Local career and technical students won one of the nation’s highest awards at the 2019 Skills­USA Championships, held in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 26-27. More than 6,500 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education. The SkillsUSA Championships is the largest skill competition in the world and covers 1.4 million square feet, equivalent to 20 football fields or 25 acres.

Students were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 103 hands-on competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking. Industry leaders from 600 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their standards for entry-level workers. Industry support of the Skills­USA Championships is valued at more than $36 million in donated time, equipment, cash and material. More than 1,100 industry judges and technical committee members participated this year.

Christian Stezelberger of Slatington, Northampton Community College, earned the College Gold Medal in Industrial Motor Control.

Ryan Kuntz of Slatington, Penn College of Tech, earned the College Bronze Medal in CNC Technician.

“More than 6,500 students from every state in the nation participated in the 2019 SkillsUSA Championships,” said SkillsUSA executive director Tim Lawrence. “This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates our Skills­USA partnership at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members.”

The SkillsUSA Championships event is held annually for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.