San Jose, Calif. -- The Central County Occupational Center (CCOC) in San Jose hosted its fifth annual Custom and Classic Car Show on May 16. The event was a benefit for the school's SkillsUSA club, raising money so that the club's members can compete in annual competitions at the regional, state, and national level. 
CCOC's Autobody and Refinishing Instructor Nathan Chukes reported that more than 1,000 spectators attended the event, which showcased more than 175 vehicles, including customs, classics, hot rods, muscle cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and all types of fully restored cars.
Admission was free to the public. Classic and custom car owners paid $10 to enter their car, bicycle, or motorcycle in a contest. Trophies were awarded in four categories: Best Paint, People's Choice, Best Bicycle, and Best Motorcycle.
Chukes said that he was pleased with the event's turnout and the response from the community, as well as from local collision shops, who donated money and prizes.
"This is a great event," he said. "It raises money for our SkillsUSA students and it provides an opportunity for local classic car owners to show off their vehicles, so it's a win-win."
CCOC officials said the school has more than 260 students in its auto repair department, offering courses in body repair and paint, tune-ups and electrical, brakes and alignment, and engines and transmissions.
"SkillsUSA is very important to CCOC or any tech school, because it allows students to compete against the very best the state has to offer," Chukes said.
"It helps them become leaders and gives them something they can put on their resume," he said. "It takes training and practice to compete in SkillsUSA, but if we perform well, it's really good for our school and our students."
Last year, CCOC sent 25 students to the California state SkillsUSA competition, and this year 33 students were entered, Chukes said.
SkillsUSA is a national organization that serves high school and college students enrolled in technical, skilled, and service occupations. The organization provides education 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.
