Students take awards in SkillsUSA competition
Colby Allen brings home plaque from Portland contest

UCC students brought home nine medals and two first place finishes on Saturday, April 9 after competing in a technical skills competition at Portland Community College.

SkillsUSA is a United States career and technical student organization that UCC has taken part in since 1985.

The 14 students competed in categories such as automotive, welding, small engines and power equipment technology.

The first place winners will go on to compete again in the national competition in June in Kansas City, Mo.

Automotive student, Colby Allen took home a plaque for third place in the small engine category. “You never walk away with nothing,” said Allen. “Last year Mr. Mathweg was trying to recruit everyone but I couldn’t go so I decided this year I better get in on it and I’m glad I did. I got hats, beanies, a car shaped pencil sharpener, GOJO hand cleaner and a plaque. It was a lot of fun. ”

More than 300,000 students and instructors join the SkillsUSA competition annually, organized into more than 17, 000 regions and 54 state and territorial associations. The organization has served more than 9 million members. Their mission is to help its members become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.

SkillsUSA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is cited as a successful model of employer-driven youth development training program.

The organization is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is cited as a successful model of employer-driven youth development training program by the U.S. department of labor.

Any student who wishes to participate in a future competition can find information at www.oregonskillsusa.com or www.skillsusa.org or contact any instructor on campus.

The Mainstream is a student publication of Umpqua Community College.