SkillsUSA

Description

SkillsUSA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational association serving more than 280,000 students and teachers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. Fifty state and three territorial associations implement the SkillsUSA program in more than 13,000 classrooms in 3,600 comprehensive public high schools, area career and technical education centers, and two-year colleges. SkillsUSA complements technical skills training with instruction in the "employability skills" that employers increasingly cite as deficient in the emerging work force. SkillsUSA activities develop creativity, problem-solving skills, teamwork, leadership, self-esteem and integrity,all competencies and foundation skills urged by SCANS, the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills of the U.S. Department of Labor. SkillsUSA introduces students to the corporate quality culture and emphasizes the dignity of work, high standards in trade ethics and workmanship, life-long learning and job safety. Community service, patriotism and an understanding of the free enterprise system are also core elements of a SkillsUSA education. SkillsUSA bridges the school-to-workplace gap. Active participation of business and industry keys SkillsUSA's success. SkillsUSA has pioneered and enhanced links between education and corporate America. Involvement with SkillsUSA gives employers a direct link with the educational system, producing an even exchange of benefits as students receive more relevant training and employers put better-prepared people to work.