MHS Students take gold in Mechatronics
Tara and Jordan Robinson wear their medallions proudly as they take a photo with their DTC instructor Stacey Hatch (From left to right: Stacey Hatch, Jordan Robinson, and Tara Robinson). Courtesy photo
Last month, on March 23, siblings Tara and Jordan Robinson participated in a state competition for SkillsUSA and took gold in Mechatronics. Tara is a high school senior and her brother Jordan is a junior. The Robinsons have taken many of the Automation and Robotics courses offered by Davis Technical College (DTC) at Morgan High School, and they are excited to further test their knowledge and technical skills. The competition was held at Utah Valley University (UVU) and it featured several technical jobs, including cosmetology and the culinary arts.
SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations and for further education. Their vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success. To learn more, visit the following website: https://www.skillsusa.org/who-we-are/
The Robinsons competed in the Mechatronics area, which is located in the Skilled and Technical Sciences category. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that refers to the skill sets needed in the contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing industry. At the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and computing, mechatronics specialists create simpler, smarter systems.
According to their website, “The competition requires competitors to have the ability to understand complex systems that integrate various elements in the mechanical, fluid power and controls domain, combined with the ability to work in a team environment with people with different areas of expertise. Mechatronic specialists must have well-developed skills in pneumatic technology, electrical and electronics systems, mechanical systems, and general automation techniques and practices, including systematic troubleshooting methods. This competition consists of events designed to measure the skills required in the modern automated manufacturing environment. Competitors are required to assemble, adjust, and test an automated machine system, troubleshoot and repair a faulty machine system, and take a comprehensive written test. The competition elements have been designed to be as realistic as possible, closely resembling the tasks and activities of modern automation professionals. In addition, there is an individual oral interview. Teams are required to provide their own PLC that will be used in the construction phase.”
During the state competition, the Robinsons took part in an hour-long test that required them to read a schematic, wire up a system to match it and work according to the methods described by the instructor. All Mechatronics contestants wore Class C construction attire which consisted of an official SkillsUSA khaki short-sleeved work shirt and pants, leather work shoes, and safety glasses/goggles.
Stacey Hatch, the Davis Technical College Automation and Robotics Instructor, coached Tara and Jordan at the event. “Tara completed the Davis Technical College Automation program last year before starting her Senior year at Morgan High School,” said Hatch. “She loved what she was learning in the program and decided to continue taking more elective classes. This made her a great candidate to compete in the Mechatronics Skills USA competition. Jordan is finishing up his Junior year at Morgan High School and is on track to finish the Automation and Robotics program before graduating next year from Morgan High School. Tara and Jordan make a great brother and sister team. They work hard and are dedicated and determined to be the best. I am very proud of them. They work well together and will do well at Nationals.”
The SkillsUSA awards ceremony was held on Friday, March 29 at the Salt Lake Community College. Both Tara and Jordan were honored with medallions to commend their achievements. “We couldn’t have done it without Stacey. He was the one who helped us get excited for the competition,” said the Robinsons. “We are excited for Nationals and can’t wait to keep learning!” Tara and Jordan will go on to compete nationally this summer from June 24-28 at a weeklong event held in Atlanta, Georgia, with approximately 12,000 competitors from around the country, all of whom have won state titles in their respective fields. All competitors who made it to nationals took gold at the state level in their respective fields. λ
