SkillsUSA Membership Kit Available Online Now, Coming Soon Via Mail

SkillsUSA’s new, opportunity-filled membership kit can now be accessed online, and registered SkillsUSA advisors should expect to receive a kit in the mail in the next few weeks. If you’re starting a new chapter, contact the SkillsUSA Customer Care Team so they can provide you with a new chapter kit as part of the welcome process. Student membership cards can be printed from the membership registration system. For assistance, contact Customer Care at 1-844-875-4557 or customercare@skillsusa.org.

 

Wolverine and Ram Trucks Put Boots on the Ground for SkillsUSA

To celebrate the skilled trades this Labor Day, Wolverine and Ram Trucks have collaborated on the new “Wolverine x Ram” line of work boots, built in the USA and inspired by the iconic details of Ram Trucks. To support the next generation of skilled workers, Wolverine and Ram are donating $10 to SkillsUSA for every pre-order for the new line. Check out the collection now!

 

Support the Trades — and SkillsUSA — in Fashion

The new “Support the Trades” campaign from Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and Carhartt is still underway. As part of the campaign, Carhartt and TSC have created a new line of “Support the Trades” shirts, and proceeds from every shirt sold will be donated to SkillsUSA! Show your pride for the skilled trades while supporting SkillsUSA and the “Champions at Work” who keep our nation moving. “Support the Trades” shirts are available at your local TSC store or online at the TSC site.

 

SkillsUSA Celebrates Career Essentials Certified Teachers

During June, July and August, five educators became SkillsUSA Career Essentials certified teachers. That means they’re exceptionally equipped to use the Career Essentials curriculum as a turnkey tool to help learners define, implement and measure their career-readiness skills. This national network of educators committed to preparing learners for success in the workforce now includes:

 

• David Bayne, Pioneer High School, Calif.

• Marwa Genena, Eastern Iowa Community College, Iowa.

• Steve McCauley, Iowa Lakes Community College, Iowa.

• Lori Russell-Pelsue, Greater New Bedford Regional Technical High School, Mass.

• Matt Stanford, Shadow Hill High School, Calif.

 

To acknowledge the efforts of these teachers, SkillsUSA maintains a digital map at absorb.skillsusa.org that depicts the number of Career Essentials certified teachers in each state. To learn more about Career Essentials, including educator training opportunities, please visit the SkillsUSA Career Essentials website or email careeressentials@skillsusa.org.

 

A Wealth of Professional Development This Fall

Please join your fellow SkillsUSA advisors and attend some of SkillsUSA’s new Fall Professional Development offerings this fall. These sessions can assist you in launching the new school year. Here are just a few:

 

• Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. ET. — “Framework Integration Strategies and Lesson Plans” professional development session. Explore the resources and collaborate on your implementation plan.

• Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. ET. — The “Program of Work Launch Guide” supports advisors and members in creating intentional activities that lead students to develop the employability and technical skills needed in the workplace. Learn how to guide students and provide feedback when needed.

• Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. ET. — The “Promoting Diversity and Inclusion” professional development session brings the SkillsUSA Framework Essential Element of Multicultural Sensitivity and Awareness to life for students and adults alike.

• Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. ET. — Learn to communicate the value of SkillsUSA to others in the “What is SkillsUSA?” professional development session. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the organizational structure, including the SkillsUSA Framework, the Program of Work and recognition opportunities.

• Sept. 9 at 6:45 p.m. ET. — Learn how to assist your chapter officers in planning, organizing and managing a successful member recruitment week.

• Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. ET. — Learn the essentials of your role as a SkillsUSA advisor! This professional development is for advisors in their first, second or third year and helps them create high-quality, engaging chapters.

 

Register for all sessions through absorb.skillsusa.org. Learn more about these and other Fall professional development offerings from SkillsUSA's online training calendar. If you have questions, contact Karolina Belen, SkillsUSA’s senior manager of professional development.  

Plan Now for Manufacturing Day

Many SkillsUSA chapters participate in Manufacturing Day, a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation. While Manufacturing Day is celebrated on Oct. 1, you can hold events on any date in October. Events for students may include a plant tour, a virtual tour or an event on campus that highlights manufacturing. SkillsUSA chapters should share their Manufacturing Day photos and stories with Hayley Uffelman, SkillsUSA’s social media manager, at huffelman@skillsusa.org.

 

New Research Opportunity to Help Your Students Focus Their Futures

SkillsUSA and the Student Research Foundation — along with the help of the Manufacturing Institute, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation — are collaborating on new research about high school students’ perceptions of their education and career opportunities. The goal is to stimulate a dialogue on career pathways among parents, teachers and students. To participate, watch for a package from the National College and Career Pathways Study (Research Consortium on CTE Career Pathways). To ensure you are on the mailing list, fill out this form or send an email to: info@studentresearchfoundation.org.