SkillsUSA Partner Summit to be held Feb. 4-5 in Orlando

Media Contacts for SkillsUSA:
Jane Short or Karen Kitzel, 703-777-8810
Email: jshort@skillsusa.org or kkitzel@skillsusa.org

Event Highlights Workforce Preparation and Closing the Skills Gap 

Leesburg, Va., Jan. 30, 2025 — SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, announced plans to hold a SkillsUSA Partner Summit, Feb. 4-5 in Orlando. The purpose of the meeting is for key partners, future partners and SkillsUSA leadership to convene and address critical workforce development challenges. This premier event will offer collaboration with industry leaders, the opportunity to forge innovation solutions and expand professional networking. “From the cars we drive to the food we eat – virtually every part of our daily lives – is made possible by the skilled workers served by SkillsUSA,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “Their work is essential for our communities and the nation. We’re so grateful for our business partnerships that see the value in supporting career and technical education and SkillsUSA.”

The event will kick off with a networking reception and dinner with speakers including SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis; SkillsUSA Board Vice President Maureen Tholen of 3M and SkillsUSA National Officer Jana Kawasmi. The group will discuss the future of work from an industry, educator and student perspective.

The following day will include visiting a SkillsUSA Chapter at Orange Technical College-South Campus in Orlando followed by a panel discussion about talent pipeline development and business engagement as a key strategy for solving the skills gap. The panelists will include moderator Scott Mull, SkillsUSA national officer; Katie George, Transfr; Naysha Conway-Hart, Constellation; Charman Meador, Magna/Cosma USA; and Jason Van Nus, Lowndes High School. “Career and technical education keep our country alive. By reinforcing technical, workplace and personal skills, CTE helps develop students into leaders in their industry,” said National Officer Scott Mull. “As a student representative of SkillsUSA, I’m so grateful for the support of our industry partners.”

Ashley Brown, SkillsUSA director of Member and Chapter Development will talk about companies taking bold steps to create meaningful work-based learning experiences for students that lead to employment. Brandon Hudson, SkillsUSA director of the SkillsUSA Championships will talk about the competitions, followed by an advocacy panel that will discuss strategies for workforce development. Panelists will include Steve Hidden, Miller Electric Mfg.; Stephanie Ricks, Autodesk; and Maureen Tholen, 3M.

The meeting will close with Lori Randle, SkillsUSA senior director of Business Partnerships and Development, talking about new partnership opportunities for 2025. “I believe career and technical education is an essential learning tool for students, equipping them with the practical skills and information needed to succeed in the workforce,” said National Officer Jana Kawasmi. “SkillsUSA partners are the backbone of success for both SkillsUSA and our schools.

The Partner Summit takes place during SkillsUSA Week, which will be celebrated Feb. 2-8, as part of Career and Technical Education Month (#CTE Month) in February. For SkillsUSA Week, students at SkillsUSA schools nationwide plan events to amplify opportunities in the skilled trades as they demonstrate their SkillsUSA Framework skills and carry out their program of work.  Chapters are asked to incorporate specific themes for each day of the week. For more information, see: www.skillsusa.org/events/skillsusa-week/.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 413,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.