Vol. 41, No. 48
June 22, 2007
CONTACT: JIM MORRIS |
Missouri Fields Largest Group Ever
for National "SkillsUSA" Competition
14,000 Participants Convene in Kansas City Next Week
More than 320 Missouri students will take part in SkillsUSA when it returns to Kansas City next week, June 25-29, for the 43rd National Leadership and Skills Conference.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. More than 14,000 participants from education and industry across the nation will convene for the event.
A space the size of 16 football fields in Bartle Hall and other area facilities will provide the setting for 87 hands-on skill and leadership competitions.
The national field of contestants is 5,000 strong. Each SkillsUSA Championships contestant is a state gold medalist. Missouri is fielding 78 students in high school events and 92 contestants at the postsecondary level. In addition, 70 teachers, students and volunteers are serving as Courtesy Corps members, advisors and in other supporting roles. They also will be able to attend free educational seminars on a variety of topics featuring the latest trends, new technology and the best career opportunities.
"This year, our state will have one of the largest contingents of any state at SkillsUSA," said Dr. Paul Light of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Missouri SkillsUSA advisor said more Missouri students have qualified for nationals than in any previous year.
Generously supported by industry, the national conference includes leadership training for students, community service project demonstrations, and opening and closing ceremonies. It is considered the single greatest day of industry volunteerism in America every year, with an estimated value of more than $30 million in donated time, equipment and materials. The majority of the 500 judges for the competitive events come from Kansas City-area businesses.
"This is a tremendous way for employers to get directly involved in the assessment of students," said Thomas W. Holdsworth, director of communications for SkillsUSA. He noted that industry involvement also extends to the classroom through the provision of equipment and training for instructors.
The public is invited to view the competitive events Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday events include automated manufacturing technology, milling technology, commercial baking, computer maintenance and many more.
Thursday’s lineup includes cosmetology, culinary arts, medical and dental assisting, cabinetmaking, automotive service technology, masonry, robotics and automation, aviation maintenance and welding.
There are four new events this year. Two national competitions testing civil engineering skills in surveying and highway categories will debut Tuesday for postsecondary students. Engineering technology and screen-printing competitions will be held for high school and college students.
Started in 1967 with 54 competitors in three contests, the SkillsUSA Championships has become a premier national competition for public high school and college/postsecondary technical students enrolled in trade, technical, and skilled service profession instructional programs, including allied health occupations.
The National SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference will be held in Kansas City each June through 2014.
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The SkillsUSA Media Room is located at Bartle Hall Room 2104A, (816) 513-5554.
SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations. SkillsUSA was formerly known as VICA (the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).