Recent Waubonsee Community College graduate, Liam Richardson, of Sugar Grove, was named the 2022 SkillsUSA National Champion in Automotive Service Technology during the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held last month in Atlanta, Georgia.
“I came to Waubonsee as a somewhat lost and unmotivated student and am leaving as the national champion of SkillsUSA,” said Richardson. “I have worked so hard to make a name for myself, and I feel that the gold medal I received in Atlanta is a physical token of the enormous amounts of effort that I have put into bettering myself.”
From his first Automotive Technology class at Waubonsee, Richardson was encouraged by his instructors to trouble-shoot, dismantle, and repair vehicles. This early hands-on access to an assortment of vehicles sparked joy for Richardson and created a personal challenge. “I can say with high confidence that there is no other school that would allow me to do three transmission jobs in two months of starting my program,” said Richardson.
On average, Waubonsee Automotive students spend at least six hours a day, four days a week learning side-by-side with their instructors at the automotive technology lab. The nature of the classes creates an environment where students interact personally with their instructors. Richardson soon found himself looking forward to attending class every day and his excitement only grew. Eager to learn more, Richardson enrolled in prestigious trainings offered to Waubonsee’s automotive students, such as the Mercedes-Benz’s Technician Program, MOPAR Career Automotive Program, and ACDelco Training. These programs provide additional manufacturer-specific training and education.
While at nationals, Richardson put the first-hand knowledge, training, and skills he received at Waubonsee to use and did exceedingly well. Richardson confidently completed eight hours of written and hands-on testing in 14 competency areas. He scored first place in each category against 50+ of the best competitors from every state and territory in the U.S. “My instructors believed in me and supported me every step of the way,” said Richardson. “Now, four months after my initial tryout at SkillsUSA, I was able to stand on a stage and receive first place at nationals.”
This fall, Richardson will transfer to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to earn a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology. Upon graduation, Richardson hopes to obtain an upper management role at a large automotive company. Richardson believes the knowledge, training, and experiences he received at Waubonsee have helped him change his life. As a result, he believes he is on a path to success, one he never thought was possible to achieve.
Waubonsee’s Automotive Technology Program has produced scores of successful alumni who lead in the field. The program is Master ASE Certified and accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). To learn more, visit waubonsee.edu/automotive.
