Midland College Dual Credit Students Shine at SkillsUSA District Conference, Qualify for State CompetitionMarch 06, 2025

Midland College announces the outstanding performance of its dual credit applied technology students at the recent SkillsUSA District Conference, where students in Automotive, Collision, Diesel, HVAC, Welding, and Energy programs showcased their technical expertise in district-level competitions. Their achievements reflect MC’s commitment to preparing the future workforce of the Permian Basin through world-class technical training and strong collaboration with Midland ISD.

Students enrolled in MC’s technical programs, offered in partnership with Midland ISD, excelled in multiple categories, earning top placements and securing spots in the upcoming state competition.

Among the top finishers:

Automotive

• Emilio Arevalo – 1st place in Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair, 2nd place in Automotive Service Technology, Top 10 in Automotive Tool ID
• Haden Wingrove – Top 10 in Automotive Tool ID

Diesel Technology

• Omar Escobedo – 1st place in Diesel Technology
• Gael Morales – 2nd place in Diesel Technology, Top 10 in Automotive Tool ID
• Yareli Molinero – 3rd place in Diesel Technology, Top 10 in Automotive Tool ID

Energy

• Frannevic Alcala – 1st place in Mechatronics Team, 1st place in Tool ID
• Princess Olivas Alvarado – 1st place in Mechatronics Team, Top 10 in Tool ID
• Isaiah Estrada – 2nd place in Mechatronics Team, Top 10 in Tool ID
• Davin White – 2nd place in Mechatronics Team, Top 10 in Tool ID

Collision

• Robert Munt – 2nd place in Collision Repair
• Noah Tucker – 1st place in Automotive Refinishing

HVAC

• Fabian Ramirez – 1st place in HVACR, 1st place in Construction Tool ID, 1st place in Construction Materials
• Luis Garcia – 2nd place in HVACR, 2nd place in Construction Tool ID, 3rd place in Construction Materials
• Robert Dunlap – 3rd place in HVACR

Although MC’s welding students did not place this year, they showcased skill and dedication in a highly competitive field.

Advancing to State

The top two finishers in hands-on contests, along with students ranking in the Top 10 in Tool ID and Construction Materials categories, have earned the opportunity to compete at the state level. In total, MC’s dual credit students competed in 12 contests, with 19 participants bringing home 19 medals:

• 1st Place: 8 medals
• 2nd Place: 7 medals
• 3rd Place: 4 medals
• Multiple Top 10 Finishes

“These results are a testament to the high-quality technical education and hands-on training provided at Midland College,” said Erick Gutierrez, MC’s Department Chair of Applied Technology. “We are proud of our students’ achievements and look forward to cheering them on as they compete at the state level.”

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the students from Midland High and Legacy High,” said Jeff Horner, Executive Director-Career and Technical Education, Midland Independent School District. “We appreciate Midland College's commitment to preparing the students in these technical programs and look forward to supporting our students as they advance to the state competition.” 

Through its continued collaboration with Midland ISD, MC remains dedicated to equipping students with the technical skills and industry certifications needed to excel in the workforce. The success of these students reinforces MC’s role as a leader in workforce development and technical training in the Permian Basin and beyond.

For more information on MC’s technical training programs, visit the MC website.