Middle Bucks Students Win Automotive Technology Competition

JAMISON, PA — The automotive team of Patrick Gallelli and Conor McGlinchey from the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology won first place in the Philadelphia Top Tech Challenge Competition held on Friday, March 3.

The students won more than $285,000 in scholarships and tools for their first place win.

“This is a dream come true,” said Conor, whose home school district is Central Bucks High School.

"I have been wanting to win this competition for my family, Mr. Schwarz, and myself,” added Patrick.

Patrick and Conor. (Photo courtesy of MBIT)

(Photo courtesy of MBIT)

The two thanked Keystone Volvo and the Auto Dealerships Association of Greater Philadelphia for the opportunity to compete in the competition. They also thanked Middle Bucks for giving them the skill set required to be successful in the automotive industry.

The first part of the regional competition involved a 110-question written exam in December. The exam covered electric vehicle safety and the eight National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas of the automobile - engine repair, engine performance, electrical/electronic systems, brakes, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, manual drive train and axles and automatic transmissions.

There were approximately 80 students who took the written exam. The two highest-scoring students from the top 12 schools are those who qualified for the March 3 hands-on competition.