(MADISON) High school students from Beaver Dam, Dodgeland, Fall River, Mayville, Randolph, and Watertown are getting ready to put their skills to the test next week in Madison.
They’ll be among more than 1,700 students from across Wisconsin competing in the annual SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, happening April 7 and 8 at the Alliant Energy Center and Madison College.
The event brings together students training for careers in everything from construction and manufacturing to health care and information technology. But organizers say it’s about more than just technical skills.
“It’s really about developing the entire student,” said State Director Jake Mihm. “We’re empowering students to become not only skilled professionals, but career-ready leaders and responsible community members.”
Mihm spoke with our sister station 620 WTMJ ahead of the conference, highlighting how the competitions mirror real-world expectations. Students compete in more than 60 events judged by industry professionals, testing both their technical ability and how they present themselves on the job.
“They have their resume put together. They can dress for the occasion. They can operate the equipment safely,” Mihm said. “They are next-step ready to be taking jobs in the workforce.”
For many students, the event is also a chance to explore career paths that don’t require a traditional four-year degree.
“Education comes in all forms,” Mihm said. “We’re finding that there are shorter pathways to get into the workforce instead of just the four-year traditional degree.”
Winners at the state level will move on to compete at the national SkillsUSA Championships this summer in Atlanta.
The conference is free and open to the public.
