San Jose, Calif.—Record crowds converged at the Central County Occupational Center (CCOC) in San Jose as the school hosted its sixth annual Custom and Classic Car Show on May 15.
The show was a benefit for the school’s SkillsUSA Club, raising money so that the club’s members can compete in annual regional, state, and national competitions.
More than 1,500 spectators attended the event, which showcased more than 256 locally owned vehicles and motorcycles, including customs, classics, hot rods, muscle cars, and all types of fully restored cars. Admission was free to the public, and live music was provided.
“It was a record turnout of spectators and vehicles, even with the rough economy,” said CCOC’s auto body and refinishing instructor, Nathan Chukes. “We raised $4,000 for our SkillsUSA fund, which we use to help students with their uniforms, travel expenses, and hotel accommodations when they travel to the competitions.
“In the past, many students have opted not to go to these competitions because they couldn’t afford it, so it feels good to help them get there to compete at the highest level,” he said.
This year, CCOC has four students competing in the SkillsUSA finals in Kansas City, Mo., Chukes said.
“SkillsUSA helps students career-wise, gives them a ton of confidence, and helps them learn about competition,” he said.
“It develops them into leaders and gives them something they can list on their resumes. To say you competed in SkillsUSA really says something about the kind of person you are.”
SkillsUSA is a national organization that serves high school and college students enrolled in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including in the health field.
SkillsUSA provides educational experiences for students in leadership and teamwork, and helps build self-confidence, professional work attitudes, and communication skills, officials said. Many of CCOC’s SkillsUSA club members compete in annual SkillsUSA championships at the regional, state, and national level.
CCOC officials said the school currently instructs more than 260 students in its auto repair department, offering courses in body repair and paint, tuneups and electrical, brakes and alignment, engines and transmissions.
CCOC is part of MetroED, which is the largest and oldest career-oriented educational organization in Santa Clara County, comprised of high school and adult career technical, academic, and community programs.
MetroED teaches a wide range of programs in all six Santa Clara County school districts. Every one of its programs, from auto repair to electronic assembly, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and all of its teachers are credentialed by the state of California.
MetroED officials said it annually provides more than 30,000 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income-earning, and taxpaying contributors to Silicon Valley.
Chukes said he would like to thank local companies and organizations for their assistance in making this the best show ever, including Lowe Paint Co., PPG, Alliance Welding Supply, Auto Glass Masters, Jimmy G’s Detailing, Dave at Trophy City, and Evergreen Valley College.
