More than 500 students proudly demonstrated in-demand skills they’ve been learning through their career and technical education at the annual SkillsUSA Council District 11 Championships on Feb. 4. 
The Allentown Agri-Plex echoed with the sounds of hammers, drills, and keyboards as high schoolers competed in 33 unique skills demonstrations. Skills like carpentry, CNC machining, plumbing, web design, and many more were on display. Some spectators even watched as criminal justice students de-escalated a mock-disturbance situation. Sites throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley hosted 29 additional competitions for a total of 62 hands-on skills and leadership competitions.
SkillsUSA is among the organizations that partner with employers and workforce development professionals in the Lehigh Valley to build a pipeline of talent for the future.
"At the heart of every great career is a commitment to craft and character. SkillsUSA Council District Championships bring together students who exemplify both,” said Andy Hammer, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Council District 11. “This event honors dedication, determination, and skill. It reminds us that when students are challenged, they rise to the challenge. For the past 40 years, SkillsUSA District Championships have been about more than gold medals. They’re about growth, grit, and the pride of a job well done.”
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, schools, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. The Lehigh Valley boasts the only SkillsUSA Council that not only offers all the benefits of SkillsUSA national but also professional development conferences and interest clubs year-round here in the Lehigh Valley.
Participating in the competition were students from Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School, Career Institute of Technology, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, Monroe County Technical Institute, and Upper Bucks County Technical School.
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) was among the sponsors of the SkillsUSA Championships.
At the event luncheon, LVEDC President & CEO Don Cunningham emphasized the importance of a skilled workforce for economic development: “We just won a $3.5 billion investment from Eli Lilly and Company. Having a skilled workforce right here in the Lehigh Valley was a key factor in us being chosen as the site for that new manufacturing facility.”
Students like those competing in this year’s SkillsUSA Council District 11 competition are a driving force behind the Lehigh Valley’s success over the past 30 years, and they will play a pivotal role in its next chapter of manufacturing growth.
The SkillsUSA Council awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to medalists in select competitions.