This was the week for our local Job Skills USA competition. It is held every year by our career and technical schools. I am a judge.
The students are really awesome. They give a 5 to 7 minute demonstration of a workforce skill. I judge the competition every chance I get because it’s a learning opportunity for me.
The topics run the gamut from culinary to construction to mechanical and even cosmetology. This year there was a magician competing. He wants to do this as a career. He wasn’t in my group but I hear he was great.
These kids give me a good feeling about life. We need skilled technical workers. These jobs can pay very well and be rewarding.
There have been some very talented kids go through this program and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them with their own businesses in a few years.
We judge their knowledge (do they know how) and demonstration (can they explain their skills clearly). Some create elaborate displays. Some are funny and some are so nervous you want to put your arms around them and tell them it’s ok.
Scholarships are awarded to the winners.
They are all so deserving that at the end of the day you wish you could award more to these deserving students. If you get a chance to be involved in this, go for it.
Views and Mews by Coffee Kat 
Pingback: R5 for February 8 – Groundhog Day, SkillsUSA, old friends, winter clothes, scheduling | Views and Mews by Coffee Kat
Sounds like a hoot and a holler. I’d say you found the Fountain of Youth. Poor old Ponce de Leon didn’t have a clue 😛
LikeLike
It was and we got a free lunch too!
LikeLike
The best demonstration yesterday was a young man who showed us how to repair the cord used to start a lawnmower. He tied figure 8 knots with one hand while he held the device in the other hand- and he did it all while blindfolded! Very impressive
LikeLike
Very courageous too. Can’t believe he was able to maneuver around while being nervous and having a time limit.
LikeLike
Win-win! Sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Thank you for sharing such a great story. Congratulations on being asked back again and again.
LikeLike
It takes a lot of volunteers to pull this off. A friend of mine coordinates two categories and I judge on his team every year but he gets people who agree and then back out because of business commitments at the last minute. I admire his pluck on hanging in there and doing it every year. Me, I get to hang out with my friends, see cool demonstrations and learn new things. I see a different side of kids than you read about.
LikeLike
This is just awesome! I love hearing a young perspective on things that most of us take for granted. I’m not surprised that you enjoyed it so much, your cool like that Kate!
LikeLike
Aww thanks! As I responded to someone else, I feel so much younger today. I really do. I even lost a pound! There is spring in my step! (wish there was spring in the air though)
LikeLike
Wow, I would love to do something like that. Cool opportunity!
LikeLike
wonder if there’s something like this here that we could do Jill..
LikeLike
It’s national. The finals are in Kansas City. You may be too late for your locals but maybe you can use the link to see what’s going on in your area.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing such a positive, heartwarming story.
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
I remember you posting about the 2013 Job Skills USA presentation. Such a great opportunity for them and you.
LikeLike
I do post every year. I like to give it as much exposure as I can. It takes a lot of business volunteers to pull it off and it really is fun. It’s national so they are going on all over the country. The finals are in Kansas City.
LikeLike
What an excellent opportunity for young people to take part in. What I admire most was your comment: ” I judge the competition every chance I get because it’s a learning opportunity for me.” When we view each opportunity as a chance to learn something new, we all win. Good or you, Kate, and for those young folks.
LikeLike
You would be amazed at what I can do. I can change out the RAM on your computer, fix a broken rope on your pull start and paint owls on your nails!
LikeLike
Kids are totally awesome as are people like you; helping them showcase their talents and giving them confidence plus a quick start. The last couple of weeks I’ve had a wonderful look at a few of them and wow! So impressive!
LikeLike
You know I feel younger today! That young stuff is contagious!
LikeLike
This is great, Kate! It doesn’t surprise me that you would be a part of something so beneficial to young people. I agree, skilled technical workers could be key in reducing the number of unemployed workers.
LikeLike
This is the one thing I do for kids that I really enjoy. I am always impressed with how professional they are and how knowledgeable.
LikeLike