Wilkes Community College will host the high school SkillsUSA Northwest Region Rally & Career Showcase on February 25, 2019. The public is encouraged to attend the event to witness the advanced professional skills demonstrated by the high school students. The event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Walker Center. The awards ceremony takes place at 1:30 p.m.
“I would love to have our community come and support this event. They will be impressed by the skills these students demonstrate based on the high-school, and college-level classes they are taking. It’s also a great opportunity for business and industry to scout for new talent,” said Hardin Kennedy, WCC SkillsUSA advisor and organizer of this annual event. “These students are future leaders in business, industry, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and the skilled labor workforce.”
All SkillsUSA members and advisors and Career and Technical Education (CTE) students can participate in this annual educational and professional development activity. Many business and industry partners attend to participate in or view the contests to see the talent level of potential future employees. Educational partners attend to compare the skills level of other schools and to talk with other educators about best practices. Media outlets are welcome to cover the large event.
The 2018 regional event included over 900 high school students, advisors and industry partners. Of those, 437 students cometed in the skills contests.
Last year over 75 business and industry representatives attended, and elected officials from the local, regional and state level came to the event.
For more information about the SkillsUSA program, contact Hardin Kennedy at 336-838-6219 or hckennedy819@wilkescc.edu.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It helps students excel in their respective trade areas. SkillsUSA provides an opportunity for students to showcase the skills they received at their educational institution and see how their education compares to other schools in our state and nation. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.