NEAR0119.qxp_NEAR1014 12/14/18 2:43 PM Page 22
[LOCAL] NEWS
Monty Tech Grad to Hit Russia for WorldSkills There are many incredibly talented auto body students in the Commonwealth, but few have the determination and desire necessary to earn them a trip to Kazan, Russia. In August, former Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (“Monty Tech”) student David “D.J.” Fors will travel to that faraway place to represent his state at WorldSkills. This veteran SkillsUSA competitor earned his spot in the prestigious event after winning a special qualifying competition in Kentucky. Fors’ latest achievement is the result of a passion for automotive repair that began when he was only eight years old. By the time he was 10, he was already working on restoring a ’68 Mustang. “I’ve always kind of been involved in the automotive industry,” he says. “I
definitely wanted to go to a trade school so I could get the best of both worlds – an academic and vocational education – so I would give myself options when I graduated.” Fors currently works at Aldrich Auto Body & Repair in Fitchburg, the shop he was first introduced to through Monty Tech’s student co-op program. He intends to stay there while he pursues a Criminal Justice degree from Fitchburg State University. “I’m just keeping my options open going forward.” In the months to come, Fors will be utilizing Monty Tech’s collision repair shop to prepare for the event. He also plans to train at the Car-O-Liner facility in Mansfield and travel to Wisconsin to work alongside industry expert Jerry
David Fors is getting ready for an international adventure (Photo courtesy of SkillsUSA.)
Goodson to ensure that he is ready to win when his plane lands in Russia. Naturally, Fors’ three past teachers at Monty Tech are thrilled to see him achieve such a high level of success. “Massachusetts should be very proud of themselves, because both candidates continued on page 50
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