SkillsUSA Competition to take place at Southeastern

Southeastern Regional will be hosting the 2016 SkillsUSA District Conference on February 25, 2016, with approximately 700 students participating from eight district schools.

SkillsUSA is a nonprofit organization that prepares high school and college students for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. It holds district, state and national competitions each year, which allows students to showcase their technical skills and leadership abilities.

Vocational Director Leslie Weckesser said Southeastern will be hosting the event for the first time in at least 10 years. She said 120 Southeastern students plan to participate, which is more than in previous years.

“Having the competition here has opened our students’ eyes to what SkillsUSA is. It builds self-esteem and confidence, and highlights what the student has already achieved,” she said.

During the event, students will take written tests that evaluate their knowledge in their vocational trades (which includes 60 different subjects), OSHA law and regulations, employability skills, and SkillsUSA. Their scores will be tabulated that same day, and winners will be announced at the conference’s Closing Ceremonies, to take place at the school’s gymnasium at 5 p.m.

Those who place either first or second in their categories will advance to the state conference, where they will be tested through hands-on and written competitions, to take place in in Marlborough, Massachusetts, from April 28 - 30. The other schools that will be participating in the local conference include Attleboro High School, Durfee High School, Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, and Bristol Community College.

Good luck to all participants!