AC student shines on diesel certification exam and claims $250 worth of new tools

The prize was co-sponsored by Megan Eikner, AC’s dean of technical education, and Western Equipment on the Canyon E-Way, where parts manager Vernon Schenewolf let Chauncey choose his new tools on Nov. 30th straight from the showroom wall.

“I’m really glad I won the tools, I’m very grateful,” Chauncey said, “but I really hadn’t given it any thought because I was totally focused on passing that test.”

He was focused, all right. Chauncey not only passed the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Medium/Heavy Duty Truck exam, he turned in a better score than all his classmates who attempted it.

With the arduous ASE exam looming, instructor Derek Lyon challenged his students to excel on it and promised a prize to whichever of his students achieved the highest score. Then, of course, he had to come up with the prize.

“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Western Equipment, which is a major sponsor of our Diesel Program,” Lyon said. “Between Western Equipment and Dean Eikner, we were able to give Chauncey Sieber a pretty special prize package. I’m glad because he is a truly deserving student.”

By passing the national ASE exam, which Lyon says is recognized as the industry standard, students like Chauncey and his classmates significantly improved their career opportunities.

“ASE certification will instantly move applicants to the top of most candidate lists in the diesel technology industry,” Lyon said. “And for anyone already employed with a company, it can quickly put them in line for a raise. This is an important step on the way to becoming a master diesel technician.”

Chauncey, who will receive his advanced certificate in diesel technology at AC’s Commencement on Dec. 16, has been employed for the past two years by Crist Propane.