Preparing for leadership in the world of work is the motto of SkillsUSA. Frank Malone, who instructs auto skills at Cambridge-Isanti High School for Pine Technical College , also believes in these words. Malone said, “When I teach, I work to guide my students toward accomplishment.”

On March 26th one of his automotive students, Brandon Elsberry, was able to prove his accomplishment, by taking first place in the Automotive Service Technology division of the State SkillsUSA competition. Elsberry spent a day demonstrating his ability to perform jobs and skills. He was tested on eleven skills stations that included: diagnostic, electronic, steering and suspension, computer program operation, scan tool and precision measurement, and a written test. The skills were judged based on technical competency, accuracy, quality, safety, and the ability to follow directions.

Malone will be traveling with Elsberry to the National SkillsUSA competition held on June 23 in Kansas City , MO. More than 4,000 students- all state contest winners- will compete in 77 different trade, technical and leadership fields. Malone stated, “When I was a student, I won the opportunity to go to Nationals but couldn't make it because of a snowstorm. All of my life, I've wanted to go. Now I'll get the chance to go and be a part of the competition through Brandon .”

Mary Jo Mettler, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Pine Technical College , said, “We are proud of the success Brandon has achieved. Pine Technical College is continually searching for ways in which students can be challenged and recognized. As an instructor, Frank is aware of this. His enthusiasm and dedication are what this college is all about.”

Malone also recently worked with PTC automotive instructors, Jeff Ruth and Jim Ascheman, as the college hosted the first annual Automotive Event. High schools students from area schools were invited to attend on April 5th. The event was held to inform these students about current technology and techniques used in the automotive industry, and to learn about the automotive program at PTC. Presentations were made by representatives from Justice Brothers, Kennedy Transmission, Identifix, and Chrysler Corporation. Ruth and Ascheman provided an informational session on electronic information. The day also included a tour of the automotive shop at Mullins' Chrysler Dodge in Pine City .