There is a special covenant between the older generation and the younger generation that goes like this: “we’ll take care of you, and then you take care of us.” That same type of promise holds true when it comes to the world in which we live: “we built it, you help keep it running.” But how can that happen without a properly trained workforce? Fortunately for all Americans, SkillsUSA is leading the charge to create a viable and growing generation of qualified and dedicated workers.
As their website proudly proclaims, SkillsUSA ”is a partnership between students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force.” Founded in 1965 as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, Inc. the organization started out with just over 29,000 members and has since grown to over 300,000 current members with over 9 million served throughout the years. That’s pretty impressive by anyone’s standards.
SkillsUSA is all about preparing students to enter the workforce by providing vocational and leadership training guidelines. They encourage their members to roll up their sleeves and get to work through job skills training in the classroom. Their long and productive history has earned SkillsUSA recognition from the U.S. Department of Labor as a “successful model of employer-driven youth development training program.” As a result of their dedication to preparing students to enter the workforce, SkillsUSA has a wide variety of resource materials for educators and their students. These guides provide an abundant amount of knowledge and prove to be as valuable as any other textbook.
But the training doesn’t end with the ringing of school bell. SkillsUSA is a proud sponsor and organizer of the 
National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). This is an annual event where students compete in occupational and leadership skills. Did you know you could win a gold medal in welding? You can through SkillsUSA.
The prosperity of our future is in the hands of our graduating students. SkillsUSA is working hard to make sure they get the job done and done right.
– Meyer
One Comment
I, along with many other people in my company, donate our time to the SkillsUSA National competition, as well as state and local events. Not matter what trade you represent, your time and expertise is always welcome. Not only is it personally rewarding, but serves as a lesson for these bright young people to always support their trade, as well as their communities.
Most of the help needed in SkillsUSA comes at the local, regional, and state levels. It is crucial to prepare your state competitors for the national competition. I have seen students that get to the nationals with the look on their faces that project they are not prepared for this level of competition.
So go to SkillsUSA.org, look up your state SkillsUSA Director, and tell them you want to help. Help set up competitions, secure needed donations, assist instructors, volunteer to be a judge, and most of all, show up for the kids. Take an interest in them and I promise, you will not be dissapointed.
If we are to build a better skilled trade pool in this country, we had better get personally involved in organizations like SkillsUSA. You’ll be glad you did!