CTI students who participated in SkillsUSA last year encouraged their peers to do the same following recent information sessions about the program, which empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.
“Join SkillsUSA!” Leon Cleveland, a Career and Technical Institute (CTI) senior said when asked what he would tell his classmates. “I really enjoyed it last year. I learned how to interact with people better and how to be a better person.”
Attending the state competition in Syracuse this past April, Cleveland made friends from across the state that he is still in contact with.
In addition to the state competition Cleveland and others attended, there are local, regional and national competitions where students sharpen their skills.
“I appreciated getting feedback at competitions from industry leaders,” shared senior Skyler Lyman.
SkillsUSA also has a leadership component, with some students attending the Fall Leadership Conference, paving the way for them to become officers.
SkillsUSA adviser Sharon Myers spoke about the organization’s theme for the year, “Ignite your Potential.”
“Skills offers students an opportunity to do more and to be more. These are young adults preparing for the professional world, and Skills helps them do that,” Myers shared.
With SkillsUSA, there are also a lot of things students can do right in the classroom. “We encourage them to do fundraising and community service projects that they can work on as a class,” Myers added.
Senior Noah Browne challenged juniors to get involved. “Being at CTI in general you’ve already overcome the fear of trying something new. Join Skills to expand your horizons and see what Skills can do for you and what you can do for your community.”
To watch full video go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj6yjNNe6kw