SkillsUSA has selected NDSCS graduate Cale Mouser as the official competitor for Heavy Vehicle Technology at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition. Mouser will represent the United States at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition, which will be held September 10-15, 2024 in Lyon, France.

During his time as a student at NDSCS, Mouser, originally from Tenstrike, Minn., represented the state of North Dakota at the SkillsUSA Championships in 2022 and 2023 and won a national bronze medal in 2022 and a national gold medal in 2023 in Diesel Equipment Technology.

Mouser credits his success in learning Diesel Equipment Technology to having a mentality that is driven and a mind that is open to learning. “Without my instructors and my employers not only teaching me but allowing me to work at my own pace to understand the systems, I wouldn’t have been successful.”

Mouser says what he likes best about working in the trades is the variety, complexity, and the troubleshooting that each day brings. “There is no one day that is exactly like another.”

“The 2024 WorldSkills USA team will have an amazing opportunity to represent SkillsUSA and our nation while undergoing incredibly rigorous training in their craft,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “These team members are making a serious commitment to both their skill development and personal growth that will foster their drive, passion and life’s purpose.”

The 2024 WorldSkills Competition, the 47th annual worldwide event, will showcase dozens of trade skills from construction and building technology, manufacturing and engineering, transportation, and more. Over 1500 competitors from over 65 countries and regions will demonstrate their abilities in 62 skill competitions.

About being selected as part of the WorldSkills USA team, Mouser says, “It is impossible to put into words what an honor it is to represent the United States on a global level.”

Follow Cale Mouser and the rest of the 2024 WorldSkills USA team online at www.worldskillsusa.org.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) students recently earned top awards at the National SkillsUSA Championships held during the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Four NDSCS students earned the national spotlight for their achievements.

Zachary Lahlum of Marion, N.D. earned a gold medal in the Power Equipment Technology category. In Power Equipment Technology, Lahlum’s skills were tested in all areas of technology including: repair and maintenance of chainsaws and other handheld power equipment; understanding related theories; interpreting electrical and hydraulic schematics; and customer service skills. About his time competing in SkillsUSA, Lahlum noted, “I have made many great friends through SkillsUSA, but more importantly, I have been able to network with industry professionals. I enjoyed competing because everything is relevant and useful for my future career.”

Cale Mouser of Tenstrike, Minn. also earned a gold medal award in the Diesel Equipment Technology category. Mouser cycled through 14 stations testing and troubleshooting engines, electrical and electronics systems, powertrain systems and more during this competition. He demonstrated numerous shop skills, and also performed a job interview and completed a written test. Involvement with SkillsUSA has clearly left an impression on Mouser, as he reports, “SkillsUSA is dedicated to preparing the leaders of the world’s work force through hands-on involvement, industry partnerships, and access to up-and-coming technology. Through involvement in this organization, students are not only taught industry specific skills, but how to think critically and efficiently. It is through the skilled hands of thinkers that technology advances, and SkillsUSA is a crucial member in creating the industry of tomorrow.”

Shayne Hoffman of New Hradec, N.D. won a bronze medal in the Architectural Drafting category. Hoffman, an Architectural Modeling & Design Technology student at NDSCS, used his drafting skills and Autodesk Revit computer software to design a residential addition to an existing home located in Florida. The competition included a written test, hand sketch, and drawings. Hoffman reflected on his experience by saying, "Through SkillsUSA I was able to see my progression year after year, which has helped me for my future career by improving my technical skills through the competition and my soft skills through networking with the many industry contacts who attend.”

Ruari Devlin of Grand Forks, N.D. also won a bronze medal at the National SkillsUSA competition with his award in the CNC Programmer category. Devlin was evaluated, in part, on his ability to independently plan and program jobs for various types of CNC machines and provide instructions for operators to execute.

The SkillsUSA Championship is one of the largest hands-on workforce events in the world, and is known for competitions showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. This year, nearly 6,200 contestants from across the country competed in 110 separate events.

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets. 

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science Diesel Technology program took top honors in the Colorado TopTech Skills Competition. Mason Vogeler was named the top student technician, and Dillon Bischoff placed second. The participants’ scores from each of nine categories were combined for an overall score for the competition.

Three NDSCS students were named the high scorers in multiple categories of the competition. Those students and categories are:
• Dillon Bischoff: CSA/Out of Service, Wheel End, and Precision Measuring categories
• Mason Vogeler: Electrical and Fasteners categories
• Baron Van Oosting: Written Test and Brake Station categories

By placing first overall, Mason Vogeler qualified to participate in the national competition in September. Other participants from NDSCS included Bridger Crandall and Dillon Schramm.

The TopTech Skills Competition tests the skills of diesel technicians in multiple heavy duty maintenance categories. The competition included a written test and several hands-on stations. The contest, held in Denver, was conducted by the Colorado Motor Carriers Association.

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held at NDSCS earlier this month. By achieving gold medals at the state level, 14 of these students qualified to compete in their respective categories at the national SkillsUSA Championships, which will be held in Louisville, Ky. in June.

The NDSCS students who received gold, silver or bronze medals at the state competition include:

ALASKA
Fairbanks: Keegan Chapin, Automotive Service Technology, Bronze

MINNESOTA
Battle Lake: Caleb Bellig, Welding Fabrication, Gold
Cyrus: Eric Larson, Electrical Construction Wiring, Gold
Frazee: Ryan Bade, Collision Repair Technology, Gold
Moorhead: John Baumgardner, CNC Technician, Bronze
Sartell: Cole Mortiz, Welding, Gold
Spicer: Trey Johnson, Plumbing, Silver
Spring Grove: Mitch Anderson, Welding Fabrication, Gold

NORTH DAKOTA
Bismarck: Tanner Klein, Power Equipment Technology, Gold
Dickinson: John Heidt, CNC Turning Specialist, Gold; Shelby Kilwein, Diesel Equipment Technology, Silver; Caleb Krebs, Diesel Equipment Technology, Gold
Fargo: Chandler Rheault, Welding Sculpture, Gold; Rebecca Roberts, Welding Sculpture, Silver
Jamestown: Kyle Schumacher, Automotive Service Technology, Gold; Dylan Staloch, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Gold
Lisbon: Cassie Witte, Culinary Arts, Gold
Milnor: Taylor Busche, Plumbing, Gold
Minot: Mason Bahl, Welding, Silver; Henry Lemar, Automotive Service Technology, Silver
Napoleon: Jake Bakken, Plumbing, Bronze
Oakes: Brittney Harty, Culinary Arts, Silver
Rugby: Ethan Clements, Welding Fabrication, Gold
West Fargo: Joe Shook, CNC Milling Specialist, Bronze
Wahpeton: Austin Berger, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Silver
Walcott: Jordan Mead, Diesel Equipment Technology, Bronze
Williston: Steven Fixen, Electrical Construction Wiring, Silver

SOUTH DAKOTA
Aberdeen: Schyler Kumpf, Collision Repair Technology, Bronze

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held in Bismarck this spring. By achieving gold medals at the state level, 14 of these students qualified to compete in their respective categories at the national SkillsUSA Championships, which will be held in Louisville, Ky. in June.

The NDSCS students who received gold, silver or bronze medals at the state competition include:

COLORADO
Evans: Jessica Starkey, Motorcycle Service Technology, Silver

MINNESOTA
Cottage Grove: Alex Johnson, Welding, Silver
Fergus Falls: Jared Christenson, Electrical Construction Wiring, Silver; Richard Grimm, Welding Fabrication, Gold; Mason Tell, Automotive Service Technology, Bronze; Jared Wick, Culinary Arts, Bronze
Frazee: Ryan Bade, Collision Repair Technology, Gold
Moorhead: Chantel Hamann, Power Equipment Technology, Gold
Sartell: Cole Moritz, Welding Fabrication, Silver
Spring Grove: Mitchell Anderson, Welding Fabrication, Gold
Wheaton: Brayden Lampe, Welding Fabrication, Gold

MONTANA
Sidney: Sean Lofthus, Welding Sculpture, Silver

NORTH DAKOTA
Argusville: Noah Trangsrud, Welding Fabrication, Silver
Bismarck: Tony DaSilva, Welding Sculpture, Bronze
Cando: Larry MacDonald, Automotive Service Technology, Silver
Des Lacs: Jonathan Fritel, CNC Technician, Gold
Dickinson: Shelby Kilwein, Diesel Equipment Technology, Bronze
Fargo: Joe Brunner, Culinary Arts, Gold; Chandler Rheault, Welding Sculpture, Gold
Grafton: Justin Simon, Welding, Gold
Jamestown: Kyle Schumacher, Automotive Service Technology, Gold
Lisbon: Cassie Witte, Culinary Arts, Silver
Marion: Greg Lahlum, Diesel Equipment Technology, Gold
New Rockford: Colten Schafer, Welding Fabrication, Silver
Rugby: Kurt Pfau, Diesel Equipment Technology, Silver
Strasburg: Trent Mattern, Motorcycle Service Technology, Gold
Valley City: Brandon Compson, CNC Turning Specialist, Gold
Williston: Ryan Hellen, Electrical Construction Wiring, Gold; Cullen Weigel, Electrical Construction Wiring, Bronze

SOUTH DAKOTA:
Herreid: Josh Orth, Motorcycle Service Technology, Bronze

The AED Foundation presented Certificates of Accreditation for the Diesel Technology-Komatsu A.A.S. Degree Program and Re-Accreditation of the Diesel Technology-General and Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician A.A.S. Degree Programs at North Dakota State College of Science. “We are pleased that you have chosen to demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement through the accreditation process,” stated AED Foundation President Robert Henderson.

Accreditation by The AED Foundation signifies to equipment industry stakeholders that NDSCS’ programs have met rigorous industry-specific national construction equipment technical standards. It further signifies to current and prospective students that NDSCS programs provide the best in diesel-equipment technical education as defined by the industry they serve.

The term of accreditation is five years starting from the date shown on the Certificates of Accreditation. The AED Foundation relies on the awardee to maintain the standards upon which these accreditations were granted, and continue serving students with excellence. The AED Foundation currently lists 42 diesel technician programs at 32 Accredited Colleges throughout the United States and Canada. The AED Foundation recently recognized their first High School Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland earlier this month.

“The AED Foundation is dedicated to developing and improving construction equipment industry partnerships that meet the mutual needs of local dealers, manufacturers and technical colleges,” stated AED Foundation Chairman Denny Vander Molen. “We are proud to be affiliated with North Dakota State College of Science through these accreditations, and wish ongoing success for your fine programs.”

North Dakota State College of Science students recently earned top honors at the national SkillsUSA Championships.

Ryan Iverson, a Precision Machining Technology student from Grand Forks, N.D., earned a gold medal in the CNC Milling Specialist category. The CNC Milling Specialist contest evaluates preparation for employment in Computer Numeric Control Milling by assessing the ability to write CNC milling programs, interpret prints and measure/gage parts.

Ethan Fettig of Bismarck, N.D., and Chantel Hamann of Moorhead, Minn. each secured a bronze medal at the competition. Fettig, a Diesel Technology student, earned a bronze medal in the Diesel Equipment Technology category while Hamann, a Powersports Technology student, earned a bronze medal in the Power Equipment Technology category.

The SkillsUSA Championships were held in Louisville, Ky., in June during the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. More than 6,000 students competed for national recognition in the 52nd annual SkillsUSA Championships in 100 hands-on occupational and leadership contests, such as electronics, precision machining, public speaking and culinary arts. Contests tested competencies set by industry, and were run with the help of industry, trade associations and labor organizations.