When the dust settled at the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary State Conference, April 2-5 in Corpus Christi, TX, Collin College’s collision technology program had plenty to celebrate. Out of nine students who competed, six medaled across three categories, including gold medals in collision repair, refinishing and estimating.
For Lab Manager Winferd “Junior” Vermillion, the wins are a testament not only to student talent but to the mentorship and hands-on training that define the college’s approach.
Preparation, Passion, Precision
Unlike high school SkillsUSA programs, postsecondary competitors head straight to the state level -- and for students like Peter Summers, Joshua Meza and Vu Mai, that path led to gold medals and a ticket to the national stage in Atlanta this June 23-27.
“Fortunately, the students I had the opportunity of advising -- Peter Summers, Eduardo Lopez and Pablo Sanchez -- were well-versed in the areas in which they competed,” said Vermillion. “We focused our prep time on refining the areas that needed the most attention.”
Left to right, Eduardo Lopez, silver in collision repair, Joshua Meza, gold in automotive refinishing, and Pablo Sanchez, bronze in collision repair, celebrate their medals and hard work at the April SkillsUSA Texas State Leadership and Skills Conference.
Summers took gold in collision repair, with Lopez earning silver and Sanchez securing bronze in the same category. Meza defended his state title in automotive refinishing, while Mai earned top honors in collision damage appraisal.
Meza and Mai were advised by Professor Raven Luna, whose guidance Vermillion praised.
“Josh is a gifted painter,” he said. “I often saw Raven working with her team. Their time together really paid off.”
For Vermillion, who now manages the lab after graduating from the same program he helps oversee, the students’ strong showing comes as no surprise. “They spent several hours after school and work preparing for the competition,” he noted. “All of our students are talented technicians.”
SkillsUSA as a Launchpad for Careers
Beyond medals and accolades, Vermillion sees SkillsUSA competitions as powerful confidence boosters that help students take ownership of their skills -- and their futures.
“These competitions allow students to showcase their craft. When they perform well, it really boosts their confidence,” he says. “It also reinforces the importance of hard work and commitment to a goal.”
Perhaps even more importantly, SkillsUSA opens doors. Competitions are often staffed by industry professionals who volunteer their time, tools and expertise. “I’ve personally seen company representatives speaking with students about job opportunities,” said Vermillion. “It’s not uncommon for a business card to change hands.”
The exposure to real-world practices, equipment and employer expectations is critical, especially in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether it’s welding, painting, estimating or repairing complex body damage, the skills learned through preparation are directly transferable to the shop floor, something employers deeply value.
A Program Built on Mentorship and Dedication
Vu Mai, left, gold in collision damage appraisal, and Peter Summers, right, gold in collision repair, celebrate their medals and hard work at the April SkillsUSA Texas State Leadership and Skills Conference.
What sets apart Collin College, according to Vermillion, is the quality of its instruction and the genuine care faculty show for their students.
“The professors, Marcus Godinez and Raven Luna, make real connections with their students,” he said. “I know this because I was one of their students last year. On any given day, either of them can be found after class answering questions -- not just about coursework, but about a student’s personal and career goals.”
It’s this culture of mentorship and mutual respect that drives the program’s success, both in the classroom and on the SkillsUSA stage. As for what’s next, Vermillion said his priority is to continue supporting the professors and the students however he can.
“Watching students grow throughout their educational journey is a pretty amazing experience,” he said. “I just want to keep being a part of that -- helping them succeed in class, in competition, and beyond.”
With three gold medalists preparing for SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta this June and a team of dedicated faculty and mentors behind them, Collin College, located in Allen, TX, is proving itself not just as a training ground for future technicians but as a launchpad for leaders in the collision repair industry.
Leona Scott