SkillsUSA Helps Build Today’s Students into Tomorrow’s Workforce
Thinking about future careers can be difficult for kids, teens and young adults. With so many opportunities out there, they may not know which avenue is right for them. From apprenticeships and on-the-job training to an endless number of possible careers in different industries, it’s important for kids to understand they have a buffet of amazing options to choose from.
One way to get a better idea of what path to take is by exploring possibilities and gaining firsthand experience with various job skills, which is what students get to do with SkillsUSA.
What Is SkillsUSA?
SkillsUSA is a nonprofit resource that is dedicated to student workforce development and improving the quality of the future skilled workforce. SkillsUSA has many state associations across the U.S., including a Kansas association, known as SkillsUSA Kansas.
Becky Warren with SkillsUSA and the Kansas State Department of Education shared that the organization works with students who are registered in training programs at their public middle school, high school or college. Today, the Kansas chapter works with over 2,700 students at 63 different schools and 65 business partners.
Through the SkillsUSA programs and competitions, students can develop and explore skills from a wide variety of different occupational areas such as auto service, carpentry, welding, diesel mechanics and 3-D animation.
According to Warren, the business partners help lead student competitions and activities, creating amazing opportunities for students to connect with different industries while they are still in school.
“With the one-on-one collaboration between the businesses and students, not only are these students gaining valuable hands-on experience in skilled trades, sometimes the connections that are built lead to exciting internships, apprenticeships or even future jobs,” said Warren.
Rod Murphy, President of DEPCO Enterprises LLC and a SkillsUSA business partner, shared his perspective on the benefits of the program.
“SkillsUSA provides a wealth of growth and opportunities for students in leadership, workshops and hands-on skill development in their chosen career field,” said Murphy. “The skills they learn and develop create a solid foundation for their future in the skilled trades and ongoing future employment.”
Murphy said that many of the students who are involved in SkillsUSA receive industry scholarships and even have national signing days, much like student-athletes.
The SkillsUSA Framework
The SkillsUSA mission is highlighted through the SkillsUSA framework. According to Warren, business industry partners helped design the framework, and it is the glue that holds everything together.
“We pride ourselves in training students in this framework because it guides them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members, which is the mission of SkillsUSA,” said Warren. “It is so important because the students can use the essential elements of the framework to understand and articulate the skills they have learned through SkillsUSA when working with potential future employers.”
The three categories of the SkillsUSA framework are personal skills, workplace skills and technical skills grounded in academics. The chart below illustrates the elements included in each category.
In addition to helping students become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members, the framework helps teach students skills that businesses look for as they are hiring new employees.
Getting Involved
In today’s climate, there are more skilled trade jobs available than skilled employees to fill those positions, so it’s the perfect time for students to become involved in a program like SkillsUSA. Joining SkillsUSA also gives kids, teens and young adults an opportunity to explore what career path could be right for them.
According to the SkillsUSA website, if you are a student, or if you think your student would benefit from SkillsUSA, the best way to join is to connect with the CTE teacher or school counselor to see if your school has a current chapter. If not, your teacher or counselor can reach out to customercare@skillsusa.org for more information on starting one at your school.
Teachers or individuals who want to serve as SkillsUSA advisors can start a chapter or join as professional members. Visit the “Join as a Teacher/Advisor” section of the SkillsUSA website to learn more.