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OCM BOCES Heavy Equipment student in ‘disbelief’ after 2nd place win at national SkillsUSA competition
This summer, that real-world experience helped the 2025 OCM BOCES and Chittenango High School graduate earn a silver medal in Heavy Equipment Operation at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, where more than 6,500 state champions from across the country competed in over 100 skills and leadership events.
The SkillsUSA Championships are considered the nation’s premier showcase for Career and Technical Education (CTE). It tests students not just on technical ability but also on safety, problem-solving, and employability.
While others were competing in areas like culinary arts, welding, cybersecurity and automotive repair, O’Connor was navigating stations designed to measure precision, judgment, and industry knowledge in heavy equipment.
Bryan Wilson, his OCM BOCES teacher in the CTE Heavy Equipment Repair, Operations and Diesel Technology (HERO) program, said the silver medal underscores O’Connor’s skill and his character.
“Having Tyler bring home a second place at the national competition is something teachers can only dream of,” Wilson said. “Tyler’s hard work in and out of school has led to his success, and I am just lucky enough to be a small part of his journey.”
O’Connor traveled to Georgia in late June with his mother and sister and began the week with an orientation and dinner for all New York State competitors.
“It was like a big ‘thank you’ for coming,” he said. “Then we walked around and figured out where the events would be.”
On the first day of the competition, O’Connor was tested on his knowledge on equipment operations, reading blueprints, soil density, and identifying underground utilities. The second half of the day, he was given an online test about the fundamentals of running equipment.
After the written assessments, students were bussed to a Komatsu construction equipment site about an hour north of Atlanta, where they could get familiar with the equipment they would use for an outdoor competition.
Then came the final day—O’Connor joined thousands of students and advisors in a packed arena for the awards ceremony.
Seated next to OCM BOCES CTE HERO classmate William Bell, a Cazenovia senior who also competed at nationals, O’Connor watched as winners’ names were announced.
When his name appeared on the big screen—as one of the top three in his category—O’Connor could hardly believe it.
“I was like, ‘No way,’” he said. “I was kind of in disbelief that I was in the top three in the nation.”
The recognition came with more than just a medal. Big-name sponsors awarded top finishers with practical gifts for those in each of the competition categories.
“When I went backstage, a lady from Volvo asked for my address so they could send us trophies and goodies,” O’Connor said. “They sent me two hard hats, a diecast loader, a 20-can cooler and $750.”
The trip nearly didn’t happen. O’Connor had plans to spend a week in Maine with friends, but they rearranged their schedule when he qualified for nationals.
“I tell you what, that was a decision I’m really happy I made — it was the experience of a lifetime.”
Wilson, his teacher at OCM BOCES, said O’Connor’s approach to his education stood out in every way.
“I hope future students will see what hard work and determination can lead to,” he said. “Tyler is on the path to great success, and I will miss having him in the classroom.”
Today, O’Connor is back home in Central New York, working full time for his grandparents. He plans to continue building his career there, putting his skills from OCM BOCES and his national competition experience to work in the family business.
