Twenty-two Chattanooga State students, who are enrolled in the technical career programs at the college’s Tennessee Technology Center (TTC), recently attended the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held in Kansas City, Missouri, June 20-26.  This postsecondary leadership convention and skills competition provided an opportunity for students, from across the nation, to participate in a variety of enrichment programs and competency evaluations.  An annual celebration, the event has a 45 year-old history and is recognized as the premier venue for the best career and technical students to network with industry professionals, to enhance leadership skills, and to present their precisely-honed technical talents.

Of the 22 Chattanooga State TTC students attending the conference, 18 students competed in specialized skills contests while three students served as voting delegates, and one student campaigned for a position as a SkillsUSA national officer.

The championship skills competitions occupied a space equivalent to 16 football fields and welcomed more than 5,000 contestants.  Judges for 2009 SkillsUSA national championships were seasoned industry professionals, who evaluated each student’s performance and rewarded scores based on excellence and proficiency.   At the conclusion of the competitions, Chattanooga State students earned four medals: one gold, two silver and one bronze.  Gabriel Gardner, a massage therapy student, won the TTC's first gold medal in the Job Skill Demonstration Open division.  Carl Spain triumphed by winning a silver medal in the Precision Machining Technology contest, and Megan Pruett secured a bronze medal for her efforts in the Esthetics challenge.  The seven members of the Quiz Bowl team- D.J. Bedingfield, Ben Cairns, Ginger Guftafson, Amy House, Bill Pearson, Earnest Roberson, and Matthew Wiram-earned a silver medal for their well-studied knowledge about academics, professional development and current events.

In addition to the medal winners, six TTC students finished in the top 12 in their respective events.  Dallas Knecth was 6th in Marine Service Technology; Elonia James was 10th in Nail Care; Josh Lawson was 11th in Collision Repair Technology; Scott Smith was 10th in Industrial Motor Control; Jason Millhorn was 12th in Diesel Equipment Technology; and Jessica Robertson was 12th in Cosmetology.

Nick Dadonna, a massage therapy student, was elected to serve as one of five SkillsUSA national officers for 2009-2010.  Voting delegates attending the conference were Violet Acklin, Cynthia Best and Lauren Luckhart. Several contests awarded Skill Points Certificates to students who achieved an industry-defined score by demonstrating their knowledge and hands-on abilities.  TTC students meriting Skill Point Certificates were D.J. Bedingfield, Ben Cairns, Constance Duncan, Gabriel Gardner, Ginger Guftafson, Amy House, Josh Lawson, Bill Pearson, Megan Pruett, Earnest Roberson, Carl Spain, and Matthew Wiram.

Formerly known as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that partners industry representatives with educators and students and encourages the establishment of supportive collaborations to ensure America has a technically-skilled workforce.  Chattanooga State launched a chapter of SkillsUSA in the fall of 2006.  Since its formation, the local chapter has grown to include a membership of more than 1000 TTC students.

The technical career programs offered through Chattanooga State’s Tennessee Technology Center prepare and qualify students for immediate employment.  Depending on the specifics of the career program, TTC students earn either a diploma or a certificate at the time of their graduation.

For more information about Chattanooga State’s technical career programs and the SkillsUSA program, contact the Tennessee Technology Center at 423.697.4433 or call Chattanooga State’s information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733.

For information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.