In order to bring awareness to the increased demands for more technical skills across the workplace, the SkillsUSA championship competitions are taking place at Grand Rapids Community College and DeVos Place on April 20, 2013.
Over 1,100 career and technical education students from across the state will be competing in the event. Students will work against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in occupations such as welding, computer-aided drafting, precision machining, automotive service, culinary arts, cosmetology, and criminal justice. All contests are run with the help of industry experts, trade associations, and labor organizations. Test competencies are set by professional industry standards.
"Everyone has to get a job," says SkillsUSA State Director Tammy Brown. "Back in the day, vocational education programs were for the students where you couldn't figure where to put them. Today's employers need highly skilled, smart workers... The students need to know so much more – math science language skills, communication skills, and how to present themselves in business situations. Michigan has an aging workforce, and we need jobs and skills that can't be outsourced."
The complete schedule of the events can be viewed here. The winners will go on to compete in the National Championships this June in Kansas City, MO.
Source: Tammy Brown, SkillsUSA
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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