2024–2025 SkillsUSA Massachusetts Advisors’ Handbook Chapter 12: To Nationals and Beyond • 152 The National Leadership and Skills Conference The SkillsUSA Championships is the national-level competi- tion for public high school and college/postsecondary tech- nical students enrolled in career and technical education programs. SkillsUSA organizes this event, and it is consid- ered the single greatest day of industry volunteerism in America every year at an estimated cost of more than $35 million. Each SkillsUSA Championships contestant is a state-level gold medalist. Begun in 1967, the SkillsUSA Championships has grown from 54 competitors in three contests to more than 5,600 competi- tors in 94 hands-on skill and leadership contests this year. SkillsUSA adds contests to the SkillsUSA Championships to meet the demands of new and expanding occupations. SkillsUSA affiliated instructional programs represent 130 different occupational areas. Dates/Times and Locations SkillsUSA arrives in Atlanta, Georgia, June 23-28, 2025 for the 61st annual National Leadership and Skills Conference. A showcase of career and technical education students, the SkillsUSA Championships will be held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Cham- pionships is open to the public: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Best photo opportunities: 10 a.m. to noon; 1–2 p.m. Key Statistics • Expected contestants: over 6,500 • Total contests: 106 • Contest judges: 1,500 from business and labor • Contest technical committee members: 648 • Conference management team and national education team members: 436 • Contest area covered: 787,482 square ft. (equivalent to the area of more than 16 football fields) • Awards to be presented: 924 medals will be awarded and 308 recognition awards will be given • Industry prizes support students’ employment or further education • SkillsUSA University seminars: 75 • SkillsUSA University is an opportunity for students and educators to attend educational sessions sched- uled throughout the SkillsUSA national conference. Sessions may include professional development, legis- lative updates, occupational and technical career trends and program overviews. • Total in-kind industry and education contributions (donated time, equipment and material): More than $35 million • Total volunteer hours by technical committee members, courtesy corps, national education team, judges and alumni during the week: approximately 58,840 hours • Companies participating in the Career Fair: 20+ The Championships requires a massive amount of equip- ment and materials, including more than 1,000 computers, 50 trucks, 9,500 bricks and 1,500 blocks, 60 stoves, and complete laboratories for machining, welding, and auto repair and painting. The cost of electricity usage for this week in 2010 totaled over $120,000 (combined electric bill and in-kind services). More than 7,000 lunches are served to competitors and judges. Technical Standards Competitors at the national level should consult the current version of the technical standards (2024-2025 - available at the SkillsUSA Store, as well as last-minute updates located at the National Website, skillsusa.org) The National Leadership and Skills Conference
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