Latest news with #SkillsUSA
New York Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
To Live Up to a Legacy, They Had Two Days to Build a House
The plumber, the mason, the electrician and the carpenter arrived a full hour early to collect their blueprints. They had two days in June to build an eight-foot by 10-foot tiny home inside the convention center in downtown Atlanta. They knew little else about their assignment, but they were anxious to get started. And they were ready to win. The four-person crew, all students at Belton High School in Belton, Texas, were defending the school's title as the reigning national champions of mock tiny home construction. Every year, around 6,700 students participate in roughly 115 trade contests like auto mechanics, baking, cosmetology and robotics at the SkillsUSA Championships. In Belton, a town of open fields and highways halfway between Waco and Austin, the prize for home construction could make the students stars. The teens could get a segment on the local television station, a spread in the front of the yearbook, a giant banner strung up in the high school wood shop and attention from local and national homebuilders who scout their school and the convention for talent. Belton High was the winningest in the 23-year history of the national TeamWorks contest, taking the top prize three times, including last year. But those boys had graduated and the new crew had never competed at this level. And yet, the new team — the plumber Joseph Fuentes, the mason Bryson Necessary, the electrician Erik Schiller and the carpenter Jack Clark — knew that winning was expected. They could sense it from their coach when he said things like, 'You've got to be on your A game — like a boxer.' Or by the fact that their school's principal was going to wake up at 4 a.m. and fly 1,000 miles to see them compete. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Widening Efforts To Address Labor Skills Gap
Close up stock photograph of a black man conducting a seminar on Python computer coding in an open ... More plan work arena. America's most critical economic resurgence is being forged not in boardrooms or coding boot camps but in workshops, construction sites, and, increasingly, high-tech control rooms. A powerful convergence of soaring college costs, a widening skilled labor gap that threatens to drain trillions from U.S. GDP, and a generation demanding meaningful, accessible careers is fueling an unprecedented revolution in skilled trades education. The message is clear: hands-on skills provide for lucrative careers. The Coalition Closing the Chasm The demand for electricians, plumbers, welders, cybersecurity technicians, advanced manufacturers, and HVAC specialists is dramatically outpacing supply. The Skilled Careers Coalition (SCC), atempting to merge a traditionally fragmented ecosystem. Their high-energy presence at the recent SkillsUSA National Conference in Atlanta is prefacing a potential paradigm shift. "We've reached a crossroads," declares Mark Hedstrom, SCC's Executive Director, in a press release. "The skilled trades are the backbone of America's economic engine, but the widening gap could cripple industries. We must elevate the trades as a viable, lucrative third path to career success alongside traditional four-year degrees and service roles." By deliberately bridging the gap between industry giants, educators, policymakers, parents, and, crucially, youth themselves (as seen in their innovative SKILLS JAM YouTube series hosted by Ty Pennington), they're fostering collaboration and breaking down traditional barriers. Their research pinpointed the core issue: a lack of knowledge, not a lack of interest. A staggering 43% of students would consider a skilled career if they had better information and guidance. The SCC is flooding that zone with content, mentorship initiatives, and modernized recruitment technology backed by influential voices from the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as local legislators. Cutting-Edge Pathways Emerge While traditional trades remain vital, the definition of "skilled trades" is expanding into high-tech, digital frontiers. Witness Champlain College's groundbreaking CyberStart program. Targeting Vermont high school juniors and seniors (with a model suitable for national scaling), CyberStart delivers a synchronous, 12-credit cybersecurity certificate before graduation. "We saw a need, especially for rural students, for something between isolated online courses and full campus access," explains Adam Goldstein, CyberStart's Program Director. "Our model combines rigorous, faculty-led synchronous learning with a flipped classroom and, crucially, dual internship experiences – one academic, one directly with industry partner NuHarbor Security." This is workforce development meets career exploration. CyberStart provides: The results? Students are enrolling in college STEM programs and eyeing careers in cybersecurity immediately. Goldstein views this as a replicable blueprint for fields such as data science, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and digital humanities. Building the Ideal Skilled Trade Ecosystem: From Reality to Vision Existing programs like apprenticeships (long the gold standard) and SCC's initiatives are foundational, but the ideal future requires bolder steps: The Bottom Line: An Economic Imperative This isn't just about fixing leaky faucets or building houses (though those are essential). It's about securing America's competitive edge in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and cybersecurity. High school students and their parents are increasingly questioning the value of four-year degree, seeking faster and more affordable paths. Programs like SCC's coalition-building and Champlain's CyberStart are a beginning. With the recent Higher Education Act renewal allowing for Pell Grants for short-term or certificate programs, students will have the funds to pay for vocational programs at accredited programs. For young people, this is a path to prosperity without paralyzing debt. For America, it's nothing less than rebuilding the backbone of its workforce. The tools are ready. The training is evolving. The future is skilled.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Airgas to Sponsor 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference
RADNOR, Pa., June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the third consecutive year, Airgas, an Air Liquide company, will sponsor and supply all industrial gases used at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta from June 24–27. Airgas will provide an array of industrial gases, including ready-to-weld ARCAL™ shielding gases, featuring a safer and more user-friendly experience with SMARTOP™ or EXELTOP™ cylinder valve technology. These gases from Airgas will support various competitions, including Collision Repair Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Welding, and Welding Fabrication. SkillsUSA is a national student organization committed to building the future skilled workforce our nation depends on. Airgas supports SkillsUSA's mission to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA serves nearly 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary programs nationwide. Students also gain opportunities to hone their skills in career competitions on the local, state and national levels. Bill Pharmer, Senior Director of Airgas Advanced Fabrication Technologies, commented, "We are excited to support the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference once again this year, and supply the industrial gases needed for the competitions. Witnessing the enthusiasm and talent of the participants last year was inspiring. Airgas is committed to supporting these students' journeys as they explore careers in welding, engineering and other technical careers." Airgas, Inc. Airgas®, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Airgas helps its more than 1 million customers advance their business performance and reach their full potential with reliable products, services and expertise used to create, build, care, serve and sustain. With nearly 18,000 associates, over 1,400 locations, a robust eBusiness platform, and Airgas Total Access® telesales channel, Airgas is ready to help customers fill their potential, every day. As an Air Liquide company, a world leader in gases, technology and services for Industry and Health, Airgas offers customers an unrivaled global footprint and industry-leading technology and innovations. For more information, please visit SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is America's proud champion of the skilled trades. It's a student-led partnership of education and industry that's building the skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. Representing nearly 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSA's mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. That mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into the classroom curriculum. Through Framework instruction, students develop the character-shaping leadership skills — teamwork, communication, professionalism and more — that successful careers and lives demand. At the same time, students hone their high-level technical skills against current industry standards in more than 130 skilled trade areas, from 3-D Animation to Welding. The result? Focused, confident and highly skilled graduates who are ready to work, ready to lead and ready to make a difference in our schools, workplaces and communities. A vital solution to the skills gap, where more in-demand skilled trades positions are available than qualified professionals to fill them, SkillsUSA has served over 14 million difference-making members since 1965. To learn more, visit Liquide is a world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees, the Group serves more than 4 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide's scientific territory and have been at the core of the Group's activities since its creation in 1902. Taking action today while preparing the future is at the heart of Air Liquide's strategy. With ADVANCE, its strategic plan, Air Liquide is targeting a global performance, combining financial and extra-financial dimensions. Positioned on new markets, the Group benefits from major assets such as its business model combining resilience and strength, its ability to innovate and its technological expertise. The Group develops solutions contributing to climate and the energy transition — particularly with hydrogen — and takes action to progress in areas of healthcare, electronics and high technologies. Air Liquide's revenue amounted to more than 27 billion euros in 2024. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX 50, FTSE4Good and DJSI Europe indexes. View source version on Contacts Airgas Communications Marysa Mazanek610-230-3213mediasupport@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Airgas to Sponsor 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference
RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the third consecutive year, Airgas, an Air Liquide company, will sponsor and supply all industrial gases used at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta from June 24–27. Airgas will provide an array of industrial gases, including ready-to-weld ARCAL™ shielding gases, featuring a safer and more user-friendly experience with SMARTOP™ or EXELTOP™ cylinder valve technology. These gases from Airgas will support various competitions, including Collision Repair Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Welding, and Welding Fabrication. SkillsUSA is a national student organization committed to building the future skilled workforce our nation depends on. Airgas supports SkillsUSA's mission to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA serves nearly 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary programs nationwide. Students also gain opportunities to hone their skills in career competitions on the local, state and national levels. Bill Pharmer, Senior Director of Airgas Advanced Fabrication Technologies, commented, 'We are excited to support the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference once again this year, and supply the industrial gases needed for the competitions. Witnessing the enthusiasm and talent of the participants last year was inspiring. Airgas is committed to supporting these students' journeys as they explore careers in welding, engineering and other technical careers.' Airgas, Inc. Airgas®, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Airgas helps its more than 1 million customers advance their business performance and reach their full potential with reliable products, services and expertise used to create, build, care, serve and sustain. With nearly 18,000 associates, over 1,400 locations, a robust eBusiness platform, and Airgas Total Access® telesales channel, Airgas is ready to help customers fill their potential, every day. As an Air Liquide company, a world leader in gases, technology and services for Industry and Health, Airgas offers customers an unrivaled global footprint and industry-leading technology and innovations. For more information, please visit SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is America's proud champion of the skilled trades. It's a student-led partnership of education and industry that's building the skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. Representing nearly 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSA's mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. That mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into the classroom curriculum. Through Framework instruction, students develop the character-shaping leadership skills — teamwork, communication, professionalism and more — that successful careers and lives demand. At the same time, students hone their high-level technical skills against current industry standards in more than 130 skilled trade areas, from 3-D Animation to Welding. The result? Focused, confident and highly skilled graduates who are ready to work, ready to lead and ready to make a difference in our schools, workplaces and communities. A vital solution to the skills gap, where more in-demand skilled trades positions are available than qualified professionals to fill them, SkillsUSA has served over 14 million difference-making members since 1965. To learn more, visit Air Liquide is a world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees, the Group serves more than 4 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide's scientific territory and have been at the core of the Group's activities since its creation in 1902. Taking action today while preparing the future is at the heart of Air Liquide's strategy. With ADVANCE, its strategic plan, Air Liquide is targeting a global performance, combining financial and extra-financial dimensions. Positioned on new markets, the Group benefits from major assets such as its business model combining resilience and strength, its ability to innovate and its technological expertise. The Group develops solutions contributing to climate and the energy transition — particularly with hydrogen — and takes action to progress in areas of healthcare, electronics and high technologies. Air Liquide's revenue amounted to more than 27 billion euros in 2024. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX 50, FTSE4Good and DJSI Europe indexes.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Largest SkillsUSA National Conference in History Showcases America's Future Skilled Workforce
Students, Teachers and Industry Converge in Atlanta June 23-27 to Spotlight the Enduring Value of Skills LEESBURG, Va., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The largest gathering of America's future skilled workforce will convene in Atlanta, June 23-27, at SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). More than 18,000 attendees — including middle school, high school and college/postsecondary students, teachers, school administrators and business partners — will celebrate the accomplishments of the top career and technical education (CTE) students in the U.S. while showcasing the value of career-ready skills in solving the nation's workforce development challenges. The SkillsUSA conference is a recognized CTE hotspot and workforce development destination event. This huge, multi-faceted conference features the SkillsUSA Championships, where more than 6,800 students — each a state champion — will compete for national gold, silver and bronze medals in 114 hands-on workforce development competitions, from construction and transportation to extemporaneous speaking, welding and everything in between. The event occupies over 1.79 million square feet (31 football fields or 41 acres) of space at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). Happening simultaneously with the SkillsUSA Championships will be SkillsUSA TECHPSO, one of the nation's largest technical education expositions. TECHSPO will feature more than 200 exhibitors from education and industry eager to meet the next generation of skilled professionals and career-ready leaders. Rounding out the event are professional development workshops for students and teachers, two general sessions and a community service project that benefits Atlanta children. The event will also celebrate the highest membership numbers in SkillsUSA's 60-year history: more than 443,000 student and teacher members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. "Our organization is growing and so is our conference," said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. "As a talent pipeline and vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA is proud to gather our future leaders in the great city of Atlanta as we positively influence a generation of students who will make a difference in their communities, the nation and the world. This event is much more than a conference or convention — it is a workforce development event where America's future skilled workforce can connect directly with their future employers. It's a place for our members and supporters to show the nation that skilled career pathways are more valuable and in demand now than ever before and that these careers provide amazing opportunities for personal and professional success." On Tuesday, June 24 SkillsUSA members and supporters will gather in State Farm Arena for the largest and most exciting event of the week, the Opening Session. Our keynote speaker is Mike Rowe, best known as "the dirtiest man on TV" from the iconic series Dirty Jobs. He is an Emmy Award-winning host, narrator, bestselling author and producer who has turned storytelling into a platform of purpose — sharing the journeys of everyday people who've built meaningful careers through skill, determination and old-fashioned work ethic. Rowe's message resonates deeply with the values of leadership, dedication and practical skills that SkillsUSA embodies. The SkillsUSA conference will be led by students like National High School President Kallie Allen of Massachusetts, who says, "Attending the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference is honestly one of the best experiences I've had in high school. I get to meet leaders in industry, learn about careers I didn't even know existed, and connect with students from all over the country who are just as passionate about their futures as I am. Being involved with SkillsUSA and attending this national event really expands my horizons and opens my eyes to what's possible for my future." Aerotek — a leading workplace solutions provider in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance — is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 conference, and hundreds of other industry representatives from American companies will be on site to support the competitions and other events all week. Students and teachers will converge in Atlanta ready to grow, learn and lead, and the SkillsUSA has announced that Atlanta is our conference home through 2033. One-day guest passes are available to the public. Visit for options and pricing and to learn more about the event or to follow the conference coverage. About SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at and follow us on Facebook ( Instagram ( and LinkedIn ( Media Contact Clare Briner, SkillsUSA, 703-737-0625, cbriner@ Facebook View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SkillsUSA Sign in to access your portfolio
