time hands-on work at Bayshore.
December 2022
Both diesel technician classes continued their career educations by working hard and staying safe, all the while dreaming of winter break. The shop even had a visit from some special guests. See if you can spot our guest shop helpers from the CCST Welding program and the North Pole!
Help us to, STUFF THE BUS! Not with diesel students, with can goods and non-perishable food items.
Donations will be distributed to local food pantries to help our community. The diesel students are excited to help gather donations each day, and put our program training bus to use in a different way.
Disclaimer, no diesel students were harmed in the making of this promotion:)
November 2022
The first annual "CCST Stuff the Bus" food drive campain was a great success! CCST students and staff stepped up to help collect a total of almost 2000 canned goods and non-perishable food items to benefit local charities that serve Cecil County. The diesel tech students were happy to serve our community by; gathering items from classes during the drive, loading and unloading, stacking and organizing, and then reloading the donations to be equally distributed to the Help Center in Elkton and Ray of Hope Mission in Port Deposit.
Hoober Inc. visits the CCST Diesel Program,
Mr. Brian Gott (Service Manager/Service Support), from Hoober Inc. a Case/IH equipment dealer with multiple locations in MD, DE, and VA visited the diesel class and spoke about entry-level career roles in agricultural equipment repair. This was Mr. Gott's second visit to CCST. Hoober has been an integral part of the CCST diesel program, providing hydraulic parts for training aids and the CCST diesel students with access to Case manufacturer specific training opportunities. The diesel students are very grateful to all the employers that visit campus to provide advice, guidance, and knowlede to help these young people enter the workforce.
Beltway Companies, N.E. International loans CCST two 2019 International trucks,
The CCST diesel program has been blessed to benefit from not one, but two 2019 International class 8 trucks on loan for three weeks from N.E. International, North East MD. Students in both the junior and senior classes were able to evaluate the trucks on areas from basic maintenance items to electronic service tool connectivity. Junior students checked battery condition and tested battery voltage. Senior students completed OEM inspection reports and engine induction/emissions evaluation. Once again we are incredibly grateful to Beltway for their support of our program through employer visits and training aid support!
Fall 2022 Upcoming Events:
Be sure to come out and see us at the Cecil County & Regional Agricultural Center "Heritage Day." October 15th 2022
Heritage Day: Date: October 15, 2022 - 10 AM - 4 PM
Location: 820 Appleton Road, Elkton, MD 21921
Open Kettle Apple Butter Making, Food, Live Music, Craft Vendors, Demonstrators, Wagon Rides, and more!!!
We will have both of our program tractors on display, as well as information about the CCST Diesel Technician Program. We encourage you to bring your family and enjoy all that is on display that day including, CCST program displays from Agricultural Sciences, Landscaping and Horticulture Production, and of course all that the CCFMRAC has planned for the day.
Check out the CCFRAC website: https://www.ccfarmmuseum.org/
October 2022
The month of October was action packed to say the least! Lot's of exciting events and news for the CCST Diesel Tech Program.
> On campus we had presentations from the Pennsylvania College of Technology and the University of Northwestern Ohio, both of which provided the senior diesel students with information about post-graduation certificate or degree programs for the medium/heavy duty repair field.
> October 15th 2022:
Thirteen students from both the junior and senior CCST Diesel courses volunteered to help the Cecil County Farm Museum & Regional Agricultural Center on "Heritage Day." Diesel students helped to direct traffic and coordinate parking for the almost 600 vehicles full of visitors that day. Students also demonstrated some of the work that takes place in the diesel program, and provided information about our program tractors. It was a great day and the volunteer students represented CCST very well! County Councilman Al Miller stopped by to see what the students have been working on. Thank you once again to Mr. Miller, and Ag Industrial, for his work acquiring these tractors and for his constant dedication to the CCST Diesel Program.
> October 12, 2022:
York Building Products (part of the Stewart Companies) announced they plan to give $25,000 per year for the next four years to CCST. They have identified Diesel, Electrical, Industrial Maintenance, and Welding as the programs to receive these funds in manner to be determined by the school. York Building Products selected these four programs after hiring a number of students from these programs over the past few years and have been impressed by their skill level and would like to continue to build upon this. Jim Gawthrop, Vice President of Engineering for York Building Products and members of his team presented the check to the school in front of the senior students in the four programs.
"We are so grateful for this commitment that York Building Products has made to the school and these programs. Thank you for the partnership and the additional means to continue to ensure students are trained on the modern technologies and equipment they will see in industry."
Nicole Parr CCST Principal
Diesel Technician II students listen to York Building Products representatives during the donation presentation.
> October 27th, 2022:
The National Technical Honor Society induction ceremony was held. This year the CCST Diesel Technician Program had two senior students inducted, Hayden Brooks (RSHS) and Davis Messner (RSHS) These young men have maintained the required high standards necessary for GPA and attendance, both at their home high school and at CCST, resulting in their nominations for NTHS. We are so incredibly proud of the hard work of all of our students, and especially proud of Hayden and Davis for their NTHS achievement.
On the same night the Diesel Program recognized Mr. Jess Denning from Carter Machinery Inc. as an NTHS Honorary Business Leader. Mr. Denning's selfless nature along with the generosity of Carter Machinery has been instrumental in helping the CCST Diesel Technician Program advance training possibilities available to our students.
September 2022
The 2022/2023 school year is off to a great start. Both classes have been hard at work learning new material.
Senior class students began this year learning about basic diesel engine anatomy and operation.
*Pictured below, Basic engine inspection, cylinder cranking compression testing, and oil
pressure testing in the lab.
The CCST Diesel Technician Program was blessed once again by donations and a visit from Carter Machinery!!!
*Pictured below is the Diesel Technician II senior class with engines and stands generously donated from Carter Machinery. The class also benefitted greatly from a discussion with Mr. Jess Denning instructor with Carter Machinery's apprenticeship program in Elkridge MD. Mr. Denning is always a welcome visitor and took extra time to advise students on the necessary steps to achieve a professional career in the heavy equipment repair industry.
Junior class students began this year learning about required shop safety, OSHA laws and regulations, as well as workplace etiquette necessary for personal safety and the safety of others.
*Pictured below, junior class Diesel Technician I students execute and document proper safe vehicle lifting procedures.
