SkillsUSA has teamed up with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and Carhartt for the new "Support the Trades" campaign, designed to raise awareness of the skilled trades while helping SkillsUSA close the skilled trades gap. 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 directly to SkillsUSA! Show your pride for the skilled trades you proudly represent every day while supporting SkillsUSA and the "Champions at Work" that keep our nation moving.
"Support the Trades" shirts are available exclusively at TSC. To get yours, visit your local TSC store or order online at: www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/carhartt.
Fast Facts About the Skilled Trades Gap:
3 million trade jobs remain vacant in the US.
Demand for construction workers is projected to rise by 1.2-2 million jobs by 2023.
Finding qualified candidates is the top hurdle hiring managers expect to face in 2021.
Nearly 25% of the manufacturing workforce is 55 or older.
In-demand skilled trades positions can lead to great-paying, highly fulfilling careers, often with little or no college debt.
SkillsUSA NC Fall Conferences
State Leadership Workshop AT Camp Dixie - September 26-28. SLW Information & Registration Packet: Click here. Registration Deadline is September 16.
Western State Leadership Workshop (Asheville) - September 23. WSLW Information & Registration Packet - Click here. Registration Deadline is September 16.
Virtual Fall Leadership Workshop - October 12, 3-6pm.
Watch for more information as it becomes available.
_______________________________ PostSecondary Leadership Workshops: September 24 (WEST) - Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory. Registration Deadline - September 17 October 1 (EAST) - Wayne Community College, Goldsboro. Registration Deadline - September 24
Registration fee for either workshop is $20 (includes lunch). PSLW Information & Registration Packet - Click here.
New "Technical Fridays" Industry Expert Workshops Starting in September
Join us for “Technical Fridays,” SkillsUSA's new industry-led initiative for workshops helping teachers develop specific technical skills relevant to their career fields of interest.
On Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. ET, we will be focusing on the automotive industry and will be joined by Frank Woodson, training manager from GATES Corporation. Mr. Woodson will focus on the tensioner in the system and how to diagnose and correct issues that occur with it. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking, Q&A and comprehension checks, so you can leave with a new skill and be ready to implement it in your classroom. The registration fee is $10. Register on Absorb here. If you have questions, contact Karolina Belen.
New Research Opportunity to Help Your Students Focus Their Futures
SkillsUSA and the Student Research Foundation — with help from the Manufacturing Institute, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) 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. By including your students as part of this important research project, you can help them gain access to postsecondary scholarship opportunities; explore their career options with improved focus; and connect with colleges, universities, career and technical schools and postsecondary institutions looking for students with their specific interests, talents, skill sets and career goals.
To participate in the research, watch for a package by mail from the National College and Career Pathways Study (Research Consortium on CTE Career Pathways). To make sure you’re on the mailing list, fill out this form or send an email to info@studentresearchfoundation.org. Packages will begin mailing the end of August.
A Wealth of Fall Professional Development Offerings
As part of SkillsUSA’s new Fall Professional Development offerings, you’re encouraged to join fellow advisors across the nation for the first session in the “Love and Logic” series on Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET. September’s topic is “Neutralizing Student Arguing,” and we will be uncovering how adult-child arguments often contribute to the development of more serious acting-out behavior. You’ll also learn a practical, shareable skill for disengaging from arguments. The registration fee is $10.
Here are some other sessions coming soon you’ll want to check out:
On September 2 at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. ET, join us for an exploration of “Experiential Activities to Promote the SkillsUSA Framework.” These activities can be used to introduce any Essential Element and provide an opportunity for reflection on the experience while determining real-world application.
Ready to explore the benefits of your professional membership and how to best implement them? Join us on Monday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. ET for a “Professional Membership Benefits Overview!” Register through absorb.skillsusa.org.
Join us on September 2 at 11:30 a.m. ET for a “What is SkillsUSA?” Professional Development session! We’ll unpack the SkillsUSA infographic to gain a deeper understanding of the organizational structure, including the connections between the organization, the SkillsUSA Framework, the Program of Work and recognition opportunities.
