Black Ties. Red Jackets. Life Skills.
These three things are all staples of the SkillsUSA organization, and set them apart from all the rest.
SkillsUSA is a student body organization focused around trade careers where students come together and compete against one another in regional and even national competitions. This club does a lot of fundraisers, charity events, and community involvement to promote SkillsUSA.
“SkillsUSA is a student-run organization that focuses on the students’ future in the trade industry,” says club Vice President Logan Barrett.
SkillsUSA hosts many events throughout the year that allow members to compete in trade-based activities. These activities span throughout the year and students can win events and advance on through the levels of regional all the way to national.
“We host a bunch of different events for all of our students across all skill traits such as welding, carpentry, health science, automotive, and information technology,” says Welding Instructor James Willoughby.
One member of SkillsUSA from GRC was able to achieve the honor of competing in a national level competition. Lydia Chenault, the club’s secretary, competed in the jobs skills demonstration category of the event. She placed 6th in the national competition.
“I demonstrated how to change the blade on a circular saw and explained the safety of the machine,” says Chenault.
This organization prepares students for life outside of the doors of GRC and aims to get them the best trade-based jobs.
“SkillsUSA prepares them by teaching them the values of showing up on time, hard work, and teamwork. It really prepares them for a future job opportunity when they leave high school.” says Mr. Willoughby.
Mr. Willoughby, the instructor, has deep roots into the SkillsUSA organization. He competed on the quiz bowl team twice while he was in high school. He also thoroughly enjoyed the trips that he went on with SkillsUSA.
“My favorite memory would probably be the state trips that we went on. We went to Louisville and made a lot of different friends,” says Mr. Willoughby. “Meeting other students across the state of Kentucky was really nice.”
Skills USA aims to create a community of students who are passionate about helping others through trade work. These students truly care about what they do during their time in the club and strive to continue to better their organization.
“SkillsUSA means being proud of your peers for their accomplishments,” says Vice President Barrett. “It means being a part of your community. Some of my favorite memories from skills would have to be the field trips and competitions with my peers.”
This community calls the Clark County ATC their home. SkillsUSA is a great organization but there are some requirements to join this very accredited club.
To be in SkillsUSA, students have to be enrolled in one of the ATC classes.
The organization uses its staple red jackets and black ties to teach its students valuable life skills through competitions, community service, and charity work that will help carry them not only into becoming better people, but into a successful career outside the doors of GRC.
