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Four Lincoln Trail College Process Technology students recently tested their skills on a national stage, competing in the North American Process Technology Alliance’s Troubleshooting Skills Competition — and gaining a firsthand look at the industry they’re preparing to enter.

Students Madison Davis, Kollin Ramos, Reeve Dennis, and Garrett Winterrowd represented LTC in the event, which challenges students from across the country to solve simulated industrial problems using Distributed Control Systems (DCS), teamwork, and real-world troubleshooting.

“We were one of only 12 teams chosen,” said LTC Process Technology Instructor Tina Lindley. “When you get there and you're from a little town, competing with the top 11 other colleges, you're already a winner just being there.”

The competition took place at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas, and included two full days of activities. Day one was all hands-on: students suited up for simulated spills, practiced using self-contained breathing apparatuses, and climbed glycol units and distillation towers to identify components in real-life industrial setups.

“My favorite part was probably just working on the glycol unit,” said Davis. “It was the most hands-on we’ve ever experienced. We have stuff here, but it’s nothing compared to what they have down there. It was just a whole new outlook.”

Ramos agreed: “We got to see a lot of stuff hands-on that maybe we haven’t got to see before. They had a glycol unit, a flare skid, we got to change over some pumps. That was pretty cool to see.”

Day two brought competition. The team completed three troubleshooting scenarios using DCS, a hands-on skid exercise, and a rigorous 70-question technical test — all while being scored on accuracy, communication, and composure under pressure.

“It was absolutely draining mentally,” said Davis. “There were a lot of hectic noises going off.”

Students also participated in mock interviews with industry professionals — an experience that gave them real-world insight beyond the classroom.

“You can do mock interviews here, but it’s not the same,” said Dennis. “These were people who’ve done exactly what you’re trying to go into. Their feedback was real, and it meant something.”

“It was great to get feedback from industry professionals,” added Ramos. “We got advice on both our interviewing skills and our résumés.”

The trip was made possible through support from Lincoln Trail College’s Perkins Program, which funded travel for the team. The Perkins Program, part of the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, helps provide students with access to high-quality technical education and hands-on learning opportunities.

“This kind of experience is exactly what Perkins is meant to support,” Lindley said. “Our students were able to see firsthand how what they’re learning in the classroom applies directly to the workforce.”

For Lindley, watching her students engage with industry professionals and compete against top schools from Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota was a source of deep pride.

“I am so proud of them,” she said. “It shows me I must be doing something right. I’ve watched them grow over two years, and then they go to this — and they’re really excited. If they wanted to, they could go down there right now and get a job.”

Although the LTC team didn’t place in the top three, the experience left a lasting impact, both technically and personally.

“Teamwork for sure set us up for success,” said Winterrowd. “Learning to work as a team and succeed: that’s what this was all about.”

Davis, who served as team captain, said the experience also helped her grow professionally.

“It gave me more of a need to focus on different aspects — not just operating, but being a good worker in general,” she said. “It gave me a better idea of what I’m actually going to be doing.”

Lindley said she hopes the competition fuels future improvements at LTC, especially as the college looks toward building a new facility for its Process Technology program.

“What they have down there is amazing,” she said. “They have so much more industry involvement. But our students showed they have the capability and the understanding of what’s going on in this field. It proves they can do it, too.”