The Dillon County Technology Center Mechatronics Department, under the leadership of Branford Townsend, participated in the SkillsUSA competition held in Greenville, South Carolina on Friday, March 25, 2022.

The contest assessed the students’ knowledge of Mechatronics through written exams on the general knowledge of Mechatronics Technology, oral assessments, and practical challenges which included troubleshooting and construction skills.
The event allows teams of two secondary students and an alternative to compete in real-world settings to evaluate “preparation for employment and recognize outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in the field of Mechatronics”-SkillsUSA. The three students: Daniel Shepherd (Dillon High School Senior), Joshua Tanner (Latta High School Senior) and alternate Dalton Watson (Latta High School Senior) competed against schools from across the state.
The students were assigned various projects to complete during timed events. The events were designed to showcase the student’s ability to read and interpret blueprints, construct and provided maintenance to devices, troubleshoot (mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic components), and demonstrate math and language arts skills.
Mechatronics is a new interdisciplinary field involving electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, electronics, robotics/automation, computer components, and control systems.
The program prepares students who enjoy working with their hands as well as understanding simple to complex systems. It combines industrial skills with a team-oriented approach to problem solving. Skilled Mechatronic technicians are required for the maintenance, repair, and operation of modern automated manufacturing systems. Mechatronics is a dynamic field that changes daily with the rapid improvements in technology and computer systems.