WorkingNation Produces a New Mini-Documentary about SkillsUSA for its “Do Something Awesome” Series
Leesburg, Va. — SkillsUSA is the subject of a new mini-documentary produced by WorkingNation for its “Do Something Awesome” series. “Building a Strong Foundation: SkillsUSA Prepares the American Workforce” demonstrates how SkillsUSA is instrumental in strengthening the talent pipeline from schools to the workforce by imparting valuable technical and workplace skills training.
During the SkillsUSA Championships in June, WorkingNation’s filmmakers followed four TeamWorks competitors from Georgia Northwestern Technical College. The students applied their skills in carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical work to complete a project in 16 hours. Through interviews with team members, SkillsUSA representatives and supporters, the world of career and technical education, and the value of workforce development, came into focus.
“The video captures the excitement and high expectations of our annual workforce development event. It also captures the relationship built between students and instructors as they prepare to demonstrate not only technical skills but other essential career skills before our industry partners, who judge these competitors using standards for entry-level workers,” explained SkillsUSA executive director Tim Lawrence. “SkillsUSA’s vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success. With storytelling like that of WorkingNation helping us to shine a brighter light on our work, we know we can succeed.”
WorkingNation brought 11 people to the SkillsUSA Championships, where the best teams and individuals from 50 states and two U.S. Territories compete against one another in their respective fields. The visitors expressed amazement at how the championships uniquely combines the spectacle of a sporting event with a strong American work ethic. At a time when skills are a premium due to the retirement of baby-boom workers, SkillsUSA demonstrated that career pathways to great jobs are within reach of a new generation.
WorkingNation seeks to galvanize the public will and mobilize critical resources to mitigate the growing employability gap. The organization’s efforts begin with innovative storytelling, and it has partnered with Academy Award-winning directors and producers to create a wide range of compelling programming.
“Building a Strong Foundation,” is the 21st episode in the “Do Something Awesome” series and is now live on the WorkingNation website and social media platforms. To view it, go to the SkillsUSA Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/SkillsUSA/videos/2128542470718435/.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a vital solution to the growing U.S. skills gap. This nonprofit partnership of students, instructors and industry ensures America has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive. Founded in 1965 and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, the association serves more than 360,000-member students and instructors each year in middle schools, high schools and colleges. This diverse talent pipeline covers 130 trade, technical and skilled service occupations, the majority STEM-related. More than 600 corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA at the national level. SkillsUSA programs are integrated into career and technical education through a framework of personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. Local, state and national championships, designed and judged by industry, set relevant standards for career and technical education and provide needed recognition to its students. SkillsUSA also offers technical skill assessments and other workplace credentials.
For more information:
www.skillsusa.org or
www.workingnation.com.
