College Hosts High School Skills USA, Grants Scholarships
Skills USA is a national nonprofit organization that brings together educators and students to help train America’s future in the trade workforce to be professional, diligent, and honorable. Western Technical College (WTC) has hosted several of the Skills USA competitions for three years now as they are a natural match given the space, technology, and knowledgeable Instructors who some of which acted as judges for the competitions. On January 29th and 30th Western Tech hosted two different Skills USA competitions at the Plaza Campus.
Both visiting students and educators were as equally impressed with the facility as they were with the hospitality shown by WTC faculty and staff. Mr. Ruben Ramirez, educator from Career and Technology Education, says “the facilities are awesome and Western Tech employees and staff have gone above and beyond to host this event sparing no expense.” Prior to the competitions, WTC has offered competing high schools the opportunity to come and practice their skills using the facility, tools, and equipment to prepare for the competition. Another local area teacher, Mr. George Allen, from Riverside High School, says the high school’s relationship with WTC is “very close” and “what we are teaching at the high school level is right in line with the expanded Western Technical College’s curriculum.”
The hopeful high school competitors were tested through written examinations and performance tasks in the area of Diesel and Automotive Technology, some even participated in a mock interview process. Winners will go on to compete at the state level in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a chance at the National competition. On top of that, the top five competitors from each area will receive impressive scholarship offers from Western Tech. Miguel Torres, WTC Recruiter, says WTC will give out about 40 scholarships in the varying different areas of competition; first place winners will receive a scholarship that covers 25% of their tuition in their area of interest.
Skills USA helps to prepare students for future careers in so many area, WTC seems like a natural next step for these young and eager students. The Plaza campus hosting the Automotive and Diesel competitions was not the only WTC location utilized for the Skills USA competitions; The Branch Campus also recently opened its door to host competitions in telecommunications, internet workings, computer maintenance, and technical applications on February 4th.
Teacher, Daniel Aguayo, from Center for Career and Technology, says “things have worked out really well with Western Tech. The students can transfer certifications to start at more advanced levels at WTC saving students time and money.” He adds that Western Technical College has really changed the way people think about vocational schools. He says, “There is a stigma when it comes to career education-that is that it the highest these students are going to go, but the relation between local high schools and Western Tech makes it easier for students to continue their educations at the college level.” If approved, some scholarships may be available statewide to winners of these competitions. For more information contact Ruben Marquez, Skills USA, Western Technical College Event Coordinator at (915)740-3276. For photos of the event, click here.