Jasper Engines and Transmissions hosted “America’s Best” School Bus Training and Skills Challenge at the Jasper, Indiana, facility September 28 through October 1. The nation’s top school bus technicians and inspectors competed to become America’s Best Technician or America’s Best Inspector.
Participants competed in two separate competitions: one for technical diagnostic skills and the other for vehicle inspection skills. Both competitions included a written examination and multiple “hands-on” components.
The written exam was designed to evaluate technical diagnostic skills, which covered various aspects of school bus components, including: electrical systems, brakes, engines, suspensions, drive trains and body systems. All topics were relative to actual school bus applications. The examinations were administered by The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
During the second session of the competition, technicians demonstrated their ability to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair various mechanical school bus components. Inspectors cycled through three stations, which required an examination of all vehicle components and systems to identify defects.
“Jasper Engines & Transmissions is pleased to have been chosen to host the 2010 America’s Best competition,” says Fred Ernst, JASPER Diesel Marketing Manager. “This gives us the opportunity to show our support for the NAPT organization and for their primary mission, which is the safety of the students they transport. JASPER is honored to have been asked to be a part of that mission.”
“Over the years, the America’s Best Training and Skills Challenge has been successful in raising awareness for school bus maintenance and safety,” said NAPT past-president Bill Tousley. “Not only does the competition help technicians share and learn best practices, but the information provided is valuable for continuous improvement and learning. We’re delighted to be holding the 2010 competition in Jasper.”
