May 16, 2012
Adams Central teacher Tim Schirmer says when students get involved in programs like the ones offered by SkillsUSA they're becoming better students and better future workers.
"With the economy the way it is and the lack of jobs all across the nation, being a skilled worker and being the best at something ensures that you can have a job," said Schirmer, an Industrial Arts teacher at Adams Central High School and the school's SkillsUSA chapter leader. "Industry in America is crying for skilled workers."
Senior Blake Barwick says as he's filled out college and scholarship applications he's seen that having SkillsUSA on his resume is a plus.
"SkillsUSA teaches the fundamentals of skills in the workforce, and it gives you that extra head start against all the other competitors," said Barwick.
Barwick says competing in technical team problem solving and cabinet making at SkillsUSA competitions uses the same skills he'll need to be a mechanical engineer.
But Schirmer says the organization isn't just about construction or engineering - they have programs for everything from culinary arts to cosmetology.
Taking part in health and community activities has reinforced sophomore Vicky Korth's goal of working in family healthcare.
"I've always wanted to be a nurse, but this gives you a look into what being a nurse or being a nurse practitioner really is, so it helps you to understand what you want to do in your life," said Korth.
Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce officials say helping local students stay one step ahead of a competitive workforce is crucial, and that's why they're giving the Adams Central SkillsUSA chapter a $750 grant for tools and materials for competitions.
"I think anytime that you can enhance the workforce and you can train young people in the different areas that they're maybe going to go into when they graduate from high school or college [is good], said Tom Hastings, President of the Hastings Chamber. "Anything that we can do that can enhance that, that's what we're trying to do."
Schirmer says this is the second year Adams Central has had a SkillsUSA chapter, and around 60 students have gotten involved.
Nebraska chapters of SkillsUSA will soon be headed for the state competition set to be held in April at Central Community College in Hastings.
