Local Talent Shines: COM Hosts Prestigious NAPTA Troubleshooting Skills Event

The College of the Mainland (COM) recently hosted the seventh annual North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA) Troubleshooting Skills Competition (TSC) for the first time. The event took place on April 18 and 19, attracting Process Technology (PTEC) students from nine different community colleges and technical schools. It served as a venue for students to showcase their troubleshooting skills and interact with industry leaders.

The event began with mock interviews, activities, and challenges over two days. Students, including those from COM, had the opportunity to meet with representatives from major companies such as British Petroleum (BP), Shell, and Eastman in the sponsor area. These meetings provided students with networking opportunities and industry insights.

During the main competition day, teams faced four scenarios using a process operator simulator and a control board simulator. The Lamar Institute of Technology performed well, securing the first and second places. The COM Aces team earned a respectable third place. The competition highlighted the importance of technical skills, branding, and networking for a successful career in process technology.

Durell Brown, a COM PTEC student and competition participant, noted that the event offered more than just troubleshooting challenges. It also focused on personal branding and building career-enhancing connections.

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