Ideal Nationals

    10.26.17 | TSCT News

    Lancaster, PA – On September 27th, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology hosted the Ideal Nationals Qualifiers, for the first time, where students compete for a chance to enter the Nationals in Lake Buena Vista Florida and win up to $30,000 on November 10 & 11.

    The 2017 IDEAL National Championship is where the most elite tradesmen in the nation come together to showcase their skills. To qualify, students used IDEAL tools to complete the challenge.  The individual with the fastest time will qualify to compete.

    This was the first year the IDEAL Nationals Qualifier was held at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.  With what Thaddeus Stevens College represents and the skilled workers that we prepare for work and for life, it felt like the perfect electrical current.

    “The main hope I had for holding the event on Campus was to bring together all the students in the Electrical and Construction Electric programs into a single location and have some fun before mid-terms”, says Brian Kochan, Electrical Technology instructor, “this event gave us a chance to build just a little bit more towards a sense of community between the students, and pride in the program.”

    The Electrical and Construction Electric Program competed in the Snyder Building on Campus.

    Since only one student actually “wins” the qualifying event for the entire region (E. PA, DE), it was more about students coming together and encouraging one another. Many students had the drive to win, but all those who participated can take pride in having one of our students represent Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology at the national competition in FL. 

    With a time of 1:04.18, Matthew Koresco, first year in Electrical Technology, has earned himself an invitation to the Ideal Nationals Championship on November 10th & 11th.

    Little did the student from King of Prussia know his first year at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology got a little more exciting. “After learning I got the qualifying time, I was kind of in disbelief but now knowing that its official I couldn't be happier,” says Matt.

    Matt chose to major in Electrical Technology because he loves to work with his hands and be in a field where jobs are in high-demand. After graduating from Stevens, Matt wants to be a residential electrician on either new construction or on service calls.

    On November 10th & 11th, 68 Professionals and 68 Students/Apprentices will compete in up to four different rounds with top scores advancing to the next round. Students/Apprentices who rank in the top three will be awarded prizes:

    • 1st Place: $30,000 + $5,000 to their school
    • 2nd Place: $20,000
    • 3rd Place: $10,000

    The Ideal Nationals is intended for those who are looking to pursue a career in the Electrical Industry. If you’re interested, Brian Kochan gives his word of advice:

    Commit to the field.  There is such a breadth of opportunities out there as far as careers are concerned.  The jobs are out there.  But industry needs people who are committed to an understanding that learning never stops. There is always going to be a new technology, a new code requirement, or a new method for completing a task.  Students who display a personal desire to learning anything they can are the ones who will be most successful.

    Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology will be cheering on Matt as he competes in Florida! Stay tuned for updates.

    To learn more about the Electrical Programs Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology offers, click here.

    For more information, contact

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    Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a premier, residential, two-year, accredited technical college that prepares students for skilled employment in a diverse, ever-changing workforce. Founded in 1905 with 15 students, Thaddeus Stevens College has grown to more than 1,000 students and 22 high-skill, high-wage technical programs.