Sports fans, buckle up. There’s a new championship in town that pairs the thrill of competition with the precision of modern automotive technology: SkillsUSA.
The largest showcase of career and technical education in America turns industry-essential skills into spectator sports, where high school students compete in categories from job interviewing skills to engine performance.
At this year’s SkillsUSA California state championship, O’Reilly Territory Sales Manager Damian Cisneros was invited to judge the automotive categories. Like many O’Reilly team members, Damian is not only in this business to sell parts; he’s also dedicated to developing the next generation of auto enthusiasts and professionals. “It was great to see how dedicated the students are to growing their careers in the automotive field,” he said. “It was honestly one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was amazing to be there with industry professionals who are my friends, see old friends I haven’t seen in years, and meet new friends in the industry.”
Through his connections with several O’Reilly professional customers, Damian has gotten involved with the Central California Diagnostic Club, an organization of technicians and repair shop owners who work together to educate students on advanced diagnostic skills for the sophisticated technology of modern vehicles. One of the goals of the club is to get more students, shops, and businesses involved in growing the youth base in the automotive repair trade. Damian says club members have dedicated their own time and resources to help students become young professionals, including creating the competition stations for the SkillsUSA event.
After competing against their neighboring schools, SkillsUSA students can move on to compete at regional, state, national, and even international levels in their chosen trade or career path. Damian has been impressed with the professionalism of the students involved and the growth of the program, which more than doubled from 2025.
As we recognize Automotive Service Professionals Month, we want to show gratitude for the technicians and repair facilities we partner with every day. O’Reilly is honored to support the experts who keep our cars safe on the road and excited for the opportunity to support future generations of automotive professionals.
You can find one of our trusted repair shops by clicking the “Find a Repair Shop” link on OReillyAuto.com, or clicking the button below.
