Wareham resident wins silver at diesel competition

John Harrigan, a Wareham resident and junior in the automotive technology program at Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, earned second place and a silver medal at the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Diesel Equipment Technology State Competition Friday, May 1.

Held at Advantage Truck Group’s Shrewsbury dealership, the event brought together the state’s top diesel technology students to compete for medals and a chance to represent Massachusetts at the National Leadership & Skills Conference.

During the competition, eleven students demonstrated their knowledge and expertise as they worked through various workstations that included tools, safety, precision measurement, vehicle components, engine diagnostics, electrical systems, brakes, air systems, interview skills and more.

Harrigan began focusing on diesel during his sophomore year, and his automotive instructor arranged for a two-week internship at Advantage Truck Group’s Raynham location. He has continued working there this year through his school’s cooperative education program and will transition to full-time over the summer.

“Working at Advantage Truck Group has been a great experience,” Harrigan said. “I do a lot of emissions and some electrical work, and I’ve also worked on brake jobs and cooling systems—whatever my foreman or the technician I’m working under feels is the best fit for me. Everyone there is helpful and I’m learning a lot. I’m sticking with ATG.”

This is the second consecutive year that Harrigan has earned a medal at the statewide competition.

Other winners were Jonathan Tremblay, a senior at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, who won first place and a gold medal, and Dylan Slotnick, a senior at Southeastern Regional Technical High School who earned third place and a bronze medal.