Campus News

Benson Places First in Skills Competition

5/1/16
Granite Falls Campus

Fluid Power Technology student, Brandon Benson, of Tracy, MN placed 1st in the 2016 Minnesota Fluid Power Skills Competition, held at Alexandria Technical College on April 21, 2016.

Brandon Benson is a second year student, graduating in May from the Fluid Power Technology program. Brandon was awarded a $600 prize from the Fluid Power Society for his placement. He was also awarded the Outstanding Student Award for 2016 which included a $150 check.

The annual Skills Competition brings exceptional students from each of the four technical colleges providing 2-year Fluid Power programs to this state level competition. The annual Skills Competition brings exceptional students from each of the four technical colleges providing 2-year Fluid Power programs to this state level competition The competition is divided into four distinct sections; the written test, fitting identification, troubleshooting and a special challenge. The entire competition lasts 3 ½ hours and provides an excellent way for the contestants to determine their areas of strength as well as areas that need additional focus.

Students from Minnesota West’s Fluid Power Technology program have consistently finished high in this competition, taking many of the top five spots over the past nineteen years.