LOUISVILLE, Ken. — GIE+EXPO is partnering with SkillsUSA and the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) to bring talented power technicians to Louisville during GIE+EXPO 2018, which is set for Oct.17-19.

Gold, silver and bronze medalists in both high school and post-secondary schools from the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held in June, have been invited to showcase their talents during the annual trade show. GIE+EXPO attendees are invited to watch on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Ariens/Gravely is the anchor sponsor of Tomorrow's Techs:  Investing in the Future of the OPE Industry. MTD and Echo are sponsoring one or two of the contestants.

The six contestants will rotate through six stations, performing skills in categories such as Ignition, Charging, Fuel and Governor Systems, Starter, Cooling and Lubrication Systems, Valves, Exhaust and Engine Block Systems, Diagnostic and Failure Analysis and General Competencies. They will showcase their understanding in related theories that go along with the types of engines they will come across in the industry, as well as their understanding of wiring schematics. As contestants rotate through the various stations they will be judged and scored on both physical and oral skills

"Ariens Company places a strong emphasis on the education of America's youth," said Ariens Company Vice President of Marketing Matt Medden. "The amount of work and dedication that these students have put into developing their talents is impressive, and we are happy to support them as they put those talents on display at this year's GIE+EXPO." 

"Schools throughout the country teach our Power Equipment Technology curriculum with industry support provided by major manufacturers, who provide the needed training materials. Students who complete the program can become certified technicians," said David Worden, program director for the SkillsUSA Championships. "We're excited to showcase our national medalists for the industry to see at GIE+EXPO."

For more Information

GIE+EXPO's 2018 dates are Oct. 17-19. The annual event is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

Early-bird registration is available through Sept. 6. For more information and online registration: www.gie-expo.com.