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Featured photo: Blue Ridge student Kedric Lemaster with his first-place gold medal. Photo by Rich Keen.
Blue Ridge Community College automotive student Kedric Lemaster won a first-place gold medal in April at the SkillsUSA North Carolina state competition in Greensboro, North Carolina. Representing both Blue Ridge and the Henderson County Career Academy, Lemaster competed in the Automotive Service Technician event for Career and College Promise students.
SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization for students, preparing them to be career ready following graduation.
Automotive instructor Adam Riddle said SkillsUSA helps students develop the technical, professional, and leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
“SkillsUSA bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers. It prepares students not only to enter the workforce with confidence but also to stand out through national competitions,” Riddle said. “Through its programs, students gain valuable experience, build character, and become career-ready leaders equipped to positively impact their communities and industries.”
Lemaster began taking classes at Blue Ridge during his junior year of high school at the Henderson County Career Academy on the Blue Ridge campus. Now in his senior year, he is expanding his knowledge of general automotive repair.
“I chose this field of study because of my family. I wanted to better understand motors and how they work, to expand my knowledge and skills. I also started the automotive pathway to help my grandpa,” Lemaster said. “A fair number of people bring him engines and equipment to repair, and I would like to assist him with this work.”
Riddle, who is one of Lemaster’s instructors, first brought up the idea of participating in regionals. Lemaster competed in regionals and then moved on to the state level competition.
“SkillsUSA was a fun and interesting event, especially at the state level. I appreciated the camaraderie and the connections I made. The night before the competition, we all collaborated, researching and discussing topics we weren’t as familiar with,” Lemaster said. “The competition itself was also a great experience — it was exciting to step outside the usual shop work and test my knowledge against others.”
Lemaster will compete in the SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta this June.
Through the Career and College Promise program, North Carolina high school students have the opportunity to take community college courses tuition-free, such as those offered through Blue Ridge Community College’s Automotive program. This helps students to earn valuable credentials and give them an early start toward a college education. More information is available online at www.blueridge.edu/ccp.