MN Skills Competition 2019

Results from the 2019 Minnesota Fluid Power Skills Competition

The Minnesota Fluid Power Skills Competition brings students from each of the four technical colleges that offer 2-year Fluid Power programs, together to compete. The competition is divided into four sections: written test, fitting identification, troubleshooting and a special challenge. The 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.

Master of Ceremonies - Chris Mabin, CFPS, SunSource
Host School - Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie

STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

One student from each school receives the Student of the Year Award and receives a check for $150.00 which is donated by IFPS Chapter 5. The recipient is chosen by the Instructors.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College – Granite Falls: Brian Williams, CFPS
Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park: Jacob Ripley, CFPS
Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie - Jacob Smith

2019 COMPETITION AWARDS: (pictured on right)

1st place ($650): Darby Kramer, CFPS: Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park
1st place ($650): Jacob Ripley, CFPS: Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park
2nd place ($250): Susan Giese, CFPS: Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie
3rd place ($150): Steve Anderson, CFPS: Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park
4th place ($100): Colin Glynn, CFPS: Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie
5th place ($50): Brian Williams, CFPS: Minnesota West Community and Technical College - Granite Falls
6th place ($50): Joel Lumley: Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park
7th place ($50): Justin Sears, CFPS: Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park

________________________________________________________________________________________

PAST PRESIDENTS’ SCHOLARSHIP:

The Past Presidents Scholarship is awarded to one student each year. This scholarship pays for one full year of tuition for the selected student. This year's check was $5,566. The Scholarship rotates yearly between the four colleges, Alexandria Technical and Community College, Hennepin Technical College-Brooklyn Park, Hennepin Technical College-Eden Prairie, and Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Funding for this scholarship is generated from IFPS Chapter 5 past presidents.

The 2019 Past Presidents’ Scholarship was awarded to: Susan Giese, CFPS: Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie


(from left)
Sitting:
Jeannine Uehling, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS - Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park; Scott Aldridge - Power Systems, Inc.; Harley Bergren, Honorary Chapter Member at 102 years young!

Standing:
Ernie Parker, CFPAI, CFPS, CFPMM, CFPMT, CFPMIP, CFPMMH, CFPMIH – retired; Heidi Kloskin, CFPS - JEM Technical Marketing Co., Inc.; Tom Nelson, CFPS - Hydraulic Specialty; Bob Yund, CFPAI, CFPS, CFPIHT, CFPCC - retired; Bryan Anderson, CFPS – Parker Hannifin Corp.; Susan Giese, CFPS: Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie; Terry Christopher, PE, CFPE, Chapter 5 President; George Beniek, retired

__________________________________________________________________________________

JUDGES:
The judges have the task of constructing the various tests, providing testing supplies, administering and grading the tests. The judges are the backbone to the competition and their effort commitment keeps the competition on track.

From left:
James Giroux, CFPS - Certified Power, Inc.; Jeff Arbogast, CFPS - Hydraulic Specialty; Heidi Kloskin, CFPS - JEM Technical Marketing Co., Inc.; Scott Aldridge - Power Systems Inc.; Tom Nelson, CFPS - Hydraulic Specialty ; Bryan Anderson, CFPS – Parker Hannifin Corp.; Chris Mabin, CFPS, SunSource,

___________________________________________________________________________

INSTRUCTORS:
Chad Grimmer, CFPAJPP/CC, CFPHS - Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie
Michael Cirillo, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS - Hennepin Technical College – Eden Prairie
Jeannine Uehling, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS - Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park
Bill Martin, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS - Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park
Ty Bowen, CFPS - Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Tom Midthun, CFPS- Minnesota West Community and Technical College

The IFPS supports the Skills Competition each year. Donna Pollander, ACA, IFPS Executive Director attended this year's competition and presented a check to Chapter 5 for $2,500.00 to support the 2019 Skills Competition. The continued support from IFPS is essential to Chapter 5 and is greatly appreciated by all members. Chapter 5 used the donation distributing the funds to the contestants, awards, dinner, and other costs associated with the Competition.