Diesel Tech students prove their talents at statewide SkillsUSA

Published on Apr 8, 2025

For Diesel Technology students Ethan Wheatley and Caleb Spalding, the 2025 SkillsUSA regional and state competitions confirmed two things — they’re ready for the diesel industry, and it’s an industry full of opportunity.

“The classes here at ECTC really help prepare you. Walking in there and seeing the stations, we thought, ‘we’ve done this before,’” Wheatley, of Taylorsville, said.

SkillsUSA is a national organization representing more than 400,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle and high schools and post-secondary institutions. Its competitions are created and judged by industry professionals to ensure students are learning the real-world skills demanded by employers in high-demand trades.

“As far as the preparation provided by this program, it’s been a gold star,” Spalding, of Calvary, said of his ECTC education.

Wheatley and Spalding said the chance to test their knowledge in a new environment and strengthen their career networks drew them to the competition. Their initiative is rare as they were the only post-secondary students to compete at the regional and state levels.

At the state competition, hosted by Boyd CAT in Louisville on March 26, they rotated through stations that evaluated their hands-on skills such as failure analysis, precision measurements, air conditioning and electrical systems, live engines, hydraulics and preventative maintenance inspections.

Both already working in the industry and looking forward to graduation in December, the students said SkillsUSA was a great opportunity to meet professionals who are recruiting new diesel technicians.

“ECTC has been great for career connections,” Wheatley said, noting the program’s reputation among employers.

Spalding added that pay scales are increasing in the diesel industry and technicians earn high salaries.

“You’re walking out with a two-year degree and you’re not walking out with debt,” said Spalding. “That’s a big deal.”

Finances should not stand in the way of an aspiring diesel technician, Wheatley said. He will earn a degree-tuition free through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, which is available to Kentuckians who do not have a college degree and are going into an in-demand career field.

“If you want to go here, they’ll be able to get you here. With Work Ready, it’s nice because you don’t have to jump through a lot of hoops to qualify for it,” he said.

As for SkillsUSA, Wheatley will be invited to advance to the national competition in Atlanta this summer. He also has an opportunity to attend Future Tech, the American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council competition, along with a week of special training.

“Ethan and Caleb are excellent students, and I’m proud of them,” Associate Professor Joe Valora said. “The market is booming for our technicians. It’s very rewarding to know they have great careers ahead of them.”