Derek Summers

Representing the United States at WorldSkills in Mechatronics

WorldSkills competitor Derek Summers says the 2024 Mechatronics competition will allow him to “experience different cultures in an exciting and competitive environment.” Summers will compete with team member Gabriel Eady. Summers represented SkillsUSA Tennessee at the 2023 SkillsUSA Championships and won a gold medal in Mechatronics. He trained in the Mechatronics program at Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tenn., and is currently working as a lead technician for DENSO in Maryville, Tenn. At DENSO, Summers is responsible for programming and teaching robots, troubleshooting and vision integration. Their expert, Josh Whittington from Valdosta, Ga., will train both Summers and Eady for the competition. Summers credits his success in learning Mechatronics “to the five years I have been with DENSO as a technician, whether it was the skills I picked up on the job or the knowledge I gained from my co-workers.”

Summers says he enjoys big challenges. “Having new things to do and learn often challenges me to really think. I’m also challenged by the variety of machines we have built or worked on.”

Summers says, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a chance to showcase my expertise and learn with the best in the field.”

Download the press release about Derek Summers and WorldSkills USA.